8 January 2024 | João Cotas, Silvia Lomartire, Ana M. M. Gonçalves, Leonel Pereira
This review explores the potential of seaweed-derived nutrients as a valuable resource for drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweed, a diverse group of marine algae, is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess therapeutic properties, making them promising candidates for various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. The manuscript discusses their pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. It also provides insights into formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, emphasizing the need for sustainable and holistic approaches. The research underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development, bridging the gap between marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation.This review explores the potential of seaweed-derived nutrients as a valuable resource for drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweed, a diverse group of marine algae, is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess therapeutic properties, making them promising candidates for various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. The manuscript discusses their pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. It also provides insights into formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, emphasizing the need for sustainable and holistic approaches. The research underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development, bridging the gap between marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation.