Asparagopsis Genus: What We Really Know About Its Biological Activities and Chemical Composition

Abstract

Although the genus Asparagopsis includes only two taxonomically accepted species, the published literature is unanimous about the invasive nature of this genus in different regions of the globe, and about the availability of large amounts of biomass for which it is important to find a commercial application. This review shows that extracts from Asparagospsis species have already been evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antifouling, cytotoxic, antimethanogenic and enzyme-inhibitory activity. However, the tables presented herein show, with few exceptions, that the activity level displayed is generally low when compared with positive controls. Studies involving pure compounds being identified in Asparagopsis species are rare. The chemical compositions of most of the evaluated extracts are unknown. At best, the families of the compounds present are suggested. This review also shows that the volatile halogenated compounds, fatty acids and sterols that are biosynthesized by the Asparagopsis species are relatively well known. Many other non-volatile metabolites (halogen compounds, flavonoids, other phenolic compounds) seem to be produced by these species, but their chemical structures and properties haven’been investigated. This shows how much remains to be investigated regarding the secondary-metabolite composition of these species, suggesting further studies following more targeted methodologies.

Antibacterial Activities and Life Cycle Stages of Asparagopsis armata: Implications of the Metabolome and Microbiome

“…Asparagopsis armata and A. taxiformis are two red algae known for their production of halogenated molecules [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Several studies reported differences in the concentration of some targeted halogenated molecules between the different life stages of the genus [ 6 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Marine natural products

“…355 Several rst total syntheses of red algal metabolites were published in 2022, including those of C 15 acetogenins dehydroitomanallene B, 356 Z-906 and E-ocellenyne 907, which also established their absolute congurations, 357 sesquiterpenoid laurencenone C 358 and thysiferol-type triterpenoid saiyacenol A. 359 A review of the metabolites from the possibly invasive genus Acanthophora and of Asparagopsis, respectively, have been published, 360,361 as has a summary of red algal compounds with skin whitening cosmeceutical potential. 362 The role of carotenoids in the adaptation of the intertidal red alga Neopyropia yezoensis towards daily desiccation has been investigated.…”

“…A review of the metabolites from the possibly invasive genus Acanthophora and of Asparagopsis , respectively, have been published, 360,361 as has a summary of red algal compounds with skin whitening cosmeceutical potential. 362…”

Unraveling the chemical identification and biological potential of the genus Asparagopsis: a comprehensive review

“…The significance of the genus Asparagopsis derives from its intricate chemical composition and the potential utility of its constituents (Ponte et al, 2022). Asparagopsis species have been documented to produce an extensive array of bioactive compounds, polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, sterols, and bromoform (Feĺix et al, 2021).…”