Discover the Natural Skincare Benefits of Red Algae

• Red algae is a marine ingredient that offers many benefits for skin health and beauty
• Skincare products containing red algae can dramatically improve skin in multiple ways
• Red Algae in particular, when processed correctly, provides optimal skin enhancement
• This article will overview the top benefits of red algae and how it can boost your skincare routine

The Origin Story: Where Red Algae Seaweed Comes From

• Red algae grows naturally in seas and oceans around the world
• It thrives in shallow waters, from the tide line down to depths of 500 feet
• The red algae used in skincare is harvested from pristine, unpolluted waters

Listen to the soothing ocean sounds and see the pure, clean seaweed habitat

Why Red Algae is so Special

• Red algae contains phycoerythrin, a pigment that absorbs blue light and reflects red
• This allows red algae to thrive in deeper ocean waters where only blue light penetrates
• The harsh ocean environment causes red algae to be very resilient and resistant
• As a result, red algae develops strength and protective properties that benefit skin
• The distinctive red color and robust nature make red algae unlike other marine plants

The reason that red algae can live at such incredible depths in the ocean is due to its ability to absorb blue light. Red light wavelengths cannot penetrate into the deeper waters because they have longer wavelengths. But red algae contains a unique pigment called phycoerythrin that gives it the ability to absorb the blue light that does reach the seafloor. Phycoerythrin is also what gives red algae its distinctive crimson color - it absorbs the blue light and reflects back the red wavelengths. This allows red algae to efficiently photosynthesize even in extremely low light conditions found far below the ocean's surface.

In addition, red algae has adapted over centuries to become incredibly resilient in order to survive the turbulent, harsh environment of the open ocean. The pounding currents, crashing waves, and swirling waters would quickly destroy most marine life. But red algae has evolved with robust cellular structures and reinforced cell walls that can withstand those intense forces. The constant bombardment of the ocean has shaped red algae to become durable and protective.

When harvested for use in skincare, these protective properties of red algae can actually help reinforce and defend human skin from environmental damage. The natural resilience red algae developed in the sea translates into an ability to make our skin stronger as well.

The Best Part - Why Red Algae is Great for Your Skin

Red algae is an incredible active ingredient for improving skin health and vitality. It contains a rich array of beneficial nutrients for the skin, including essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Red algae is also a natural source of polysaccharides, which have been shown to effectively replenish the skin's natural water reservoirs.

The polysaccharides found in red algae help enhance the skin's barrier function. This protects the skin from moisture loss and environmental damage. The polysaccharides also boost the moisture retention capabilities of the skin through their hydrophilic nature, allowing them to bind water molecules. This provides continuous hydration benefits to the complexion.

In addition, research has demonstrated that red algae extracts promote the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is the structural protein that keeps skin firm, supple, and elastic. By stimulating collagen synthesis, red algae can improve skin tone and texture for a smoother, plumper, and more youthful complexion.

The combination of hydrating, protecting, and collagen-boosting effects make red algae one of the best botanical ingredients for revitalizing dull, dry, or tired-looking skin. It offers comprehensive benefits to restore a healthy, radiant glow.

Red Algae: A Potent Natural Antioxidant for Your Skin

Why are antioxidants so crucial for healthy, youthful-looking skin? Your skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors that generate free radicals, including sunlight, pollution, and the simple act of breathing oxygen. These free radicals attack the skin's cells, breaking down its natural barrier integrity and accelerating visible signs of aging.

Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals before they can cause damage. Skincare products rich in antioxidants can help defend the skin by providing reinforcement against these threats. They help safeguard the skin's natural moisture barrier and prevent premature wrinkling.

Red algae is abundantly rich in compounds like polysaccharides, peptides, and carotenoids that have demonstrated antioxidant properties. These include protecting collagen fibers from degradation, reducing inflammation, and deactivating free radicals before they attack the skin's cells.

The wealth of antioxidants in red algae makes it an ideal ingredient for restoring a youthful glow and resilience to skin that has been weathered by environmental stressors. By neutralizing free radicals, red algae's antioxidants help safeguard the complexion's health, beauty and appearance.

