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Review
. 2023 Aug 23;21(9):461.
doi: 10.3390/md21090461.

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Seaweeds: A Promising Strategy for Combatting Viral Diseases-A Review

N M Liyanage  1 , D P Nagahawatta  1 , Thilina U Jayawardena  2 , Kalu Kapuge Asanka Sanjeewa  3 , H H A C K Jayawrdhana  1 , Jae-Il Kim  4 , You-Jin Jeon  1
Affiliations
Review

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Seaweeds: A Promising Strategy for Combatting Viral Diseases-A Review

N M Liyanage et al. Mar Drugs. .

Abstract

The limited availability of treatments for many infectious diseases highlights the need for new treatments, particularly for viral infections. Natural compounds from seaweed are attracting increasing attention for the treatment of various viral diseases, and thousands of novel compounds have been isolated for the development of pharmaceutical products. Seaweed is a rich source of natural bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides. The discovery of algal polysaccharides with antiviral activity has significantly increased in the past few decades. Furthermore, unique polysaccharides isolated from seaweeds, such as carrageenan, alginates, fucoidans, galactans, laminarians, and ulvans, have been shown to act against viral infections. The antiviral mechanisms of these agents are based on their inhibition of DNA or RNA synthesis, viral entry, and viral replication. In this article, we review and provide an inclusive description of the antiviral activities of algal polysaccharides. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing polysaccharide-based antiviral therapies, including issues related to drug delivery and formulation. Finally, this review highlights the need for further research for fully understanding the potential of seaweed polysaccharides as a source of antiviral agents and for developing effective treatments for viral diseases.

Keywords: DNA synthesis inhibitor; antiviral activity; antiviral compounds; bioactive compounds; marine algae; marine natural products; virus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Interaction of sulfated polysaccharides in viral activities.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sulfated polysaccharides isolated from marine algae: (a) k2 carrageenan, (b) λ carrageenan, (c) ί carrageenan, (d) α-galactopyranoe, (e) 1,4-linked β-d-mannuronic acid, and (f) 1,4-l-guluronic acid moieties.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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