Bioactivities from Marine Algae of the Genus Gracilaria

• Main Authors: José M. Barbosa-Filho, Maria de Fátima V. De Souza, Luis C. Rodrigues, Petrônio F. De Athayde-Filho, Narlize S. Lira, Camila De A. Montenegro, Gedson R. De M. Lima, Leônia M. Batista, Heloina De S. Falcão, Cynthia Layse F. De Almeida
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2011-07-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: Gracilaria; macroalgae; seaweed; biological activity; natural product; review
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/12/7/4550/

Seaweeds are an important source of bioactive metabolites for the pharmaceutical industry in drug development. Many of these compounds are used to treat diseases like cancer, acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), inflammation, pain, arthritis, as well as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. This paper offers a survey of the literature for Gracilaria algae extracts with biological activity, and identifies avenues for future research. Nineteen species of this genus that were tested for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihypertensive, cytotoxic, spermicidal, embriotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities are cited from the 121 references consulted.