The Sun Protection Benefits of Red Algae

While it's absolutely essential to use dedicated SPF products for full sun protection, red algae can provide complementary skin benefits when used along with sunscreen.

Our skin is highly vulnerable to sun damage from UV rays, which degrade collagen and elastin fibers leading to accelerated aging. But red algae contains several amino acids like cysteine and histidine that have been shown to have antioxidant activities. These antioxidants can help absorb solar radiation and defend against its harmful effects.

Specifically, studies have found the antioxidants in red algae extract can protect the skin from UVB rays and reactive oxygen species that generate free radicals. They also may help inhibit the activity of hyaluronidase and collagenase enzymes which break down structural proteins in the skin.

By providing an added layer of defense against sun damage on top of sunscreen, red algae supplements the skin's own protection. It helps maintain a healthy, youthful barrier against photoaging. The extracts reinforce the skin's strength against the elements while supporting SPF products. This ensures your complexion stays fresh, vibrant and doesn't age prematurely.

Hydrate and Lock In Moisture with Red Algae

Proper hydration is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Red algae possesses an incredible ability to hydrate the skin while locking in moisture for long-lasting benefits.

The fibrous, hydrophilic texture of red algae allows it to hold onto water like a natural reservoir. When applied in skincare products, it actually draws moisture to the surface of the skin for an immediate plumping effect. This instant boost of hydration helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But red algae doesn't just hydrate - it also retains moisture to keep skin optimally nourished over time. The polysaccharides in red algae demonstrate humectant properties by binding water to the skin. This helps prevent moisture loss due to evaporation and external conditions like low humidity.

Using red algae regularly will keep your complexion balanced and continuously hydrated. This can help counteract dryness and irritation from harsh treatments like acid peels or laser resurfacing. The hydrating and moisturizing abilities of red algae give it thorough, long-lasting skin benefits beyond a temporary quick fix.

Brighten and Even Out Your Complexion with Red Algae

Many people desire brighter, more even-toned skin whether due to dark spots from aging, sun damage, acne scarring, or just wanting a luminous glow. Red algae can be a powerful skin brightener thanks to its high levels of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is essential for revitalizing dull and uneven skin tones. It works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals that create age spots and hyperpigmentation. But vitamin C also inhibits tyrosinase - an enzyme involved in melanin production which leads to skin darkening when overactive.

By suppressing excess melanin formation, vitamin C in red algae can fade dark patches without affecting the rest of the skin. This makes it effective for targeting sun spots and acne marks.

In addition, vitamin C suppresses inflammation pathways that can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne breakouts or other skin injuries. The red algae extracts also promote collagen production for smoother, firmer skin texture.

With its concentrated vitamin C levels and range of skin benefits, products containing red algae can deliver dramatically brighter, more even-toned and youthful looking skin over time. It's an ideal ingredient for anyone seeking to restore a luminous, flawless complexion free of damage.

Red Algae Combats Skin-Damaging Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage skin cells through oxidative stress, contributing greatly to signs of aging and disease. Thankfully, antioxidants can come to the rescue by neutralizing free radicals before they wreak havoc on the skin.

Red algae has a valuable ability to generate natural antioxidants that protect itself from environmental stressors. Research has identified potent antioxidants in red algae extracts including polysaccharides, carotenoids, peptides and more.

These antioxidants delivered through skincare counter the oxidation and degradation caused by free radicals. They interrupt the chemical reactions that allow free radicals to attack cell membranes and DNA.

By providing a boost of antioxidants when applied topically, red algae reinforce the skin's inherent defenses. This helps prevent premature aging, loss of firmness, dark spots, wrinkles, and dehydration.

The unique antioxidants derived from red algae offer comprehensive protection by combatting free radicals from all angles - making this marine ingredient highly effective for maintaining youthful, healthy skin.

Red Algae Opens and Clears Clogged Pores

Clogged pores congested with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt can lead to unsightly blackheads and acne breakouts. Gently removing these pore-blocking toxins is key for clear, healthy skin. This is where red algae can help in multiple ways.

First, red algae works to deeply cleanse pores and lift away excess oil and debris. The fibrous texture actually digs into pores to gently extract impurities trapped within. This physical exfoliation of pore-clogging gunk prevents it from causing inflammation and acne.

