Metabolites with Antioxidant Activity from Marine Macroalgae

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack biological molecules, such as lipids, proteins, enzymes, DNA, and RNA, causing cellular and tissue damage. Hence, the disturbance of cellular antioxidant homeostasis can lead to oxidative stress and the onset of a plethora of diseases. Macroalgae, growing in stressful conditions under intense exposure to UV radiation, have developed protective mechanisms and have been recognized as an important source of secondary metabolites and macromolecules with antioxidant activity. In parallel, the fact that many algae can be cultivated in coastal areas ensures the provision of sufficient quantities of fine chemicals and biopolymers for commercial utilization, rendering them a viable source of antioxidants. This review focuses on the progress made concerning the discovery of antioxidant compounds derived from marine macroalgae, covering the literature up to December 2020. The present report presents the antioxidant potential and biogenetic origin of 301 macroalgal metabolites, categorized according to their chemical classes, highlighting the mechanisms of antioxidative action when known.

Watery Rose Apple: A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional Uses, Nutritional Value, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutic Merits against Inflammation-Related Disorders

“…This oxidative stress could be a major contributor to the pathophysiology of several pathological disorders such as diabetes, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, skin aging, and cancer [ 1 , 2 ]. Natural products, delivered to the human body through diet and/or exogenous food supplements and considered nonenzymatic antioxidants, have been reported to either inhibit the production of ROS and/or scavenge them, thus preventing the development of ROS-mediated diseases [ 3 – 5 ]. Nevertheless, the potential of several medicinal plants as a source of new drugs is still largely unexplored where only a small fraction has been investigated phytochemically and biologically [ 6 – 8 ].…”

Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review

“…As a photosynthetic organism, seaweed is exposed to high levels of oxygen and light, which allow the formation of free radicals and other powerful oxidising components (Penalver et al 2020 ). However, seaweed develops robust defences against oxidative agents, as evidenced by the absence of oxidative damage to the chloroplast's thylakoid membranes (Penalver et al 2020 ), where 301 macroalgal metabolites are known to have antioxidant activities (Tziveleka et al 2021 ), such as sulphated polysaccharides, polyphenols, unsaturated fats, amino acids, and peptides, which present various antioxidant traits (Table 12 ). Additionally, Tziveleka et al ( 2021 ) classified the antioxidant metabolites present in algae into phenolic molecules, comprising phlorotannins, bromophenols, and flavonoids; nitrogenous compounds, comprising peptides; terpenoids, comprising steroids and carotenoids; chlorophyll-derived pigments and alkaloids; as well as carbohydrates and polysaccharides.…”

Oxidative Injury in Ischemic Stroke: A Focus on NADPH Oxidase 4

“…Increased ROS could degrade endocellular macromolecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) and lead to decreased enzymatic activity and alterations of cellular configuration [ 23 – 25 ]. Overproduction of ROS results in a decrease of cell membrane fluidity and permeability by induction of lipid peroxidation.…”

“…It results from an imbalance between the generation of ROS and antioxidant defense systems. Increased ROS could modify cell structure and enzymatic activity [ 23 – 25 ]. These changes lead to extravasation of blood components, increased inflammatory response, and even irreversible brain tissue damage [ 26 ].…”