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marine drugs Seaweed Phenolics: From Extraction to Applications
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Seaweeds have attracted high interest in recent years due to their chemical and bioactive properties to find new molecules with valuable applications for humankind. Phenolic compounds are the group of metabolites with the most structural variation and the highest content in seaweeds. The most researched seaweed polyphenol class is the phlorotannins, which are specifically synthesized by brown seaweeds, but there are other polyphenolic compounds, such as bromophenols, flavonoids, phenolic terpenoids, and mycosporine-like amino acids. The compounds already discovered and characterized demonstrate a full range of bioactivities and potential future applications in various industrial sectors. This review focuses on the extraction, purification, and future applications of seaweed phenolic compounds based on the bioactive properties described in the literature. It also intends to provide a comprehensive insight into the phenolic compounds in seaweed.
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... Algae development and traits are affected by abiotic factors, including climate, salinity, pH, depth, light exposure, and ultraviolet radiation, as well as biotic factors, such as species, life stage, size, age, reproductive status, and herbivory intensity. In response to environmental stresses, macroalgae produce a variety of antioxidant compounds, particularly polyphenols, as a defense mechanism [3]. These organisms synthesize a broad spectrum of primary metabolites, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, phlorotannins, and carotenoids [4]. ...
... These organisms synthesize a broad spectrum of primary metabolites, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, phlorotannins, and carotenoids [4]. Macroalgae are classified into three primary groups based on their pigment composition: green algae (Chlorophyta), brown algae (Ochrophyta), and red algae (Rhodophyta) [2,3,5]. They exhibit diverse biometabolites, including essential amino acids, carotenoids, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, dietary fibers, and minerals [3]. ...
... Macroalgae are classified into three primary groups based on their pigment composition: green algae (Chlorophyta), brown algae (Ochrophyta), and red algae (Rhodophyta) [2,3,5]. They exhibit diverse biometabolites, including essential amino acids, carotenoids, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, dietary fibers, and minerals [3]. This bioresource holds extensive biotechnological potential and can be applied in pharmaceuticals, food and animal production, agriculture, and cosmetics [4,6]. ...
This study represents the first investigation into the ultrasonic and microwave extraction of bioactive metabolites from Jania rubens (J. rubens) (red seaweed) and Sargassum. muticum (S. muticum) (brown seaweed), with a focus on their biological activities. The research compares ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) utilizing a hydromethanolic solvent to evaluate their effects on these seaweeds’ bioactive compounds and biological activities. The assessment included a series of antioxidant essays: DPPH, ABTS, phenanthroline, and total antioxidant capacity, followed by enzyme inhibition activities: alpha-amylase and urease. Results revealed significant proportions of phenolic compounds, ranging from 48.31 ± 0.32 to 74.42 ± 0.80 μg GAE/mg, depending on the extraction method. The extracts demonstrated a high antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ranging from 26.58 ± 0.39 to 87.55 ± 0.69 μg/mL. Notably, the MAE extract of S. muticum showed a value of 48.11 ± 2.75 μg/mL for alpha-amylase inhibition, which is strictly superior to the reference acarbose with an IC50 equal to 3431.01 μg/mL. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 14 bioactive compounds. The proportion of riboflavin with MAE was 70.58% and 59.11% for J. rubens and S. muticum fractions, respectively. These findings underscore the critical influence of extraction technique selection on bioactive compounds’ yield and efficiency, highlighting the potential of algal biomass as a sustainable alternative in various applications.
... Bromophenols isolated from Symphyocladia latiuscula (Rhodophyta) have shown significant antioxidant activity, characterized by their structure with multiple highly brominated groups, especially 3,4-dihydroxy-2,5,6-tribromobenzyloxy. Similarly, Polysiphonia stricta (Rhodophyta) also showed antioxidant activity, suggesting that the antioxidant potential of red algae is related to the presence of brominated units and the degree of bromination of the molecules [73,80]. ...
... (Rhodophyta) and in brown algae such as Sargassum muticum (Figure 2a) and Sargassum vulgare (Phaeophyceae). Flavonoid glycosides have also been found in brown algae, including Durvillaea antarctica, Lessonia spicata and Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyceae) [4,80]. Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are non-nutritional but essential compounds that play vital roles in maintaining human health. ...