In addition, red algae possesses natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties ideal for healing existing breakouts while combating future ones. The antibacterial activity targets acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes that colonize pores. Meanwhile, the antioxidants reduce inflammation and facilitate healing.

Used regularly, red algae-based skincare can thoroughly decongest clogged pores and keep them clear. By combining physical cleansing, antibacterial effects, and healing antioxidants, red algae offers a comprehensive solution to open pores and restore a smooth, flawless complexion.

Red Algae Refreshes and Rejuvenates Aged, Dry Skin

As we age, our skin's collagen stores deplete causing it to lose elasticity and plumpness leading to wrinkles and sagging. Environmental free radicals also degrade collagen through oxidative damage. Together, intrinsic and extrinsic factors can take a major toll on our skin's youthfulness.

Red algae provide a powerful way to impede this collagen breakdown and refresh aged, crepey skin. The peptides, amino acids, and polysaccharides in red algae have been shown to stimulate collagen production in the skin. This boosts the body's natural collagen stores for smoother, firmer, more toned skin texture.

In addition, the hydrating properties of red algae replenish moisture loss that occurs with aging, making skin feel supple and look plumper. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals to protect existing collagen from degradation. All these mechanisms work synergistically to refresh tired, mature skin for a visibly rejuvenated appearance.

By combating collagen depletion through multiple pathways, red algae provides a comprehensive anti-aging solution. It's ideal for restoring a youthful bounce and glow to skin lacking vitality.

Red Algae Repairs Skin Damage and Restores Firmness

Over time, environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution cause extensive damage to our skin that manifests as wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity. Red algae provides the ideal nutrients and properties to help repair this damage for tighter, renewed skin.

The lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals in red algae allow it to deeply permeate skin and initiate repair processes. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals to stop further damage in its tracks. Compounds like polysaccharides stimulate collagen production to restore firmness and elasticity in crepey areas.

With regular use, red algae works to actively smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by either natural aging or excessive sun exposure. Its nourishing ingredients provide skin with vital nutrition to reinforce its defenses against wrinkles in the future.

Red algae strengthen and repair skin from the inside out through its concentrated natural compounds. The skin is able to rebuild, renew, and regain its youthful tone and texture. This makes red algae an essential ingredient for correcting and preventing signs of aging.

Restore Bouncy, Elastic Skin with Red Algae

As we age, skin loses its natural elasticity leading to sagging, wrinkles, and a crepey texture. Red algae can help restore youthful bounce and flexibility to the skin in multiple ways.

First, the high polysaccharide content in red algae provides powerful hydration. Keeping skin continuously hydrated improves elasticity by plumping up the skin with moisture.

Red algae also contains compounds that increase collagen production. Collagen fibers give structure and elasticity. By boosting collagen, red algae strengthens the springy fibers that allow skin to snap back into place.

In addition, red algae inhibits enzymes like collagenase that break down collagen over time. This helps maintain the skin's existing collagen stores. The antioxidants also protect collagen from degradation by free radicals.

Through its multidimensional approach, red algae can visibly improve skin's texture by restoring smooth suppleness. The complexion regains a dewy, resilient appearance full of life.

Harness the Healing Powers of Red Algae

In addition to its rich composition of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, red algae also contains a high percentage of water. This makes it gentle yet effective for cleansing skin as part of your daily routine. It can help tide away oil, dead skin cells, and other pore-clogging debris accumulated throughout the day.

The antioxidants in red algae, including vitamins C and E, are potent fighters against free radicals and toxins that damage skin. They also help reduce inflammation that can worsen skin conditions. By combating inflammation and neutralizing free radicals, the antioxidants in red algae promote healing.

Vitamins C and E also guard against UV damage from the sun and stimulate collagen production. This strengthens the skin barrier and keeps tissues nourished with moisture.

With its soothing, hydrating, and protecting abilities, red algae utilizes its natural healing powers to maintain healthy skin. It cleanses and purifies your complexion while providing essential reinforcement against environmental assaults. The skin is left radiant, calm, and protected.

Could Red Algae Help Combat the Coronavirus?

