From Ocean to Medicine: Harnessing Seaweed's Potential for Drug Development

From Ocean to Medicine: Harnessing Seaweed's Potential for Drug Development

8 January 2024 | João Cotás, Silvia Lomartire, Ana M. M. Gonçalves, and Leonel Pereira
Seaweed, a diverse group of marine algae, has long been recognized for its rich nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, making it a valuable nutraceutical ingredient. This review explores the promising role of seaweed-derived nutrients in drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweeds are abundant sources of essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess potential therapeutic properties, making them intriguing candidates for drug leads in various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. The review discusses their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. It also addresses formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. The manuscript explores challenges and opportunities in integrating seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. The review underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development. By bridging marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation, this research contributes to sustainable and innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. Seaweed is a promising source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. However, challenges such as variability in seaweed composition, environmental factors, and the need for standardized protocols must be addressed to fully harness its potential. The review highlights the importance of rigorous analysis, certification systems, and sustainable cultivation methods to ensure the safety and efficacy of seaweed-derived compounds. Seaweed-derived compounds, such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and pigments, have shown significant potential in pharmaceutical applications. However, further research is needed to optimize extraction methods, enhance bioavailability, and ensure the safety and quality of seaweed-based drugs. The review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory considerations, and sustainable practices to fully exploit the potential of seaweed in drug development.Seaweed, a diverse group of marine algae, has long been recognized for its rich nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, making it a valuable nutraceutical ingredient. This review explores the promising role of seaweed-derived nutrients in drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweeds are abundant sources of essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess potential therapeutic properties, making them intriguing candidates for drug leads in various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. The review discusses their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. It also addresses formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. The manuscript explores challenges and opportunities in integrating seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. The review underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development. By bridging marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation, this research contributes to sustainable and innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. Seaweed is a promising source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. However, challenges such as variability in seaweed composition, environmental factors, and the need for standardized protocols must be addressed to fully harness its potential. The review highlights the importance of rigorous analysis, certification systems, and sustainable cultivation methods to ensure the safety and efficacy of seaweed-derived compounds. Seaweed-derived compounds, such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and pigments, have shown significant potential in pharmaceutical applications. However, further research is needed to optimize extraction methods, enhance bioavailability, and ensure the safety and quality of seaweed-based drugs. The review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory considerations, and sustainable practices to fully exploit the potential of seaweed in drug development.
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