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a complex, multifactorial condition characterized by risk factors such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension, which significantly contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. Early identification and effective monitoring of MetS is crucial for preventing serious cardiovascular complications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of various biomarkers associated with MetS, including lipid profile markers (triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) ratio), inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin/adiponectin ratio, omentin and fetuin-A/adiponectin ratio), oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxides, protein and nucleic acid oxidation, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), uric acid) and microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-15a-5p, miR5-17-5p and miR-24-3p. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of biomarkers in MetS and the need for advancements in their identification and use for improving prevention and treatment. Seaweed therapy is also discussed as a significant intervention for MetS due to its rich content of fiber, antioxidants, minerals and bioactive compounds, which help improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss, making it a promising nutritional strategy for managing metabolic and cardiovascular health.
... These compounds have been reported to have a broad range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiallergic, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic. 20,21 The multifunctional antioxidant effects of phenolic compounds are significantly associated with the phenolic rings that act as electron traps to scavenge free radicals. Flavonoids, carotenoids, and terpenoids have received considerable attention because of their potential antiviral, antiallergic, antiplatelet, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. ...
... Flavonoids, carotenoids, and terpenoids have received considerable attention because of their potential antiviral, antiallergic, antiplatelet, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. 21 Moreover, the GC-MS analysis of the two extracts noticed the presence of valuable fatty acids and their derivatives along with diterpenes and steroidal molecules. The fatty acid composition was found to be more diverse than that reported by. 9 The differences in chemical composition could be due to several factors, including the sampling site, season, temperature, current, and biotic conditions. ...
Introduction: Hormophysa triquetra and Padina gymnospora are widely distributed seaweeds in subtropical and tropical seas; however, there are limited or no reports on their biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of these species and present their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The total phenolic content in an 80% methanol extract of the species was measured. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to assess the components of the extracts. Antioxidant activity against AAPH- or H2O2-induced oxidative stress in Vero cells was measured using the MTT assay. For anti-inflammatory assessment, the Griess assay was used to measure nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the inhibition of cytokine production in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Results: Both seaweed species exhibited significant phenolic content. HPLC profiles revealed 19 compounds, with cinnamic acid (29.63 µg/g) and pyrogallol (25.33 µg/g) dominating in Hormophysa triquetra and Padina gymnospora, respectively. GC-MS profiles were dominant for fatty acids and their derivatives, along with diterpenes. The extracts exhibited protective effects against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the extracts inhibited the production of NO and cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the species against oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting their applicability in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
... Caulerpa kering mengandung kadar air 9 -10%, kadar abu 40 -41%, protein 5 -7%, lemak 0,99%, karbohidrat 29 -37%, dan serat 23 -24% (Sinurat et al. 2021;Ellya Sinurat and Fadjriah 2019;Tapotubun et al. 2020). Bioaktivitas anggur laut yaitu antioksidan, antimikroba, antikanker, antitumor, antifungal, dan antiinflammatori (Andrade et al. 2013;Arunkumar et al. 2021;De La Garza et al. 2011;Leandro et al. 2020;Pradhan et al. 2020;Sugawara et al. 2014). Namun, beberapa aktivitas senyawa alkaloid anggur laut belum terkait antiaging belum banyak dieksplorasi. ...
Caulerpa racemosa or sea grape is an edible macroalgae, cultivated and wild species in Asia ocean. Sea grapes also well known as functional food source from marine, contains high protein, fibers and secondari metabolites. The biological functions of sea grape also has been identified as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiobesity, and anticancer. However, the antiaging activity has not been known yet. This study investigated the potential antiaging activity of alkaloids compounds from sea grapes through inhibiting collagenase protein by farmacoinformatic study. six alkaloid structure of sea grapes including Caulerpin, Caulersin, Caulerchlorin, Racemosin A, Racemosin B, and Racemosin C, were retrieved from PubChem database and collagenase protein also was downloaded from Protein Data Bank with ID 2TCL. Six alkaloids of Caulerpa racemosa were redocked with collagenase at the specific site and were visualized by Discovery studio version 21.1.1. collagenase inhibitor compound also used as control for this study. farmacoinformatic analysis performed that six alkaloid of sea grapes and inhibitor compounds were showed at the same region of collagenase, which was identified as inhibitor sites. Several active residues of collagenase, involved SER139, PRO138, HIS128, and LEU81 were detected at six alkaloids compounds and control inhibitor, indicating six alkaloid of sea grapes potentially as collagenase inhibitor leading to antiaging properties. This study summarized that the six sea grape’s alkaloid has potential as collagenase inhibitor. Further in vivo analysis were required for further investigation.
