Bioactive Derivatives from Algae: Properties and Applications in Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Using algae metabolites is considered a current and innovative topic of interest. Among the various applying sectors such as food, manufacturing, and environment, these organisms are also characterized by a high therapeutic potential. The influence of biotic and abiotic factors allows the production of different bioactive compounds, such as carbohydrates, polyphenols, proteins, vitamins, sterols, fatty acids and many others. The algal biomass is investigated to discover and develop new possible therapies and nowadays different properties have been determined, like antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic. Typical examples include the application of algae in diabetes mellitus, which is a disease that is continually spreading throughout Europe and the world. Numerous trials are currently underway to develop innovative and effective treatments, as well as several algae are being investigated in order to gain a deeper understanding of this pathology. In recent studies it has been demonstrated that metabolites such as polyphenols, polysaccharides and pigments, by their inhibitory activity, are capable of reducing blood glucose levels and increasing the amount of insulin.