Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Human Health

Abstract

Background: Seaweeds are a significant source of structurally varied bioactive chemicals with substantial medicinal promise. Sulfated polysaccharides, carotenoids, phlorotannins, bioactive peptides, sterols and phycobiliproteins demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological effects. Nonetheless, their conversion into clinically authorised treatments is constrained by issues pertaining to standardisation, bioavailability, structural variability and inadequate clinical data. Objective: This review sought to critically assess current advancements (2020-2026) in the chemistry, extraction methodologies, pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic uses, translational research and future potential of bioactive chemicals obtained from seaweed for human health. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature was performed to consolidate evidence regarding the principal categories of bioactive chemicals obtained from seaweed encompassing fucoidan, carrageenan, alginate, ulvan, phlorotannin, fucoxanthin, bioactive peptides, sterols and phycobiliproteins. Emphasis was directed on their extraction methodologies, structure-activity relationships, molecular mechanisms, pharmacological properties, bioavailability, translational progress and novel drug-delivery techniques. Results: Bioactive chemicals produced from seaweed exhibit substantial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties via modulating many molecular signalling pathways, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Nrf2 and caspase-mediated cascades. These chemicals regulate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis and immunological responses, underscoring their promise in the prevention and therapy of chronic, multifactorial disorders. Recent advancements in extraction technologies, nano enabled delivery systems and pharmacokinetic research have enhanced the translational potential of these drugs. Nonetheless, significant obstacles persist, such as inadequate standardisation, restricted bioavailability, insufficient pharmacokinetic characterisation and a lack of large-scale clinical trials.