Page 92 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Algae

International agencies like FAO have announced that the quality of food is becoming fundamental for
health maintaining and lifestyle improvements, as evidenced by the global obesity phenomenon.
Recently, macroalgae and microalgae have been used as a novel food with potential nutritional benefits
in industry and medicine for various purposes. Furthermore, they have shown to provide a rich source
of natural bioactive compounds with antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, and hypolipidemic and antineoplasteic properties. Thus, there is a growing interest in
the area of research on the positive effect of algae on human health. The food supplements of the first
generation mainly contain substances of primary metabolites, like carbohydrates, vitamins, and
proteins, whereas nutraceuticals, are secondary products, like flavonoids, terpenes, polyphenols,
organic acids, pigments, etc., usually present in raw plant materials or extracts. Algae, are a rich
source of both types of substances, as evidenced by the reported chemical analyses. (the attractive term
“superfood” was suggested).

What is algae?

▪ Algae are chlorophyll-bearing, simple, thalloid, autotrophic and largely aquatic (in all water
types).

▪ Reproduces rapidly on hot water
▪ They occur in a variety of other habitats: moist stones, soils and wood. Some of them also

occur in association with fungi (lichen) and animals (e.g., on sloth bear).
▪ The form and size of algae is highly variable. The size ranges from the microscopic

unicellular forms to large forms. A few of the marine forms such as kelps, form massive
plant bodies.
▪ The algae reproduce by vegetative, asexual and sexual methods.
▪ The potential uses of algal biomass for the benefit of mankind have been intensively
reviewed in the last few years.

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