Biological activity of algal derived carrageenan: A comprehensive review in light of human health and disease

Int J Biol Macromol. 2023 May 31:238:124085. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124085. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

Abstract

Carrageenans are a family of natural linear sulfated polysaccharides derived from red seaweeds and used as a common food additive. Carrageenan's properties, impact on health, and aesthetic benefits have all been studied for a long time; however, the mechanisms are still unclear. In pharmaceutical aspects, carrageenan displayed potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties in both in vivo and in vitro action. It also contributes to potential disease-preventive activities through dynamic modulation of important intracellular signaling pathways, regulation of ROS buildup, and preservation of major cell survival and death processes which leads to potential drug development. Furthermore, the chemical synthesis of the current bioactive medicine with confirmational rearrangement may increase availability and bioactivity needs diligent examination. In this review, we give an up-to-date overview of recent research on Carrageenan with reference to health and therapeutic advantages. In addition, we have focused on structural conformation and its primary strategic deployment in disease prevention, as well as the mechanistic investigation of how it functions to combat various disease-preventive employed for future therapeutic interventions. This review may get new insights into the possible novel role of carrageenan and open up a novel disease-preventive mechanism and enhance human health.

Keywords: Biological activity; Carrageenan; Drug synergisms; Toxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Carrageenan / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Plants
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Seaweed* / chemistry

Substances

  • Carrageenan
  • Polysaccharides
  • Antioxidants