Everything that we can say on Red Algae and Coronavirus is a forward-looking-statement, as there is still not enough research about this subject. 

Exciting new research from Reliance Industries suggests that compounds derived from marine red algae may have potential for preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Scientists found that extracts from red algae contain molecules that can block viruses from attaching to host cells, thereby preventing infection. These antiviral compounds could be used to coat surfaces of PPE equipment and high-touch areas to make them virus resistant.

Researchers also propose using red algae derivatives to develop new antiviral medications. The algae extracts inhibited the spike protein on coronaviruses from binding to ACE2 receptors in human cells. This offers promise for an entirely new class of antivirals based on marine bioactive compounds.

Red algae has a known ability to survive viral assaults for centuries due to its adaptation in harsh ocean environments. Now, these protective properties could be harnessed to combat the current pandemic. Further research is underway, but these early results highlight the valuable antiviral potential of red algae.

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/marine-red-algae-may-hold-key-to-preventing-spread-of-covid-19-reliance-researchers/articleshow/75106481.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

What are they saying about Red Algae

What science is saying about Red Algae

On reproduction in red algae: further research needed at the molecular level

Pilar García-Jiménez and Rafael R. Robaina

Multicellular red algae (Rhodophyta) have some of the most complex life cycles known in living organisms. Economically valuable seaweeds, such as phycocolloid producers, have a triphasic (gametophyte, carposporophyte, and tetrasporophyte) life cycle, not to mention the intricate alternation of generations in the edible “sushi-alga” nori. It is a well-known fact that reproductive processes are controlled by one or more abiotic factor(s), including day length, light quality, temperature, and nutrients. Likewise, endogenous chemical factors such as plant growth regulators have been reported to affect reproductive events in some red seaweeds. Still, in the genomic era and given the high throughput techniques at our disposal, our knowledge about the endogenous molecular machinery lags far behind that of higher plants. Any potential effective control of the reproductive process will entail revisiting most of these results and facts to answer basic biological questions as yet unresolved. Recent results have shed light on the involvement of several genes in red alga reproductive events. In addition, a working species characterized by a simple filamentous architecture, easy cultivation, and accessible genomes may also facilitate our task.

Insights into the red algae and eukaryotic evolution from the genome of Porphyra umbilicalis (Bangiophyceae, Rhodophyta)

Susan H. Brawley, Nicolas A. Blouin, Elizabeth Ficko-Blean, Glen L. Wheeler, Martin Lohr, Holly V. Goodson, Jerry W. Jenkins, Crysten E. Blaby-Haas, Katherine E. Helliwell, Cheong Xin Chan, Tara N. Marriage, View ORCID ProfileDebashish Bhattacharya, Anita S. Klein, Yacine Badis, Juliet Brodie, Yuanyu Cao, Jonas Collén, Simon M. Dittami, Claire M. M. Gachon, Beverley R. Green, Steven J. Karpowicz, Jay W. Kim, Ulrich Johan Kudahl, Senjie Lin, Gurvan Michel, Maria Mittag, Bradley J. S. C. Olson, Jasmyn L. Pangilinan, Yi Peng, Huan Qiu, Shengqiang Shu, John T. Singer, View ORCID ProfileAlison G. Smith, Brittany N. Sprecher, Volker Wagner, Wenfei Wang, Zhi-Yong Wang, Juying Yan, Charles Yarish, Simone Zäuner-Riek, Yunyun Zhuang, Yong Zou, Erika A. Lindquist, Jane Grimwood, Kerrie W. Barry, Daniel S. Rokhsar, Jeremy Schmutz, John W. Stiller, Arthur R. Grossman, and Simon E. Prochnik

Fossil evidence shows that red algae (Rhodophyta) are one of the most ancient multicellular lineages. Their ecological, evolutionary, and commercial importance notwithstanding, few red algal nuclear genomes have been sequenced. Our analyses of the Porphyra umbilicalis genome provide insights into how this macrophyte thrives in the stressful intertidal zone and into the basis for its nutritional value as human food. Many of the novel traits (e.g., cytoskeletal organization, calcium signaling pathways) we find encoded in the Porphyra genome are extended to other red algal genomes, and our unexpected findings offer a potential explanation for why the red algae are constrained to small stature relative to other multicellular lineages.

