Page 46 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

• Algae can give high biofuel yield.

Disadvantages of algae

1. Costly

2. Can cause fish kill and contamination

Blue green algae

• Cyanobacteria have been identified as one of the most promising group from
which novel and biochemically active natural products are isolated.

• Cyanobacteria produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds, which include
40% lipopeptides, 5.6% amino acids, 4.2% fatty acids, 4.2% macrolides and 9%
amides. Cyanobacterial lipopeptides include different compounds like
cytotoxic (41%), antitumor (13%), antiviral (4%), antibiotics (12%) and the
remaining 18% activities include antimalarial agents.

• Blue-green algae have a cholesterol-lowering effect and a strong anti cancer
activity.

Spirulina

• Spirulina is a spiral-shaped blue-green microalgae ( cyanobacterium )
Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima family Oscillatoraceae that
grow naturally in fresh water lakes and are cultivated commercially
worldwide and used both as a dietary supplement (in tablet, flake and
powder form) and even whole food

• NASA has stated that the nutritional value of 1000 kg of fruits and vegetables
equals one kg of spirulina .

• Spirulina is listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally
Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list as an ingredient in all foods except infant
formulas and foods.

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