... BPs are found across all major categories of marine algae [3,5,6]. They were first isolated from the red algae Neorhodomela larix (formerly known as Rhodomela larix) in 1967 [2,7], and subsequently identified and isolated across all taxonomic groups of macroalgae, especially in the red algae of the Rhodomelaceae family [8,9]. They have also been widely identified in species such as Dasycladus vermicularis and Cladophora socialis (green algae), Ascophyllum nodosum (brown algae), Bifurcaria bifurcata (brown algae), Gracilaria sp. ...
Bromophenols, which belong to the family of phenolic compounds, are halogenated secondary metabolites characterized by the incorporation of bromine atoms into the phenol ring structure, resulting in unique chemical properties. These compounds, synthesized as secondary metabolites by algae, exhibit different isomeric forms due to bromine substitution at different positions within the phenol ring, showing variability among species. Bromine substitution not only confers specific chemical properties but also plays an important role in the ecological functions of bromophenols by inducing increased lipophilicity, which affects solubility and reactivity, an adaptive response to external conditions. Certain genera of red algae, such as Gracilaria and Rhodomela, have been identified as important sources of bromophenols. Research on bromophenols involves extraction , commonly using solvents such as methanol or methanol-dichloromethane, and identification and structural elucidation using advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the precise determination of structure and configuration. Bromophenols display diverse biological activities, highlighting antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral and antioxidant properties, which are closely related to their specific chemical structure. The importance of understanding the chemical group of bromophenols is underlined by their role in chemical defense mechanisms, contributing to potential biotechnological applications and broader contributions to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, this study is aimed to review the chemical characteristics and biological properties of bromophenols in red algae.
Jang Village, located in Moro District, Karimun Regency, has abundant seaweed resources utilized for various products, including collagen drinks. This study aims to analyze the financial feasibility of seaweed processing using parameters such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period (PP), and Break Even Point (BEP). The analysis results indicate that the BEP is 1.236 units, with a BEP in Rupiah of Rp6.946,00, an NPV of Rp195.869.079,29, an IRR of 21%, and a PP of 4.4 months. Based on the evaluation of financial and non-financial aspects, the seaweed processing business run by CV. Moro's Pure Marine Collagen is considered feasible and profitable. The findings of this study are used to develop long-term business strategies, including global market expansion supported by digital marketing and product diversification such as sports supplements and skincare products. Competitive advantage is enhanced through product certification and continuous research. Business sustainability is achieved by implementing environmentally friendly practices and empowering coastal communities, which is expected to support local economic growth and maintain the sustainability of natural resources.
The world population is expected to increase up to 9.6 billion by 2050. This triggers the demand for food security and its nutritional value. Despite the advancements in the field of medicine, current research focuses on investigating natural‐origin functional foods with tremendous health‐supporting properties. It includes various natural sources such as animals, plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria. The Algae group is still under investigation to find the best alternative to other previously explored sources. Algae possess remarkable potential for synthesizing natural metabolites, including primary metabolites (polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids) and secondary metabolites (Flavonoids, bromophenols, phenolic compounds, and polyphenols). These bioactive compounds have enormous anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotection applications. This provokes researcher interest in exploring algae strains to optimize their metabolite production to utilize them as a functional food. Metabolomics techniques can be utilized to investigate biological samples. It will create new ways to explore algae strains that have not yet been investigated. A closed pond cultivation system is attractive to enhance algae growth in highly controlled conditions. This review emphasizes algae metabolism, cultivation methods, metabolomics analysis, genetic engineering, and advanced genome editing tools such as the CRISPR CAS9 system, which can be utilized to manipulate the algae genome for increased production.
Macroalgae are one of the potential natural sources for the isolation of novel eco-friendly antifouling compounds. In this study, the antifouling activity of an extract of the brown macroalga Dictyota dichotoma collected from the Red Sea was tested against bacteria isolated from the marine biofilm and larval forms of the barnacle. A maximum inhibition of barnacle larval settlement of 89.36% was observed in 25 µg ml-1 extract concentration at 24 h treatment. The secondary metabolite composition of the extract was analyzed by GC-MS and compounds were used as ligands for molecular docking with barnacle cement protein. The toxicity profile of secondary metabolites present in the extract was predicted through in silico analysis. The results indicate that the crude extract of the alga inhibited the biofilm formation by the bacteria and significantly reduced the settlement of the barnacle larvae. GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of five metabolites, including two fatty acids. All metabolites showed higher binding affinity with barnacle cement than the reference compound, copper. Among the secondary metabolites detected in the algal extract, the cholestane derivative exhibited maximum binding affinity (–14.2 kcal mol-1) with barnacle cement. The metabolites also showed positive for crustacean and fish toxicity in toxicity prediction using an in silico method.