Depth Studies on Photosynthesis of the Red Algae

R. H. Tschudy , American Journal of Botany, Vol. 21, No. 9 (Nov., 1934), pp. 546-556

1. Most photosynthesis takes place in both the red and brown algae in less than 10 meters of water. 2. It is clearly evident, however, that the red algae are able to utilize the light that penetrates to a depth of 22.5-25 meters, while the brown algae seem unable to synthesize carbohydrates in more than 15 meters of water. 3. Maximum photosynthesis takes place not at the surface, but usually at a depth of about 5 meters. This is probably due to the fact that the intensity of the light at the surface is too great for maximum synthesis. On cloudy days, or when the water is choppy, maximum photosynthesis is at the surface. 4. The view that the pigmentation of the red algae is correlated with the fact that they grow at a sea depth where the sun rays that penetrate are complementary to red-i.e., green-seems untenable in view of the fact that some red algae grow at the surface or very near to it, where the rays that penetrate are not complementary to red. 5. It is probable that the red algae are able to utilize the shorter wave lengths of light in much the same manner as do "shade plants." Most workers lay stress on the fact that in the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll the most intense absorption takes place in the region of the red rays. More attention should be directed to the absorption band in the blue-violet end of the spectrum.

Macroalgae-derived ingredients for cosmetic industry

Filipa B. Pimentel , Rita C. Alves  , Francisca Rodrigues and M. Beatriz P. P. Oliveira 

​Aging is a natural and progressive declining physiological process that is influenced
by multifactorial aspects and affects individuals’ health in very different ways. The skin is one
of the major organs in which aging is more evident, as it progressively loses some of its natural
functions. With the new societal paradigms regarding youth and beauty have emerged new concerns
about appearance, encouraging millions of consumers to use cosmetic/personal care products as
part of their daily routine. Hence, cosmetics have become a global and highly competitive market
in a constant state of evolution. This industry is highly committed to finding natural sources of
functional/bioactive-rich compounds, preferably from sustainable and cheap raw materials, to deliver
innovative products and solutions that meet consumers’ expectations. Macroalgae are an excellent
example of a natural resource that can fit these requirements. The incorporation of macroalgae-derived
ingredients in cosmetics has been growing, as more and more scientific evidence reports their
skin health-promoting effects. This review provides an overview on the possible applications of
macroalgae as active ingredients for the cosmetic field, highlighting the main compounds responsible
for their bioactivity on skin.

Mycosporine-like Amino Acids from Red Algae Protect against Premature Skin-Aging

Schmid, Daniel & Schürch, Cornelia & Zülli, Fred. (2006).

Skin ages in two ways: one is slow and normal and the other is the rapid aging induced by sunlight. UV-screening compounds to reduce damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation are almost ubiquitous in nature.The most active natural UV-absorbing substances are the mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA) which are produced by certain algae, corals and zooplankton.The peak absorption of MAA is in the UVA range and their absorption coefficients are similar to those of synthetic sunscreens. Two in vitro studies demonstrated a DNA-protecting effect and the viability enhancing properties of MAA from the red alga Porphyra umbilicalis.A human study showed that a cream containing MAA efficiently protects the skin against UVA-induced lipid oxidation.

Exploring the potential of using algae in cosmetics

​Wang, Hui-Min & Chen, Chun-Yen & Huynh, Pauline & Chang, Jo-Shu. (2014). Exploring the potential of using algae in cosmetics. Bioresource technology. 184. 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.12.001. 

The applications of microalgae in cosmetic products have recently received more attention in the treatment of skin problems, such as aging, tanning and pigment disorders. There are also potential uses in the areas of anti-aging, skin-whitening, and pigmentation reduction products. While algae species have already been used in some cosmetic formulations, such as moisturizing and thickening agents, algae remain largely untapped as an asset in this industry due to an apparent lack of utility as a primary active ingredient. This review article focuses on integrating studies on algae pertinent to skin health and beauty, with the purpose of identifying serviceable algae functions in practical cosmetic uses.

