Gametophyte phase of commercial kelps, the potential food supplements for essential fatty acids and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract

For heteromorphic algae with alternating generations, the thallus and gametophyte phases are different morphologies in free-living life history.The thalli are popular used as traditional vegetables and herbal drugs, whereas the gametophyte phases are little involved. To better understand the functional lipids in the gametophyte phase of three commercial kelps, Saccharina japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, and Costaria costata, the contents of total lipids (TLs), fatty acid (FA) profiles, and transcriptomic analysis were performed. For the studied kelps, the TL contents in gametophyte phase were always almost twice more than those in the thallus, and the kelp species, their life stage, and the gender were critical factors affecting lipid accumulation. The gametophyte phases of U. pinnatifida and C. costata were rich in essential FA C18:2 n − 6 and C18:3 n − 3.The S. japonica gametophyte phase contained abundant C20:5 n − 3 and C18:4 n − 3, possessed an ideal ratio of n − 6/n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid below 1.0, and was supported by the transcriptome data which showed that the key sjD12/15 (n − 3) gene of gametophyte partially upregulated than sporophyte. The results suggested that S. japonica gametophyte phase was the worthiest of further development and utilization as a functional food.

Undaria pinnatifida ameliorates nasal inflammation by inhibiting eosinophil and mast cell activation and modulating the NF‐κB/MAPKs signaling pathway

“…This species is characterized by its high protein content and dietary fiber, as well as significant amounts of calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin A, and antioxidants. 19 U. pinnatifida is well known for containing phenolic compounds 20 with antioxidant, 21 anti-inflammatory, 22 antidiabetic, 23 and antibacterial 24 activities. Furthermore, our quantitative analysis showed that galactans was the most abundant compound in U. pinnatifida.…”

“…U. pinnatifida stands out as a notable reservoir of many essential nutrients. This species is characterized by its high protein content and dietary fiber, as well as significant amounts of calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin A, and antioxidants 19 . U. pinnatifida is well known for containing phenolic compounds 20 with antioxidant, 21 anti‐inflammatory, 22 antidiabetic, 23 and antibacterial 24 activities.…”