The current emergency due to the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a great concern for global public health. Already in the past, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012 demonstrates the potential of coronaviruses to cross-species borders and further underlines the importance of identifying new-targeted drugs. An ideal antiviral agent should target essential proteins involved in the lifecycle of SARS-CoV. Currently, some HIV protease inhibitors (i.e., Lopinavir) are proposed for the treatment of COVID-19, although their effectiveness has not yet been assessed. The main protease (M pr) provides a highly validated pharmacological target for the discovery and design of inhibitors. We identified potent M pr inhibitors employing computational techniques that entail the screening of a Marine Natural Product (MNP) library. MNP library was screened by a hyphenated pharmacophore model, and molecular docking approaches. Molecular dynamics and re-docking further confirmed the results obtained by structure-based techniques and allowed this study to highlight some crucial aspects. Seventeen potential SARS-CoV-2 M pr inhibitors have been identified among the natural substances of marine origin. As these compounds were extensively validated by a consensus approach and by molecular dynamics, the likelihood that at least one of these compounds could be bioactive is excellent.
Fucoidan is one of the most relevant polysaccharides synthesized by Phaeophyceae class (brown seaweeds). Previous research reveals widespread fucoidan bioactivity properties, like antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic or immunomodulatory. Fucoidan extraction and purification methods are the current challenge, in order to obtain this biomolecule that presents different conformations within several seaweed species. The main goal of this mini review is to give an overview of fucoidan pharmaceutical applications research and to support the potential of this biomolecule to be explored by science and industry.
The current emergency due to the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 is a great concern for global public health. Already in the past, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012 demonstrates the potential of coronaviruses to cross-species borders and further underlines the importance of identifying new-targeted drugs. An ideal antiviral agent should target essential proteins involved in the lifecycle of SARS-CoV. Currently, some HIV protease inhibitors (i.e., Lopinavir) are proposed for the treatment of COVID-19, although their effectiveness was not yet assessed. The main protease (Mpro) provides a highly validated pharmacological target for the discovery and design of inhibitors. We identified potent Mpro inhibitors employing computational techniques that entail the screening of a Marine Natural Product (MNP) library. MNP library was screened by hyphenated pharmacophore model, and molecular docking approaches. Molecular dynamics and re-docking further confirmed the results obtained by structure-based techniques and allowed to highlight some crucial aspects. Seventeen potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors have been identified among the natural substances of marine origin. As these compounds were extensively validated by a consensus approach and by molecular dynamics, the likelihood that at least one of these compounds could be bioactive is excellent.
The red seaweed group (Rhodophyta) is one of the phyla of macroalgae, among the groups Phaeophyceae and Chlorophyta, brown and green seaweeds, respectively. Nowadays, all groups of macroalgae are getting the attention of the scientific community due to the bioactive substances they produce. Several macroalgae products have exceptional properties with nutraceutical, pharmacological, and biomedical interest. The main compounds studied are the fatty acids, pigments, phenols, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the most exploited molecules, which are already widely used in various industries and are, presently, entering into more advanced applications from the therapeutic point of view. The focuses of this review are the red seaweeds' compounds, its proprieties, and its uses. Moreover, this work discusses new possible applications of the compounds of the red seaweeds.
Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are water-soluble metabolites, reported to exhibit strong UV-absorbing properties. They have been found in a wide range of marine organisms, especially those that are exposed to extreme levels of sunlight, to protect them against solar radiation. In the present study, the absolute configuration of 14 mycosporine-like-amino acids was determined by combining the results of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments and that of advanced Marfey's method using LC-MS. The crystal structure of a shinorine hydrate was determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data and its absolute configuration was established from anomalous-dispersion effects. Furthermore, the anti-aging and wound-healing properties of these metabolites were evaluated in three different assays namely the inhibition of collagenase, inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and wound healing assay (scratch assay).
The aim of this paper is to review the multiplicity of the current uses of marine macroalgae. Seaweeds are already used in many products and for different purposes, from food products to medicine. They are a natural resource that can provide a number of compounds with beneficial bioactivities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging effects, among others. Despite studies directed in prospecting for their properties and the commodities already marketed, they could, surely, be even more researched and sustainably explored.