Keywords: Algae Skin aging Depigmentation Antimicrobial functions Cosmetic formulation

Beneficial Effects of Marine Algal Compounds in Cosmeceuticals

Thomas NV, Kim SK.

The name "cosmeceuticals" is derived from "cosmetics and pharmaceuticals", indicating that a specific product contains active ingredients. Marine algae have gained much importance in cosmeceutical product development due to their rich bioactive compounds. In the present review, marine algal compounds (phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides and tyrosinase inhibitors) have been discussed toward cosmeceutical application. In addition, atopic dermatitis and the possible role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in skin-related diseases have been explored extensively for cosmeceutical products. The proper development of marine algae compounds will be helpful in cosmeceutical product development and in the development of the cosmeceutical industry.

Marine algal natural products with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties

Jin-Ching Lee, Ming-Feng Hou, Hurng-Wern Huang, Fang-Rong Chang, Chi-Chen Yeh, Jen-Yang Tang,corresponding author and Hsueh-Wei Chang

For their various bioactivities, biomaterials derived from marine algae are important ingredients in many products, such as cosmetics and drugs for treating cancer and other diseases. This mini-review comprehensively compares the bioactivities and biological functions of biomaterials from red, green, brown, and blue-green algae. The anti-oxidative effects and bioactivities of several different crude extracts of algae have been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Natural products derived from marine algae protect cells by modulating the effects of oxidative stress. Because oxidative stress plays important roles in inflammatory reactions and in carcinogenesis, marine algal natural products have potential for use in anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Keywords: Algae, ROS, Antioxidant, Inflammation, Antinociceptive, Anti-cancer

Red Seaweed Gracilaria as Multi Products Source

Matteo Francavilla ,Massimo Franchi ,Massimo Monteleone and Carmela Caroppo 

In recent years seaweeds have increasingly attracted interest in the search for new drugs and have been shown to be a primary source of bioactive natural compounds and biomaterials. In the present investigation, the biochemical composition of the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis, collected seasonally in the Lesina Lagoon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Lesina, Italy), was assayed by means of advanced analytical techniques, such as gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and spectrophotometric tests. In particular, analysis of lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins, phycobiliproteins and carbohydrates as well as phenolic content, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity were performed. In winter extracts of G. gracilis, a high content of R-phycoerythrin together with other valuable products such as arachidonic acid (PUFA ω-6), proteins and carbohydrates was observed. High antioxidant and radical scavenging activities were also detected in summer extracts of the seaweed together with a high content of total phenols. In conclusion, this study points out the possibility of using Gracilaria gracilis as a multi products source for biotechnological, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications even although more investigations are required for separating, purifying and characterizing these bioactive compounds.

Bioactivities from Marine Algae of the Genus Gracilaria

Cynthia Layse F. de Almeida, Heloina de S. Falcão, Gedson R. de M. Lima, Camila de A. Montenegro, Narlize S. Lira, Petrônio F. de Athayde-Filho, Luis C. Rodrigues, Maria de Fátima V. de Souza, José M. Barbosa-Filho, and Leônia M. Batista

Seaweeds are an important source of bioactive metabolites for the pharmaceutical industry in drug development. Many of these compounds are used to treat diseases like cancer, acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), inflammation, pain, arthritis, as well as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. This paper offers a survey of the literature for Gracilaria algae extracts with biological activity, and identifies avenues for future research. Nineteen species of this genus that were tested for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihypertensive, cytotoxic, spermicidal, embriotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities are cited from the 121 references consulted.

Therapeutic importance of sulfated Polysaccharides from seaweeds

Seema Patel

Seaweeds, being prolific sources of bioactive components have garnered unprecedented interest in recent times. The complex polysaccharides from the brown, red and green seaweeds possess broad spectrum therapeutic properties. Especially, the sulfated polysaccharides, viz. fucans, carrageenans and ulvans have exhibited strong antioxidant, antitumor, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, pulmonary fibrosis anticoagulant/antithrombotic, lipid lowering, antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoan,
hyperplasia prevention, gastrointestinal, regenerative and nano medicine applications. Considering the immense biomedical prospects of sulfated polysaccharides, the profound and emerging functional properties published in recent times will be discussed here with experimental evidences. The limitations of the seaweed-derived sulfated polysaccharides in healthcare will be summarized. Strategies to maximize extraction and bioavailability will be pondered.

