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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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... Polyphenols, widely found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and seaweeds, are generally present in free and bound forms [7]. Seaweed is rich in polyphenols, including phloroglucinol, flavonoid, bromophenol, phenolic acid, and proanthocyanidins, and has a high proportion of bound forms [8,9]. Free polyphenols are usually found in plant vacuoles, while bound polyphenols are usually linked to macromolecular polysaccharides such as pectin and cellulose [7]. ...
... -O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-O-glucoside, myricetin-O-rhamnoside, apigenin-O-glucoside, quercetin-O-hexoside, and isorhamnetin-O-glucoside were identified in brown seaweeds by HPLC-MS [43], which may have been taxifolin-7-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (myricitrin), apigenin-7-O-glucoside (cosemetin), quercetin-3-O-galactoside (hyperoside), and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, respectively, or their isomers. Simple bromophenols (including 2,4-dibromophenol and 2,4,6-tribromophenol) and complex bromophenols were found in several red seaweeds, including Asparagopsis taxiformis, Polyopes lancifolia, and Rhodomela confervoides[8,46,47]. These polyphenols were identified in Betaphycus gelatinum for the first time. ...
Little information is available regarding polyphenol variations in the food processing of edible and medicinal red seaweed, Betaphycus gelatinum. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus brevis fermentation on total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenol profile, and antioxidant activity in Betaphycus gelatinum pretreated by ultrasound-assisted mild acid hydrolysis for the first time. During 60 h of fermentation, the viable colony number significantly increased, pH significantly decreased, and reducing sugar content significantly decreased initially, then significantly increased. Free TPC significantly increased to 865.42 ± 29.29 μg GAE/g DW (163.09% increase) with increasing antioxidant activity, while bound TPC significantly decreased to 1004.90 ± 87.32 μg GAE/g DW (27.69% decrease) with decreasing antioxidant activity. Furthermore, 27 polyphenol compounds were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. In total, 19 and 23 free polyphenols and 24 and 20 bound polyphenols were identified before and after fermentation, respectively. Before fermentation, bound trans-cinnamic acid (56.75%), bound rosmarinic acid (26.62%), and free trans-cinnamic acid (3.85%) were the main components. After fermentation, free rosmarinic acid (43.57%), bound trans-cinnamic acid (15.19%), bound rosmarinic acid (13.33%), and free trans-cinnamic acid (5.99%) were the main components. These results provide information for the food processing of Betaphycus gelatinum.
... Both, antioxidant and anti-elastase activities are usually attributed to phenolic compounds present in seaweeds. A positive correlation between phenolic concentration and antioxidant activity has been evidenced using the DPPH method [35,[59][60][61]. In this work, two extraction methods were used to increase the concentration of phenolic compounds in the extract. ...
... Conversely, seaweeds are emerging as a viable and plentiful source of natural antioxidants and different kinds of bioactive compounds having health-promoting properties (Garcia et al., 2020;Rengasamy et al., 2020). A number of potent antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanidins, catechins, flavones, flavonols, flavononols, isoflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and quercitin), lignins, tocopherols, bromophenols, fucoxanthin, phlorotannins, etc. have been isolated and identified from different types of seaweed (Cotas et al., 2020;Gomes et al., 2022). Among the different seaweeds, brown seaweeds are known for their excellent antioxidant properties in comparison to green and red seaweeds (Movahhedin et al., 2018). ...
The effects of seaweed (Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans) ethanolic extracts on the quality and shelf life extension of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets were investigated during refrigerated storage for 20 days. Each of the seaweed ethanolic extracts solution (2%, w/v) was used for dipping the fish fillets for 10 min at 4°C. The control and seaweed extract-treated fillets were stored at 4±1°C in air tight polyethylene bags, and chemical, bacteriological, and sensory evaluation were performed at every 4 days’ intervals. During the storage period, P. tetrastromatica extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the increment of pH, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total volatile basic nitrogen values in Nile tilapia fillets compared to other seaweed extracts-treated and untreated fillets. The maximal total viable count of control, P. tetrastromatica, S. natans, and S. fluitans extracts-treated fillets was 6.53, 7.11, 6.75, and 7.10 log CFU/g at the 8th, 20th, 12th, and 16th days of storage, respectively. The total psychrotrophic count of control and seaweed extracts-treated fillets was also significantly increased (p < 0.05) throughout the storage period. The P. tetrastromatica extracts-treated fillets showed better sensory characteristics than other seaweed extracts-treated and control fillets. Results of this study suggest that ethanolic extracts (2%, w/v) of P. tetrastromatica extend the shelf life for 12 days longer than the control fillets in refrigerated conditions.
... Conversely, seaweeds are emerging as a viable and plentiful source of natural antioxidants and different kinds of bioactive compounds having health-promoting properties (Garcia et al., 2020;Rengasamy et al., 2020). A number of potent antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanidins, catechins, flavones, flavonols, flavononols, isoflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and quercitin), lignins, tocopherols, bromophenols, fucoxanthin, phlorotannins, etc. have been isolated and identified from different types of seaweed (Cotas et al., 2020;Gomes et al., 2022). Among the different seaweeds, brown seaweeds are known for their excellent antioxidant properties in comparison to green and red seaweeds (Movahhedin et al., 2018). ...
