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Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Potential of Sargassum Species: A Narrative Review

Summary

Sargassum is a type of ocean seaweed that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains compounds that may help fight inflammation, oxidative stress, viruses, and bacteria. Scientists have discovered that different Sargassum species produce nearly 200 different bioactive compounds with potential health benefits ranging from reducing arthritis symptoms to supporting immune function. While Sargassum can accumulate harmful heavy metals like arsenic from seawater, researchers have developed effective cleaning methods to remove these contaminants while preserving the beneficial compounds. This makes Sargassum a promising sustainable source of natural medicines and health supplements.

Background

Sargassum is a genus of brown macroalgae that has been used in traditional medicine and culinary applications across various cultures. The genus encompasses 615 documented species containing nearly 200 bioactive compounds with diverse physiological effects. Some species have become environmental concerns due to excessive growth, particularly S. fluitans, S. natans, and S. horneri in coastal regions.

Objective

This narrative review aims to highlight the major physiological effects of bioactive compounds from Sargassum species and their promising roles in addressing global health and environmental challenges. The review focuses on eight therapeutic and nutraceutical aspects: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, prebiotic, chronic non-communicable disease management, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities.

Results

Multiple Sargassum species demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling. Antioxidant activities were documented through elevation of antioxidant enzymes and reduction of reactive oxygen species. Antiviral activity against various viruses including HSV, avian leukosis virus, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV-2 was reported. Antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were observed with enhanced effects when combined with conventional antibiotics.

Conclusion

Sargassum species represent valuable sources of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential across multiple physiological systems. Despite challenges related to heavy metal accumulation, particularly arsenic, mitigation technologies have been developed to reduce contaminant levels while preserving biological activity. Further clinical investigation is warranted to validate these promising preclinical findings.
  • Published in:Marine Drugs,
  • Study Type:Narrative Review,
  • Source: PMID: 41003312, DOI: 10.3390/md23090343
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