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Marine Drugs
Special Issues
Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption
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Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 16097

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ana Marta Gonçalves

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Marine Resources, Conservation and Technology, Marine Algae Laboratory, Centre for Functional Ecology—Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
2. Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: marine biotechnology; biochemical pathways; nutritional content; trophic food webs; biomarkers; aquatic ecology; aquatic ecotoxicology; biosafety; microplastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, the interest in and search for new natural compounds from marine biodiversity to discover novel bioactive substances have increased. It is expected that many naturally bioactive marine compounds with novel structures and bioactivities may be found among marine metabolites. Furthermore, due to an increasing global population, securing nutritious and secure food supply is paramount. The production of food products should grow by 60%, but it is also crucial to maintain the high nutritional composition and quality of food products. However, with the constant, aggravated depletion of our natural environments, such as water and soil supplies, the foundations of our food production are being compromised. There is a demand for alternative food sources that also envision a sustainable way for the exploration of these foundations in which our food production lies. In this scenario, there is great interest in macroalgae biomass and resource exploration, with a substantial body of evidence supporting the nutritious potential of macroalgae. Marine macroalgae produce significant amounts of primary and secondary metabolites that present a wide variety of bioactive properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, or immunomodulatory potential, with also antibiotic properties. These molecules are promising candidates for many possible applications, such as in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and medicine areas, but also in agriculture or feeding. These applications may promote several benefits to humans’ daily life, and thus to a better quality of life. Still, some substances may be poisonous to humans and to other organisms or become toxic beyond a certain quantity. This Special Issue invites the submission of original research or review papers, highlighting the marine macroalgae benefits, applications, and therapeutic potential through direct or indirect consumption.

Dr. Ana Marta Gonçalves
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • natural compounds
  • marine macroalgae
  • biomass
  • antioxidant
  • antiviral
  • antimicrobial
  • antitumoral
  • anti-inflammatory
  • anti-aging
  • immunomodulatory
  • antibiotic
  • pharmaceutical
  • nutraceutical
  • cosmetic
  • medicine
  • consumption

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 755 KiB  
Article
Impact of Harvest Month and Drying Process on the Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Wild Palmaria palmata from Atlantic Canada
by Bétina Lafeuille, Éric Tamigneaux, Karine Berger, Véronique Provencher and Lucie Beaulieu
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(7), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21070392 - 3 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2059
Abstract
The macroalga Palmaria palmata could be a sustainable and nutritional food resource. However, its composition may vary according to its environment and to processing methods used. To investigate these variations, wild P. palmata from Quebec were harvested in October 2019 and June 2020, [...] Read more.
The macroalga Palmaria palmata could be a sustainable and nutritional food resource. However, its composition may vary according to its environment and to processing methods used. To investigate these variations, wild P. palmata from Quebec were harvested in October 2019 and June 2020, and dried (40 °C, ≃5 h) or stored as frozen controls (−80 °C). The chemical (lipids, proteins, ash, carbohydrates, fibers), mineral (I, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe), potential bioactive compound (carotenoids, polyphenols, β-carotene, α-tocopherol) compositions, and the in vitro antioxidant activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition potential of water-soluble extracts were determined. The results suggested a more favorable macroalgae composition in June with a higher content of most nutrients, minerals, and bioactive compounds. October specimens were richer only in carbohydrates and carotenoids. No significant differences in antioxidant or anti-ACE inhibitory activities were found between the two harvest months. The drying process did not significantly impact the chemical and mineral compositions, resulting in only small variations. However, drying had negative impacts on polyphenols and anti-ACE activities in June, and on carotenoids in October. In addition, a concentration effect was observed for carotenoids, β-carotene and α-tocopherol in June. To provide macroalgae of the highest nutritional quality, the drying process for June specimens should be selected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption)
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14 pages, 1405 KiB  
Article
Effects of an Extract of the Brown Seaweed Ascophylum nodosum on Postprandial Glycaemic Control in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study
by Aleksandra Konic Ristic, Sinead Ryan, Maha Attjioui, Shane O’Connell and Eileen R. Gibney
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(6), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21060337 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2439
Abstract
The effects of the consumption of an extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (BSW) on postprandial glucose and insulin responses to white bread were investigated in an acute, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, crossover, controlled trial in healthy, normoglycemic subjects. Sixteen subjects were administered [...] Read more.
The effects of the consumption of an extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (BSW) on postprandial glucose and insulin responses to white bread were investigated in an acute, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, crossover, controlled trial in healthy, normoglycemic subjects. Sixteen subjects were administered either control white bread (50 g total digestible carbohydrates) or white bread with 500 mg or 1000 mg of BSW extract. Biochemical parameters were measured in venous blood over 3 h. Significant inter-individual variation in the glycaemic response to white bread was observed. Analysis of the responses of all subjects to either 500 mg or 1000 mg of BSW extract versus control revealed no significant effects of treatments. The variation in response to the control was used to classify individuals into glycaemic responders and non-responders. In the sub-cohort of 10 subjects with peak glucose levels after white bread above 1 mmol/L, we observed a significant decrease in maximum levels of plasma glucose after the intervention meal with 1000 mg of extract compared with the control. No adverse effects were reported. Further work is warranted to define all factors that determine “responders” to the effects of brown seaweed extracts and identify the cohort that would benefit the most from their consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption)
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19 pages, 1409 KiB  
Article
Chemical and Nutritional Profiling of the Seaweed Dictyota dichotoma and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Hypoglycemic Potentials
by Muhammad Imran, Arshad Iqbal, Syed Lal Badshah, Ayaz Ali Sher, Hammad Ullah, Muhammad Ayaz, Osama F. Mosa, Nada M. Mostafa and Maria Daglia
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(5), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21050273 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2502
Abstract
Seaweed has been known to possess beneficial effects forhuman health due to the presence of functional bioactive components. The n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Dictyota dichotoma showed ash (31.78%), crude fat (18.93%), crude protein (14.5%), and carbohydrate (12.35%) contents. About 19 [...] Read more.
Seaweed has been known to possess beneficial effects forhuman health due to the presence of functional bioactive components. The n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Dictyota dichotoma showed ash (31.78%), crude fat (18.93%), crude protein (14.5%), and carbohydrate (12.35%) contents. About 19 compounds were identified in the n-butanol extract, primarily undecane, cetylic acid, hexadecenoic acid, Z-11-, lageracetal, dodecane, and tridecane, whereas 25 compounds were identified in the ethyl acetate extract, mainly tetradecanoic, hexadecenoic acid, Z-11-, undecane, and myristic acid. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxylic acid, phenols, aromatics, ethers, amides, sulfonates, and ketones. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in ethyl acetate extract were 2.56 and 2.51 mg GAE/g and in n-butanol extract were 2.11 and 2.25 mg QE/g, respectively. Ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts at a high concentration of 100 mg mL−1 showed 66.64 and 56.56 % inhibition of DPPH, respectively. Antimicrobial activity revealed that Candida albicans was the most susceptible microorganism, followed by Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the least inhibition at all concentrations. The in vivo hypoglycemic study revealed that both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent hypoglycemic activities. In conclusion, this macroalgae exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic potentials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption)
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Review

