Title:Algae Polysaccharides’ Chemical Characterization and their Role in the Inflammatory Process
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Author(s): Noelia Florez, Maria Jesus Gonzalez-Munoz, Daniela Ribeiro, Eduarda Fernandes, Herminia Dominguez and Marisa Freitas
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Macroalgae, polysaccharides, inflammation, seaweed, brown algae, red algae, green algae.
Abstract: Polysaccharides are abundant components in marine macroalgae with potential applications
in different areas such as pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetics and nutrition. The
current interest in these compounds is due to their known bioactivities, conferred by their antiallergic,
neuroprotective, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, cytotoxic, anticoagulant/antithrombotic,
antiviral, antilipidemic, antinociceptive, and immunomodulatory properties, making
them promising bioactive products and biomaterials. The inflammatory process is a complex
event mediated by the immune system that culminates in the neutralization and elimination
of the offending insult protecting the host and restoring tissue homeostasis. This review
focuses on the extraction procedures and chemical characterization of polysaccharides from
different classes of algae (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae and Chlorophyceae) and on the studies
on their inflammatory process modulatory effect.