Keywords Sulfated polysaccharides Antioxidant Antitumor Anticoagulant Antiviral

Chemical characterization and antioxidant activity of sulfated polysaccharide from the red seaweed Gracilaria birdiae

 Bartolomeu W.S. Souza, Miguel A. Cerqueira, Ana I. Bourbon, Ana C. Pinheiro, Joana T. Martins,
José A. Teixeira, Manuel A. Coimbra, António A. Vicente

Hydrocolloids from seaweeds have interesting functional properties, such as antioxidant activity and
gelling ability. A polysaccharide was isolated by aqueous extraction at 90 C from the red seaweed
Gracilaria birdiae (Gb), with a yield of 27.2% of the seaweed dry weight. The sulfate content of the
polysaccharide was 8.4% and the main sugars present were galactose (65.4 mol%), 3, 6-anhydrogalactose (25.1 mol%) and 6-O-methylgalactose (9.2 mol%). Gel permeation chromatography showed that Gb polysaccharide is a heterogeneous system, with molar mass at the main peak of 3.7 10 to the power of 5 g mol  to the power of -1 and a shoulder of 2.6 10 to the power of g mol  to the power of -1 . The sulfated polysaccharide of Gb characterized by FTIR exhibits the characteristic bands of agarocolloids (at 1375 and 770 cm  to the power of -1). The rheological behavior of Gb sulfated polysaccharide exhibits a gel-like behavior close to the one observed in commercial agar. The antioxidant properties of Gb sulfated polysaccharide were evaluated by measuring DPPH freeradical scavenging effect, showing that this polysaccharide has a moderate effect in inhibiting the formation of those radicals.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Long Xu Cai (Gracilaria) Health Benefits And Side Effects

Long Xu Cai is also known as agar agar. The bitter, salty and cold herb has been used in TCM to treat chronic constipation, tuberculosis of lymph nodes, tumor of the thyroids, edema, beriberi, swelling of testicles.abdominal mass, etc., as it promote the function of lung, spleen and kidney channels.

Antiviral Potential of Algae Polysaccharides Isolated from Marine Sources: A Review

Azin Ahmadi, Soheil Zorofchian Moghadamtousi, Sazaly Abubakar and Keivan Zandi

From food to fertilizer, algal derived products are largely employed in assorted industries, including agricultural, biomedical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Among different chemical compositions isolated from algae, polysaccharides are the most well-established compounds, which were subjected to a variety of studies due to extensive bioactivities. Over the past few decades, the promising results for antiviral potential of algae-derived polysaccharides have advocated them as inordinate candidates for pharmaceutical research. Numerous studies have isolated various algal polysaccharides possessing antiviral activities, including carrageenan, alginate, fucan, laminaran, and naviculan. In addition, different mechanisms of action have been reported for these polysaccharides, such as inhibiting the binding or internalization of virus into the host cells or suppressing DNA replication and protein synthesis. This review strives for compiling previous antiviral studies of algae-derived polysaccharides and their mechanism of action towards their development as natural antiviral agents for future investigations.

Marine Red Alga Porphyridium sp. as a Source of Sulfated Polysaccharides (SPs) for Combating Against COVID-19

Nagle, V.; Gaikwad, M.; Pawar, Y.; Dasgupta, S. Marine Red Alga Porphyridium sp. as a Source of Sulfated Polysaccharides (SPs) for Combating Against COVID-19. Preprints 2020, 2020040168

COVID 19, a pandemic spread without any solid anti-viral antidote. Researchers worldwide are currently giving their best to make antidote for this virus with all available literatures and knowledge. Research carried out indicates sulfated polysaccharides (carrageenan) are selective inhibitors of several enveloped and non-enveloped viruses and act predominantly by inhibiting the binding or internalization of virus into the host cells. Polysaccharides produced from Porphyridium sp. are sulfated polysaccharides which are promising antiviral agents against respiratory viruses from the family of coronavirus. These biocompatible compounds can be used as a coating material on the sanitary items for COVID-19 prevention.