SEARCHNARRATIVE_REVIEWnutrition, pharmacology

narrative_review·nutrition, pharmacology, marine biology, biotechnology, public health·PMC10780804

Understanding Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Omics Dimensions

Plants · 9 authors, 6 centres

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TL;DR

This review comprehensively explores the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential of macroalgae (seaweed), highlighting their rich content of bioactive compounds such as fucoxanthin, fucoidan, and carrageenans with antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant activities. It emphasizes the role of omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics) in accelerating the discovery, characterization, and production of these compounds for therapeutic and industrial applications. The clinical significance lies in the potential of macroalgae-derived compounds to serve as sustainable sources for novel drugs and functional foods, though further research is needed to overcome bioavailability and scalability challenges.

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**Background:** Macroalgae (seaweed) are multicellular marine organisms classified into red (Rhodophyta), green (Chlorophyta), and brown (Ochrophyta) algae based on photosynthetic pigments. They are rich in nutrients (proteins, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids) and bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential. Approximately 40% of FDA-approved drugs between 1981 and 2014 were derived from natural products, highlighting the importance of marine sources. Macroalgae produce about 80% of atmospheric oxygen and are cultivated mainly in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Despite their promise, direct consumption is insufficient for therapeutic use due to complex cell walls limiting bioavailability. Omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics) offer tools to manipulate and optimize macroalgal metabolism for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

**Methods:** This is a narrative review that synthesizes existing literature on macroalgal nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potentials, as well as omics-driven advancements. The authors compiled data from published studies, including cell culture models, animal investigations, and clinical trials (e.g., a double-blind placebo-controlled trial on fucoxanthin). They describe extraction and purification methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and discuss omics techniques including genome sequencing (e.g., *Ectocarpus siliculosus* sequenced in 2010), transcriptomics (e.g., RNA-Seq), proteomics (e.g., LC-MS/MS), metabolomics (e.g., NMR, GC-MS), and metagenomics (e.g., shotgun metagenomics).

**Key Results:** The review reports that macroalgae contain diverse bioactive compounds with demonstrated activities: - **Antioxidant:** R-phycoerythrin from *Palmaria palmata* and *Polysiphonia urceolata*; mycosporine-rich seaweed; polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. - **Anticancer:** Fucoxanthin from *Undaria pinnatifida* showed activity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, K562 and TK6 leukemia cells, and in mouse models. Carrageenan oligosaccharides from red seaweed demonstrated anticarcinogenic activity with reduced cytotoxicity. Bromophenols from *Rhodomela confervoides* showed high efficiency against KB, A549, and Bel-7402 cancer cell lines. - **Anti-inflammatory:** Sulfated polysaccharides from *Gracilaria* inhibited histamine release and neutrophil migration; porphyrans from *Porphyra* reduced nitric oxide production and NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 macrophages. - **Anticoagulant:** Galactans from red seaweed (e.g., *Grateloupia indica*) showed heparin-like activity; λ-carrageenan had better anticoagulant ability than κ-carrageenan due to higher sulfate concentration. - **Anti-obesity:** A double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 1 and 3 mg fucoxanthin capsules in moderately obese individuals for 4 weeks resulted in decreased body weight, BMI, fat area, and mass. *Padina tetrastromatica* extract reduced high-calorie diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice. - **Antimicrobial:** Long-chain saturated fatty acids from *Jania rubens* showed activity against 32 multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates. Brominated cyclic diterpenes from *Sphaerococcus coronopifolius* acted against methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus*. Carrageenan from *Solieria chordalis* displayed antiviral activity against HSV1. - **Skincare:** Extracts from *Asparagopsis armata*, *Gelidium corneum*, and *Corallina officinalis* improved skin elasticity, hydration, and UV protection.

OMICS APPLICATIONS INCLUDE

genomic analysis of *Saccharina japonica* revealing a novel fucoxanthin synthase gene; transcriptomic analysis of *Laminaria digitata* identifying alginate synthesis genes; metagenomic profiling of *Porphyra* and *Pyropia* microbiomes; proteomic analysis of *Gracilaria changii* identifying novel proteins; and metabolomic profiling of *Callophycus serratus* identifying four bromophycolides active against *Plasmodium falciparum*.

**Clinical Implications:** Macroalgae-derived compounds show promise for treating obesity, diabetes, cancer, inflammation, infections, and skin conditions. However, the complex cell walls limit oral bioavailability, necessitating omics-driven engineering to develop strains with weaker cell walls or enhanced bioactive content. The integration of omics technologies can optimize cultivation, extraction, and purification, enabling sustainable production of targeted drugs and functional foods. Further research is needed to scale up production, assess safety and efficacy in humans, and explore unexplored marine species.

STUDY TYPE

narrative_review

SPECIALTY

nutrition

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10780804

Understanding Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Omics Dimensions

Plants

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Driven by a surge in global interest in natural products, macroalgae or seaweed, has emerged as a prime source for nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical applications. Characterized by remarkable genetic diversity and a crucial role in marine ecosystems, these organisms offer not only substantial nutritional value in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, but also a diverse array of bioactive molecules with promising pharmaceutical properties. Furthermore, macroalgae produce approximately 80% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, highlighting their ecological significance. The unique combination of nutritional and bioactive attributes positions macroalgae as an ideal resource for food and medicine in various regions worldwide. This comprehensive review consolidates the latest advancements in the field, elucidating the potential applications of macroalgae in developing nutraceuticals and therapeutics. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of omics approaches in deepening our understanding of macroalgae’s physiological and molecular characteristics. By highlighting the importance of omics, this review also advocates for continued exploration and utilization of these extraordinary marine organisms in diverse domains, including drug discovery, functional foods, and other industrial applications. The multifaceted potential of macroalgae warrants further research and development to unlock their full benefits and contribute to advancing global health and sustainable industries. Keywords: macroalgae, natural products, nutraceuticals, omics approaches, pharmaceuticals

CITATION EXPORT

Sivakumar Adarshan, Vairavel Sivaranjani Sivani Sree, Pandiyan Muthuramalingam et al.. Understanding Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Omics Dimensions. Plants. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010113

AUTHORS

9 · 6 CENTRES

Sivakumar Adarshan, Vairavel Sivaranjani Sivani Sree, Pandiyan Muthuramalingam, Krishnanjana S Nambiar, Murugan Sevanan, Lakkakula Satish, Baskar Venkidasamy, Peerzada Gh Jeelani, Hyunsuk Shin

1Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India; [email protected]
2Department of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India; [email protected] (V.S.S.S.); [email protected] (K.S.N.); [email protected] (M.S.)
3Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea; [email protected]
4Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India; [email protected]
5Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, Marine Algal Research Station, CSIR—Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Mandapam 623519, Tamil Nadu, India; [email protected]
6Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology & Bioinformatics, National College Trichy, Tiruchirapalli 620001, Tamil Nadu, India; [email protected]