Title:Role of Algal-derived Bioactive Compounds in Human Health
Volume: 18
Issue: 3
Author(s): Gyanendra Tripathi, Priyanka Dubey, Suhail Ahmad, Alvina Farooqui*Vishal Mishra*
Affiliation:
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
- School of
Biochemical Engineering, IIT(BHU), Varanasi 221005, India
Keywords:
Bio-resource, algal bioactive compound, nutraceutical, phycobiliproteins, astaxanthin, β- carotene.
Abstract: Algae is emerging as a bioresource with high biological potential. Various algal
strains have been used in traditional medicines and human diets worldwide. They are a rich
source of bioactive compounds like ascorbic acid, riboflavin, pantothenate, biotin, folic acid,
nicotinic acid, phycocyanins, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), adrenic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), etc. Beta-carotene, astaxanthin,
and phycobiliproteins are different classes of pigments that are found in algae. They possess
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The sulfur-coated polysaccharides
in algae have been used as an anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral agent. Scientists
have exploited algal-derived bioactive compounds for developing lead molecules
against several diseases. Due to the surge in research on bioactive molecules from algae,
industries have started showing interest in patenting for the large-scale production of bioactive
compounds having applications in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food, and beverage.
In the food industry, algae are used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. Due to
their gelling and thickening characteristics, the most valuable algae products are macroalgal
polysaccharides such as agar, alginates, and carrageenan. The high protein, lipid, and
nutrient content in microalgae makes it a superfood for aquaculture. The present review
aims at describing various non-energy-based applications of algae in pharmaceuticals, food
and beverage, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. This review attempts to analyze information
on algal-derived drugs that have shown better potential and reached clinical trials.