Multifunctional role of fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharides in human health and disease: A journey under the sea in pursuit of potent therapeutic agents

Bioactive Metabolites from Marine Algae as Potent Pharmacophores against Oxidative Stress-Associated Human Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

“…Fucoidans have several biological activities and act as antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetes, antiviral, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic agents. Additionally, they also modulate the human immune system [1]. Furthermore, laminarin is the second main source of glucan, abundantly found in brown algae, and it acts as a facilitator of intestinal metabolism [36].…”

“…Epidemiological studies have evidenced the dangerous effects on human health of the ever-increasing intake of junk food, alcohol, and antibiotics. This bad behavior can increase the risk of oxidative stress which, in turn, can lead to accelerated aging and inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease and many types of cancer [1]. According to reports by the WHO, more than 200 types of lethal cancer accounted approximately for 9.6 million deaths per year in 2019 globally [2].…”

“…In addition to cancer and diabetes, inflammatory diseases have tremendously increased in the recent past causing millions of deaths [6]. Unfortunately, current chemotherapeutic, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory drugs often present several adverse effects, such as toxicity, drug tolerance, and metabolic impairments [1]. In this regard, natural products might provide alternative drugs with better characteristics [7].…”

“…Approximately 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans and it hosts an immense variety of marine organisms which represent a rich source of natural products [1,12,13]. Marine algae are among the most promising sources of novel bioactive compounds with interesting biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities [1].…”

“…Approximately 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans and it hosts an immense variety of marine organisms which represent a rich source of natural products [1,12,13]. Marine algae are among the most promising sources of novel bioactive compounds with interesting biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities [1]. Marine algae are extensively used in diet and traditional medicine in Asian countries because of the presence of minerals, dietary fiber, lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, polysaccharides, and essential amino acids [14,15].…”