... Seaweed phenolic compounds are considered to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular levels [20,21]. Studies have shown that Gangneung-grown AC exerts antioxidant activity and inhibits the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα in LPS-induced macrophages [15,16,22]. ...
Excessive oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Busan-grown Agarum cribrosum ethanol extract (ACE) and its organic solvent five fractions are exhibited in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. ACE and its five fractions from ACE evaluated the total antioxidant activity and the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant genes expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. ACE and its ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed a high total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity by decreasing free radicals scavenging activity. ACE and its EtOAc fraction significantly repressed LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β gene expression. Additionally, ACE and its EtOAc fraction significantly diminished the LPS-stimulated gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 genes with a concomitant decrease in their protein levels in the macrophages. The gene expression of NADPH oxidase 2 was significantly abolished by ACE and its EtOAc fraction in LPS-induced macrophages, while other antioxidant genes showed minimal effects. The results suggest that ACE and its EtOAc fraction exert inhibitory effects on LPS-stimulated inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages accompanied by total antioxidant activity.
... In general, these metabolites stand out for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and several studies have shown a significant correlation between phenol content and antioxidant activity in algae extracts (Moubayed et al. 2017), which is why they have great value in pharmacology and cosmetics. Although there is not much information about the presence of flavonoids in algae, some studies have shown the presence of hesperidin, kaempferol, catechin and quercetin in macroalgae, as well as isoflavones (such as daidzein, genistein) in brown algae such as Sargassum muticum and Sargassum vulgare, and flavonoid glycosides in brown macroalgae of the genera Durvillea, Lessonia and Macrocystis (Cotas et al. 2020). In Patagonia, some of these metabolites have been described for some species of green algae of Ulva (Uhrich et al. 2016) and the brown alga Lessonia vadosa (Becerra 2016). ...
The alga Undaria pinnatifida is able to synthesize a great variety of bioactive metabolites of pharmaceutical and other industrial interest. However, this species has not yet been comprehensively studied in the Golfo San Jorge region (Chubut, Patagonia Argentina). Thus, in the present study, U. pinnatifida was collected at Golfo San Jorge, seasonally extracted and the chemical profile and biological activity evaluated by different techniques. The results showed that U. pinnatifida fundamentally biosynthesizes phenolic acids (caffeic and ferulic acids), flavonols and flavanol glycosides (quercetin, cacticin, quercitrin), carbohydrates, tannins, lipids, saponins, quinones, steroids, triterpenes and cardiotonic glycosides (of the k-strophanthoside, sciloriside, adynerin and convalatoxin types), with differences according to the season. The extracts also showed moderate antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and outstanding cytotoxic activity by the Artemia salina test. Based on the results obtained, U. pinnatifida can be considered as a potential source of bioactive molecules. Variations in the metabolites were observed throughout the seasons; particularly in the winter season, flavonoids were present in hexane and chloroform extracts, but not in methanol; tannins and other phenolic derivatives in the three winter extracts. This shows the importance of conducting seasonal studies to determine the best season for collection based on the metabolites to be studied.
... Therefore, incorporating photoprotective filters into cosmetics can make them more functional and increase the benefits offered to consumers by counteracting photoaging. Although seaweeds biosynthesize a panoply of compounds of interest, a particular group linked with UV protection is the mycosporine-like amino acids, which seem to be present only in red seaweeds [41,42]. The phenolic content evaluated in this study seems not to be related to photoprotective potential since the hydroethanolic fraction F1 had the lowest TPC level of all extracts, and the highest phenolic content fractions had no statistical differences in relation to the control. ...
This work addresses the potential of the red seaweed Gelidium corneum as a source of bioactive ingredients for skin health and wellness in response to the growing awareness regarding the significance of sustainable strategies in developing new nature-based dermocosmetic products. Hydroalcoholic extracts from the dried biomass were subjected to sequential liquid–liquid partitions, affording five different fractions (F1–F5). Their cosmetic potential was assessed through a set of in vitro assays concerning their antioxidant, photoprotective, and healing properties. Additionally, their cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells and their capacity to induce inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells were also evaluated. As a proof-of-concept, O/W emulsions were prepared, and emulsion stability was assessed by optical microscopy, droplet size analysis, centrifugation tests, and rheology analysis. Furthermore, in vivo tests were conducted with the final formulation to assess its antioxidant capacity. At subtoxic concentrations, the most lipophilic fraction has provided photoprotection against UV light-induced photooxidation in HaCaT cells. This was conducted together with the aqueous fraction, which also displayed healing capacities. Regarding the physical and stability assays, the best performance was achieved with the formulation containing 1% aqueous extract, which exhibited water retention and antioxidant properties in the in vivo assay. In summary, Gelidium corneum displayed itself as a potential source of bioactive ingredients with multitarget properties for dermatological use.
... The structure consists of two aromatic rings and a threecarbon chain that links the two aromatic rings together, with three hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached at different positions ( Fig. 5-B). In addition to naringenin being used as an important starting material for the synthesis of certain flavonoids [136], it has also been demonstrated to possess a wide range of potential health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties [137][138][139][140][141][142]. However, the identified phenolics and flavonoids have a variety of bioactivities as shown in Table 2. ...
This study evaluated the biochemical composition and bioactivity of the crude extract of Sargassum dentifolium on the western coast of the Red Sea, Hurghada, Egypt. The biomass contained approximately 25.80% of total carbohydrates, and 8.40% of total protein, while lipids constitute about 2% of the total dry weight which is consistent with the low lipid content typically found in seaweeds. S. dentifolium also produces volatile and non-volatile compounds as part of its metabolic processes. The most abundant volatile compound identified was phytol, which has various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were the most frequently detected non-volatile compounds, with palmitic acid being the most common. The total phenolic content was 50.6 mg g −1 (5.06%), and the total flavonoid content was 33.9 mg g −1 (3.39%) of the total dry-weight extract. S. dentifolium extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with radical scavenging properties and phenolic content that may contribute to its antioxidant efficacy. It also showed cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, particularly human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) and human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cells, indicating their potential as a source of anti-cancer agents. However, the extract exhibited moderate to weak antiviral activity and limited antimicrobial activity against specific microorganisms. This research could contribute to the development of new functional macroalgae-based food or nutraceutical products with potential health benefits.
This review investigates the potential of natural compounds obtained from marine sources for the treatment of cancer. The oceans are believed to contain physiologically active compounds, such as alkaloids, nucleosides, macrolides, and polyketides, which have shown promising effects in slowing human tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro. Various marine species, including algae, mollusks, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges, and soft corals, have been studied for their bioactive metabolites with diverse chemical structures. The review explores the therapeutic potential of various marine-derived substances and discusses their possible applications in cancer treatment.
Marine macroalgae or seaweeds are valuable resources of nutrients, bioactives and secondary metabolites. The gorgeous multiplicity of marine macroalgae characterises an unexploited pool of bioactives with treasured pharmacological and biomedical usage. Marine macroalgae were consumed by the coastal communities since pre-historic times, particularly in Japan and China, and also used up traditionally in Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, North Korea, Malaysia and lately in India. In India, Ulva, Gracilaria and Acanthophora are used in preparing food items. Marine macroalgae are deliberated as food supplement attributable to availability of valuable macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Other than the primary metabolites, the marine macroalgae also possess structurally diverse secondary metabolites, with promising biological activities. Noticeably, the elongated life expectancy and lesser cardiovascular illnesses of Japanese people might be related with their regular intake of marine macroalgae. Above all, these have been identified as a new source of ingredients for developing nutraceuticals. Phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides and polyphenols from the marine macroalgae have shown their bioactivities against spread of cancer cells other than attenuating hyperglycemia and inflammatory response. Marine macroalgae-originated components have prospective pharmacological benefits and exhibit various bioactivities against diverse diseases. Interest in marine macroalgae-centred bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals as demonstrated by the scientific publications and patents in the recent years have applicably validated the potentials of bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae to uphold human health. Considerable numbers of granted patents during the last decade acknowledged the growing significance of bioactives from marine macroalgae. The increasing inclination in the number of patents in the area of marine natural product research, predominantly in their biomedical significance fascinated the marine chemists to emphasise on this phylum. Among various marine macroalgal species, brown and red marine macroalgae (classes Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae, respectively) were shown to be the prospective sources of bioactive substances. Lately, marine macroalgal bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals have been considered as functional constituents in foods, and therefore, marine macroalgae could be alternative sources for synthetics, which can add to the human health and well-being.KeywordsMarine macroalgaeBioactive compoundsNutraceuticals
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 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.
The current interest of the scientific community for the exploitation of high-value compounds from macroalgae is related to the increasing knowledge of their biological activities and health benefits. Macroalgae phenolic compounds, particularly phlorotannins, have gained particular attention due to their specific bioactivities, including antioxidant, antiproliferative, or antidiabetic. Notwithstanding, the characterization of macroalgae phenolic compounds is a multi-step task, with high challenges associated with their isolation and characterization, due to the highly complex and polysaccharide-rich matrix of macroalgae. Therefore, this fraction is far from being fully explored. In fact, a critical revision of the extraction and characterization methodologies already used in the analysis of phenolic compounds from macroalgae is lacking in the literature, and it is of uttermost importance to compile validated methodologies and discourage misleading practices. The aim of this review is to discuss the state-of-the-art of phenolic compounds already identified in green, red, and brown macroalgae, reviewing their structural classification, as well as critically discussing extraction methodologies, chromatographic separation techniques, and the analytical strategies for their characterization, including information about structural identification techniques and key spectroscopic profiles. For the first time, mass spectrometry data of phlorotannins, a chemical family quite exclusive of macroalgae, is compiled and discussed.
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.