BIOACTIVITIES AND POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF INDIAN RED AND BROWN ALGAE IN PHARMACEUTICS

A wide variety of red (Rhodophyta) and brown (Phaeophyceae) algae in Indian marine ecosystems possess an abundant and sustainable supply of bioactive compounds of considerable pharmacological importance. These macroalgae synthesise a wide variety of secondary metabolites (sulfated polysaccharides such as carrageenan and fucoidan, phlorotannins, polyphenols, sterols, flavonoids, and others). Recent studies have focused on their potential applicability in anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antihypertensive, and anti-obesity activities. The therapeutic potential of Indian red and brown algae and their bioactivities and mechanisms of action are discussed and reviewed in this article. Special attention is given to algae such as Gracilaria edulis, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Turbinaria conoides and Padina tetrastromatica. We also review these effects on a pharmacological level and address the limitations that exist in terms of clinical validation, standardisation, and bioavailability. The review highlights the requirement for further in vivo and translational studies, in combination with new biotechnological methods, to exploit these marine products for drug production. The sustainability of the Indian algae growing environment, as well as its bioactive richness, has potential for further use in the pharma and nutritional industries.