Therapeutic And Nutritional Uses Of Algae

Algae have been used since ancient times as food, fodder, fertilizer and as source of medicine. Nowadays seaweeds represent an unlimited source of the raw materials used in pharmaceutical, food industries, medicine and cosmetics. They are nutritionally valuable as fresh or dried vegetables, or as ingredients in a wide variety of prepared foods. In particular, seaweeds contain significant quantities of protein, lipids, minerals and vitamins. There is limited information about the role of algae and algal metabolites in medicine. Only a few taxa have been studied for their use in medicine. Many traditional cultures report curative powers from selected alga, in particular tropical and subtropical marine forms. This is especially true in the maritime areas of Asia, where the sea plays a significant role in daily activities. Nonetheless, at present, only a few genera and species of algae are involved in aspects of medicine and therapy. Beneficial uses of algae or algal products include those that may mimic specific manifestations of human diseases, production of antibiotic compounds, or improvement of human nutrition in obstetrics, dental research, thallassotherapy, and forensic medicine.

Algae for Food: Cultivation, Processing and Nutritional Benefits Algae are a primitive, living photosynthetic form and they are the oldest living organism. In the marine ecosystem, algae are the primary producers that supply energy required to a diverse marine organism and especially seaweed provides a habitat for invertebrates and fishes. There have been significant advances in many areas of phycology. This book describes the advances related to food and nutrition of algae achieved during the last decades, it also identifies gaps in the present knowledge and needs for the future. The 17 chapters, grouped into 6 parts, are written by phycologists. More insight on industrial exploitation of algae and their products is supported by current studies and will help academia. The first part explains new technologies to improve the microalgal biomass, strain improvement and different methods of seaweed cultivation. In the second part, food and nutraceutical applications of algae, food safety aspects, green nanotechnology and formulation methods for the extraction and isolation of algal functional foods are described. The third part deals with pigments and carotenoids while the fourth part exploits the isolation and application of hydrocolloids, nutritional implications of algal polysaccharides and the characterization and bioactivity of fucoidans. In the fifth part, the biomedical potential of seaweed followed by agricultural applications of algae are well described. The book is an important resource for scholars that provides knowledge on wide range of topics. Key Features Covers important fields of algae from biomass production to genetic engineering aspects of algae Useful in the field of algal biotechnology, aquaculture, marine micro and macrobiology, microbial biotechnology and bioprocess technology Focuses on the therapeutic and nutritional areas of algae

Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing A comprehensive review of algae as novel and sustainable sources of algal ingredients, their extraction and processing This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues surrounding the consumption, economics, composition, processing and health effects of algae. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book explores the application of conventional and emerging technologies for algal processing. The book includes recent developments such as drying and milling technologies along with advancements in sustainable greener techniques. The text also highlights individual groups of compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids and fibres from algae. The authors provide insightful reviews of the traditional and more recent applications of algae/algal extracts in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Offering a holistic view of the various applications, the book looks at the economic feasibility, market trends and considerations, and health hazards associated with algae for industrial applications. This important book: Provides a comprehensive overview of algal biomolecules and the role of emerging processing technologies Explores the potential biological and health benefits of algae and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products Includes a current review of algal bioactives and processing technologies for food and ingredient manufacturers Contains contributions from leading academic and industrial experts Written for food scientists, allied researchers and professional food technologists, Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing: Food and Health Perspectives offers a guide to the novel processing and extraction techniques for exploring and harnessing the immense potential of algae.

Microalgae in Health and Disease Prevention is a comprehensive reference that addresses the historical and potential use of microalgae, its extracts, secondary metabolites, and molecular constituents for enhancing human health and preventing diseases. Each chapter features an overview, and the book includes coverage of microalgae biology, harmful algae, the use of microalgae in alcohol and food, and as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The historical use of microalgae, in addition to its potential use as a nutraceutical and cosmeceutical, is also addressed. The book provides coverage of relevant, up-to-date research as assembled by a group of contributors who are dedicated to the advancement of microalgae use in health, diet and nutrition. Discusses research findings on the relationship between microalgal diet, nutrition and human health Presents the medicinal, anti-allergic and psychoactive properties of microalgae Identifies toxic and harmful microalgae Addresses microalgal lipids, proteins and carbohydrates

This volume on medicinal foods from the sea narrates the bioactive principles of various marine floral (vertebrate and Invertebrate), faunal (Macro and Micro algal) and microbial sources. Contributions from eminent scientists worldwide explain about the latest advance implications in the development and application of marine originated functional foods, as potential pharmaceuticals and medicines for the benefit of humankind by meeting the present nutraceutical demands. The latest important information for food scientists and nutritionists Peer-reviewed articles by a panel of respected scientists The go-to series since 1948

Functional Ingredients from Algae for Foods and Nutraceuticals, Second Edition presents an overview on the composition, properties and potential to develop novel ingredients and additives for functional foods and nutraceuticals. This revised edition includes recent data on the composition and biological properties of algae, along with examples of the development of novel algae products and their performance. It includes a new chapter on both conventional and green technologies for product development and will be of interest to nutrition researchers, food technologists and marine scientists, as well as those with an interest in natural product development. Addresses the chemical, nutritional and biological characterization of algae components Includes cases studies focused on bioactives and the development of novel food products Presents a new chapter on conventional and green technologies for product development

Algae have been used since ancient times as food for humans, animal feed, agricultural fertilizer, and as a source of substances for therapeutic use. Currently, seaweed represents a vast source of raw materials used in the pharmaceutical, food, traditional medicine, and cosmetics industries. They are nutritionally valuable, both fresh and dried, or as ingredients in a wide variety of pre-made foods. In particular, seaweed contains significant amounts of protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. Information is limited on the role of algae and their metabolites in therapy. Only a few taxa have been studied for use in medicine. Many traditional cultures report the healing powers of selected algae in tropical and subtropical marine forms. This is especially true in the maritime areas of Asia, where the sea plays a significant role in daily activities. However, currently, only a few genera and species of algae are involved in aspects of medicine and therapy. The beneficial uses of seaweed or seaweed products include those that can mimic specific manifestations of human disease, production of antibiotic compounds, or improved human nutrition.

NEXT-GENERATION ALGAE The book comprehensively details the novel and biologically active compounds derived from algae for sustainable healthcare delivery that could be used for the treatment of an ever-increasing population, prevention of high rate of morbidity rates, as well as in the treatment of numerous diseases, and serve as an alternative drug for the prevention of high level of resistance to synthetic drugs. This second volume places a special emphasis on the discovery of novel and biologically active compounds from algae. It covers a wide range of applications, including the use of astaxanthin and carotenoids derived from algae for the production of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, additives, food supplements, and feed. The book also discusses the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their biomedical applications, recent advancements in the research of sulfated polysaccharides from algal origin, and their antiulcer bioactivities. Other topics include the application of algae in wound healing, the use of nanotechnology for the bioengineering of useful metabolites derived from algae and their multifaceted applications, and the production of single-cell proteins and pigments with high relevance in the industry. Audience Researchers in industry and academia as well as clinicians in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, and food science will find this book very pertinent.