Advances on marine-derived natural radioprotection compounds: historic development and future perspective

Abstract

Natural extracts and compounds from marine resources have gained intensive scientific and industry attention for radioprotective activities in the past ten years. However, the marine-derived radioprotectants have been studied against UV-rays, gamma (γ)-rays and X-rays for more than 30 years. This review aims to identify key marine-derived extracts/compounds and their modes of action studied for radioprotective activities from 1986 to 2019. A comprehensive survey was conducted to establish the trend in terms of the publications each year and the countries of origin. A total of 40 extracts and 34 natural compounds showing radioprotective activities against UV-rays, gamma (γ)-rays and X-rays were identified from a range of marine plants and animals. These extracts and compounds are broadly categorized into polysaccharides, phlorotannins, carotenoids and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). Macroalgae and microalgae were found to be the dominant sources of polysaccharides, phlorotannins and carotenoids. MAAs were mainly identified in algae, sponges, sea cucumber and corals that showed significant UV-absorbing activities. A number of radioprotective mechanisms were shown by these compounds, predominantly free radicals scavenging, inhibition of apoptosis, UV-ray absorption and DNA damage-repair signaling pathways. While these bio-discoveries warrant further investigation and development of radioprotective therapeutics, however, the lack of clinical studies is a major obstacle to be tackled in the future.

Expanding the application range of the κ‑carrageenase OUC-FaKC16A when preparing oligosaccharides from κ-carrageenan and furcellaran

“…During past decades, carrageenan has been widely applied in the food industry. Because of its good gel-forming properties (Abraham et al 2021 ; Hong et al 2022 ; Zia et al 2017 ), carrageenan is commonly employed as a gelling agent, thickening agent, or delivery carrier for functional ingredients (Sun et al 2020 ; Xie et al 2019 ). However, the water-insoluble and macromolecular properties cause their poor bioavailability and bioactivity, which limit further high-value application (Guo et al 2022 ; Yu et al 2002 ).…”

The mechanism of action of Spirulina as antidiabetic: a narrative review

“…Following post-radiation, phycocyanin dramatically reduced the dehydrogenase activity in rat models. 28,29 S. platensis generates calcium spirulan is a unique sulfated polysaccharide product and it acts as an antiviral action by preventing enveloped viruses' entry mechanism, for instance, Measles, Cytomegaloviruses, Varicella zoster, and Herpes simplex (HSV-1&2) entry into the host cell. By blocking the adsorption of the virions, sulfated polysaccharide from the red alga Porphyridium.…”

Exploring Marine Algae-Derived Phycocyanin Nanoparticles as Safe and Effective Sunscreen Ingredients

“…Such compounds have been found to have various bioactive properties that enable marine algae to thrive in extreme environments. These properties include UV absorption, antioxidant, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, immunomodulatory, and others (Abraham et al 2021;Fonseca et al 2023;Cao et al 2016). As a result, these compounds have potential applications in skincare products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.…”