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Anticoagulant effect of marine algae
Se-Kwon Kim1, Isuru Wijesekara
1Marine Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea. sknkim@pknu.ac.kr
Advances in Food and Nutrition Research
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Marine algae are rich sources of natural anticoagulant compounds. Phlorotannins and sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from algae show promise for developing new anticoagulant drugs in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Growing interest in natural anticoagulants from marine sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
- Marine algae, including brown, red, and green varieties, are recognized as reservoirs of bioactive compounds.
- Specific compounds like phlorotannins and sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) exhibit anticoagulant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of marine algae as a source of natural anticoagulant agents.
- To provide an overview of anticoagulant compounds derived from marine algae.
- To highlight the significance of phlorotannins and SPs in anticoagulant drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of marine algae compounds with anticoagulant activity.
- Identification of key bioactive compounds: phlorotannins and sulfated polysaccharides (SPs).
- Categorization of algae types (brown, red, green) and their associated compounds (fucoidans, carrageenans, ulvans).
Main Results:
- Marine algae contain diverse phlorotannins and SPs with demonstrated anticoagulant effects.
- Fucoidans (brown algae), carrageenans (red algae), and ulvans (green algae) are identified as significant anticoagulant agents.
- These compounds offer a natural alternative for anticoagulant therapies.
Conclusions:
- Marine algae-derived phlorotannins and SPs represent a promising avenue for novel anticoagulant drug discovery.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to new therapeutic options in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Marine algae are valuable, sustainable sources for bioactive anticoagulant compounds.
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