Biologically Active Compounds in Seaweed Extracts - the Prospects for the Application

ABSTRACT

The paper covers the latest developments in research on the utilitarian properties of algal extracts. Their appli-cation as the components of pharmaceuticals, feeds for animals and fertilizers was discussed. The classes of various bio-logically active compounds were characterized in terms of their role and the mechanism of action in an organism of hu-man, animal and plant.

Recently, many papers have been published which discuss the methods of manufacture and the composition of algal ex-tracts. The general conclusion is that the composition of extracts strongly depends on the raw material (geographical loca-tion of harvested algae and algal species) as well as on the extraction method. The biologically active compounds which are transferred from the biomass of algae to the liquid phase include polysaccharides, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty ac-ids, pigments, polyphenols, minerals, plant growth hormones and other. They have well documented beneficial effect on humans, animals and plants, mainly by protection of an organism from biotic and abiotic stress (antibacterial activity, scavenging of free radicals, host defense activity etc.) and can be valuable components of pharmaceuticals, feed additives and fertilizers.

Keywords: