Upcycled sulfated glycosaminoglycan-rich hydrolysates from abalone (Haliotis spp.) viscera exhibit wide spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

• Current study emphasizes heuristic , prioritizing in practice commercialization • Hydrolysates exhibited “ wide spectrum ” antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential • Similar IC 50 suggests co-regulation of proinflammatory enzymes with low safety risk • The hydrolysate may serve as a safe nutraceutical targeting chronic disease drivers In commercial abalone processing, the viscera—comprising 25–42 % of the animal—is typically discarded, presenting an opportunity to enhance sustainability by minimizing waste. Prior investigations have indicated that the viscera, particularly from Haliotis discus hannai , possess promising characteristics for therapeutic applications, notably as antioxidants and antiphlogistic agents, likely due to its abundant and unique sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs). However, fundamental mechanisms underlying its antiphlogistic potential remain poorly understood, especially regarding substrate shunting associated with inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Moreover, limited research has examined the interplay between antioxidant properties and phlogistic responses. Data on general sGAGs typology and the functionality of hydrolysates are similarly scarce. These gaps prompted the current study, which employed a hybrid heuristic and conventional scientific methodology to enhance understanding. Abalone viscera hydrolysates were exposed to pro-inflammatory enzymes (COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX, 15-LOX), and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using stoichiometric: radical cation decolorization (ABTS), free radical scavenging (DPPH), ferric reducing ability (FRAP), and kinetic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. sGAGs content and typology, including N-/O-sulfation, were quantified alongside multiple statistical analyses. The findings indicate that hydrolysates from diverse Australian species inhibited the enzymes at similar IC 50 values (0.59–5.44 mg d.b./mL), with one exception, suggesting their potential as wide-spectrum therapeutic agents. This study underscores the significant potential of repurposing abalone waste for novel therapeutics.