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24 pages, 5879 KiB  
Review
Algae Food Products as a Healthcare Solution
by Joana O. Tavares, João Cotas, Ana Valado and Leonel Pereira
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(11), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21110578 - 5 Nov 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5890
Abstract
Diseases such as obesity; cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction and stroke; digestive diseases such as celiac disease; certain types of cancer and osteoporosis are related to food. On the other hand, as the world’s population increases, the ability of [...] Read more.
Diseases such as obesity; cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction and stroke; digestive diseases such as celiac disease; certain types of cancer and osteoporosis are related to food. On the other hand, as the world’s population increases, the ability of the current food production system to produce food consistently is at risk. As a result, intensive agriculture has contributed to climate change and a major environmental impact. Research is, therefore, needed to find new sustainable food sources. One of the most promising sources of sustainable food raw materials is macroalgae. Algae are crucial to solving this nutritional deficiency because they are abundant in bioactive substances that have been shown to combat diseases such as hyperglycemia, diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Examples of these substances include polysaccharides such as alginate, fucoidan, agar and carrageenan; proteins such as phycobiliproteins; carotenoids such as β-carotene and fucoxanthin; phenolic compounds; vitamins and minerals. Seaweed is already considered a nutraceutical food since it has higher protein values than legumes and soy and is, therefore, becoming increasingly common. On the other hand, compounds such as polysaccharides extracted from seaweed are already used in the food industry as thickening agents and stabilizers to improve the quality of the final product and to extend its shelf life; they have also demonstrated antidiabetic effects. Among the other bioactive compounds present in macroalgae, phenolic compounds, pigments, carotenoids and fatty acids stand out due to their different bioactive properties, such as antidiabetics, antimicrobials and antioxidants, which are important in the treatment or control of diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. That said, there have already been some studies in which macroalgae (red, green and brown) have been incorporated into certain foods, but studies on gluten-free products are still scarce, as only the potential use of macroalgae for this type of product is considered. Considering the aforementioned issues, this review aims to analyze how macroalgae can be incorporated into foods or used as a food supplement, as well as to describe the bioactive compounds they contain, which have beneficial properties for human health. In this way, the potential of macroalgae-based products in eminent diseases, such as celiac disease, or in more common diseases, such as diabetes and cholesterol complications, can be seen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption)
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Other

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15 pages, 2879 KiB  
Systematic Review
How Do Brown Seaweeds Work on Biomarkers of Dyslipidemia? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
by Dayeon Shin, Sung Ryul Shim, Yueying Wu, Gayeon Hong, Hyunyu Jeon, Choong-Gon Kim and Kyung Ju Lee
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21040220 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2488
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is a common chronic disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diet plays an important role in the development of dyslipidemia. As people pay increased attention to healthy eating habits, brown seaweed consumption is increasing, particularly in East Asian countries. The [...] Read more.
Dyslipidemia is a common chronic disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diet plays an important role in the development of dyslipidemia. As people pay increased attention to healthy eating habits, brown seaweed consumption is increasing, particularly in East Asian countries. The association between dyslipidemia and brown seaweed consumption has been previously demonstrated. We searched for keywords associated with brown seaweed and dyslipidemia in electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. The 95% confidence interval (CI) of the forest plot and heterogeneity were confirmed using meta-ANOVA and meta-regression. Funnel plots and publication bias statistical tests were used to determine publication bias. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In this meta-analysis, we found that brown seaweed intake significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (mean difference (MD): −3.001; 95% CI: −5.770, −0.232) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (MD: −6.519; 95% CI: −12.884, −0.154); nevertheless, the statistically significant association of brown seaweed intake with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were not observed in our study (MD: 0.889; 95% CI: −0.558, 2.335 and MD: 8.515; 95% CI: −19.354, 36.383). Our study demonstrated that brown seaweed and its extracts decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The use of brown seaweeds may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of dyslipidemia. Future studies involving a larger population are warranted to investigate the dose–response association of brown seaweed consumption with dyslipidemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Seaweeds’ Consumption)
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