Antioxidant and chemotherapeutic efficacies of seaweed‐derived phlorotannins in cancer treatment: A review regarding novel anticancer drugs

Abstract

The ineffectiveness of traditional cancer therapies due to drug resistance, nontargeted delivery, and chemotherapy-associated adverse side effects has shifted attention to bioactive phytochemicals. Consequently, research efforts toward screening and identification of natural compounds with anticancer properties have increased in recent years. Marine seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, such as polyphenolic compounds, have exhibited anticancer properties. Phlorotannins (PTs), a major group of seaweed-derived polyphenolic compounds, have emerged as powerful chemopreventive and chemoprotective compounds, regulating apoptotic cell death pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In this context, this review focuses on the anticancer activity of polyphenols isolated from brown algae, with a special reference to PTs. Furthermore, we highlight the antioxidant effects of PTs and discuss how they can impact cell survival and tumor development and progression. Moreover, we discussed the potential therapeutic application of PTs as anticancer agents, having molecular mechanisms involving oxidative stress reduction. We have also discussed patents or patent applications that apply PTs as major components of antioxidant and antitumor products. With this review, researcher may gain new insights into the potential novel role of PTs, as well as uncover a novel cancer-prevention mechanism and improve human health.

Harnessing the power of seaweed: unveiling the potential of marine algae in drug discovery

“…Some species of red algae (Rhodophyta), such as Gracilaria (Figure 19a), Gelidium (Figure 19b), Gigartina (Figure 19c), Pterocladiella (Figure 19d), Porphyra (Figure 19e), Jania squamata (Figure 19f), Asparagopsis (Figure 19g), and Jania (Figure 19h), contain sulfated polysaccharides that exhibit potent antitumor effects [56][57][58][59][60]. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, and suppress angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels to nourish tumors) [61].…”

Integration of Antioxidant Activity Assays Data of Stevia Leaf Extracts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…However, disturbances in this balance can lead to oxidative stress, resulting in cellular damage [ 11 , 12 ]. Consequently, oxidative stress can cause numerous diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and inflammation disorders [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Pharmacokinetic Activity of Ulvan, a Seaweed-Derived Sulfated Polysaccharide: An Updated Comprehensive Review

“…Marine and freshwater ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and novel bioactive compounds [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. Ulvan is a primary polysaccharide found in green seaweeds of the genus Ulva (family Ulvaceae).…”