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Review
. 2024 Oct 3;29(19):4695.
doi: 10.3390/molecules29194695.

Bioactive Potential of Algae and Algae-Derived Compounds: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Effects

Maima Matin  1 , Magdalena Koszarska  1 , Atanas G Atanasov  1   2 , Karolina Król-Szmajda  1 , Artur Jóźwik  1 , Adrian Stelmasiak  3 , Monika Hejna  1
Affiliations
Review

Bioactive Potential of Algae and Algae-Derived Compounds: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Effects

Maima Matin et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Algae, both micro- and macroalgae, are recognized for their rich repository of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. These marine organisms produce a variety of secondary metabolites that exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, offering promising avenues for the development of new drugs and nutraceuticals. Algae-derived compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids, and polysaccharides, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating key inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting microbial growth. At the molecular level, these compounds influence macrophage activity, suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulate apoptotic processes. Studies have shown that algae extracts can inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, reduce oxidative damage by activating Nrf2, and offer an alternative to traditional antibiotics by combatting bacterial infections. Furthermore, algae's therapeutic potential extends to addressing diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer, with ongoing research exploring their efficacy in preclinical animal models. The pig model, due to its physiological similarities to humans, is highlighted as particularly suitable for validating the bioactivities of algal compounds in vivo. This review underscores the need for further investigation into the specific mechanisms of action and clinical applications of algae-derived biomolecules.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial; antioxidant; bioactive compounds; micro and macroalgae; therapeutic applications.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Key pro-inflammatory pathways and interference of selected algal compounds with these pathways (created with BioRender.com, on 15 May 2024).
Figure 2
Figure 2
The basic external and internal signaling pathways lead to apoptosis and interference of selected algal compounds with these pathways (created with BioRender.com, on 10 June 2024).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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