Marine Health-Promoting Compounds: Recent Trends for Their Characterization and Human Applications

The document "Marine Health-Promoting Compounds: Recent Trends for Their Characterization and Human Applications" discusses the health benefits and applications of compounds found in seaweeds. These marine plants contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, phytosterols, and tocopherols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Extraction methods, including advanced green techniques and chromatographic methods, are used to isolate these compounds. However, seaweeds can accumulate toxic elements, necessitating purification techniques. The document also highlights challenges such as stability and bioavailability, which can be addressed using nanoencapsulation techniques. Seaweeds have applications in food, cosmetics, human health, and fertilizers. Notably, extracts of E. cava were reported to promote hair-shaft growth. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of these compounds and to develop efficient extraction and purification methods.