Seaweeds are a group of marine multicellular algae; the presence of antioxidant phytochemical constituents in Seaweed Chaetomorpha sp. extracts has received attention for their role in the prevention of human diseases. This study explores the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of the Cladophoraceae, Chaetomorpha sp. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to study the chemical structure and chemical formula. Different concentrations of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Chaetomorpha were used to estimate antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and total flavonoid, phenolic, and tannins content assays. Anti-tumor activity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-cyl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. The EDX analysis indicated the presence of oxygen, silicon, and calcium as dominant elements. Antioxidant assays indicated that the ethanol extracts of Chaetomorpha consisted of a total of 189.14 ± 0.99 mg QE/g flavonoid content, 21.92 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g phenolic content and 21.81 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g tannins content. The DPPH radical scavenging assay exhibited higher antioxidant activity IC50 (9.41 ± 0.54 mg/mL) in the ethanol extract. Moreover, it showed high anticancer activity by growth inhibition in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line and low IC50 (225.18 ± 0.61 µg/mL). GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of Dichloracetic acid (DCA) as the active antitumor constituent of Chaetomorpha sp.; other anticancer compounds identified were Oximes and L-α-Terpinol. The results revealed that the type of Chaetomorpha sp. studied here possesses very unique and novel constituents and active potent antitumor chemical constituents and it can act as a promising antioxidant and anticancer agent for future applications in pharmaceutical industries.
Ishige foliacea, a species of edible brown algae, contains specific polyphenols called phlorotannins, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. We hypothesized that the phlorotannin-rich fraction of I. foliacea (PRFI) is neuroprotective. We investigated the effects of PRFI on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. PRFI (50 or 100 mg/kg) supplementation for 6 weeks improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment symptoms in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. PRFI reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation levels, but increased glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity. Additionally, PRFI up-regulated the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), which are involved in neuroplasticity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Our results suggest that PRFI prevents scopolamine-induced memory impairment, possibly through oxidative scavenging and ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway regulation.
Flavonoids are by far the largest class of polyphenols with huge structural and functional diversity. However, the mystery regarding the exact evolutionary pressures which lead to the amazing diversity in plant flavonoids has yet to be completely uncovered. Here we review recent advances in understanding the conservation and diversification of flavonoid pathway from algae and early land plants to vascular plants including the model plant Arabidopsis and economically important species such as cereals, legumes, and medicinal plants. Studies on the origin and evolution of R2R3-MYB regulatory system demonstrated its highly conserved function of regulating flavonoid production in land plants and this innovation appears to have been crucial in boosting the overall levels of these compounds in land plants. Convergent evolution has occurred as different flavonoids independently which emerged in distant taxa resulting in similar defense and tolerance characteristics against environmental stresses. Future studies on an increasing number of plant species taking advantage of newly developed genomic and metabolite profiling technologies are envisaged to provide comprehensive insight into flavonoid biosynthesis as well as pathway diversification and the underlying evolutionary mechanisms.
Las algas han sido utilizadas desde tiempos remotos como alimento principalmente por países asiáticos. Son usadas en la actualidad en muchos otros países como fertilizantes, biocombustibles, fuentes de hidrocoloides entre otras aplicaciones. Su alto contenido de proteínas, lípidos poliinsaturados, fibra dietética, vitaminas y minerales las hacen una fuente atractiva de alimentos funcionales. También poseen sustancias con valor nutracéutico, como los compuestos fenólicos y las clorofilas. En Cuba se evidencia la existencia de ellas en la plataforma insular incluidas las zonas costeras y las bahías. Sin embargo, hasta el presente no existen suplementos nutricionales ni productos farmacéuticos en el mercado nacional elaborados a partir de las macroalgas. La calidad nutritiva de algas marinas junto al alto contenido de compuestos bioactivos con propiedades beneficiosas para la salud, constituyen dos razones importantes para fundamentar su consumo. Además, las algas poseen en su composición, polisacáridos que permiten su incorporación en alimentos cárnicos y en pastas, manteniendo o mejorando su calidad sensorial, nutritiva y saludable. ABSTRACTSince ancient times, algae have been used as a food source fundamentally by Asian countries. They are employed in our times as fertilizer, biogas, in hydrocolloids’ industry and others. Its composition in high quality proteins, polyunsatured lipids, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals are determinants to declare algae as an attractive functional food. Furthermore, algae have nutraceutical substances, including phenols and chlorophylls. In Cuba, they are present in all Cuban seashore and harbors. However, no macroalgae’s nutritional supplements or pharmaceutic products in the Cuban market exist. The nutritional quality of seaweed alongside the high content of bioactive compounds with beneficial health properties, constitute two important reasons to increase consumption. Moreover, algae have in their composition protein structures that allows its incorporation into of meat and pasta foods, maintaining or improving their sensory, nutritious and healthy quality.