Microalgae: A novel potential resource for medicine and food homology

As cell factories for natural products, microalgae contain various metabolites with medicinal activities similar to or identical to those of medicine and food homology (MFH) plants. Certain microalgae have been approved for inclusion in the directory of food ingredients. Due to the diverse types and metabolites of microalgae, the fast growth rate, and the high content of active components, microalgae, particularly edible microalgae, have the potential to be developed into novel MFH substances. However, microalgae have not yet been included in the catalogue of MFH resources, and there is a lack of systematic research on MFH microalgae. This review provides a detailed introduction to the feasibility of using microalgae as novel resources for MFH, the screening and cultivation of MFH microalgae, processing and production of MFH microalgae, and the future challenges and development. This review suggests that microalgae isolated from medicinal plants rhizospheres and epiphytic/endophytic niches are possible to produce plant-similar bioactives and candidates for MFH microalgae. This review aims to promote microalgae as a novel type of MFH resource, to expand application of microalgae, and to promote the sustainable development of the MFH industry. • The review elucidates the multiple advantages of microalgae and introduces the feasibility of incorporating microalgae into medicine and food homology (MFH) substances. • Officially approved edible microalgae are valuable MFH resources after pharmacological validation, alongside the need for safety and pharmacological studies on non-certified species. • Mixotrophic cultivation is considered as a viable strategy for achieving high-yield production of MFH microalgae rich in high-value compounds. • This review introduces a cross-disciplinary paradigm that bridges traditional Chinese medicine (e.g., compatibility & processing), food science, and cutting-edge technologies like network pharmacology and artificial intelligence to advance MFH microalgae development.