KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZZI: PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Published in: Journal of Sustainability Science and Management
• Main Author: Jalal R.S.; Jalani K.J.; Wahab I.A.; Eshak Z.; Ibrahim A.H.; Mohsin H.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85175014847&doi=10.46754%2fjssm.2023.10.013&partnerID=40&md5=f0d6cd6dae36582b3b94ccb3c6e3b9b0

Kappaphycus alvarezii, a species of red algae (Rhodophyta) formerly known as Eucheuma cottonii, has been widely utilised for its nutritional benefits. This comprehensive review highlights the recently published information on the phytochemicals and pharmacological aspects of K. alvarezii, which underscore its potential applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries. K. alvarezii contains high levels of polysaccharide carrageenan, a major component, and other phytochemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and lectins, which may contribute to its pharmacological activity. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that K. alvarezii possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Given these phytochemical and pharmacological properties, K. alvarezii has the potential to be a valuable source of therapeutically beneficial products in Malaysia, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. © 2023 Penerbit UMT. All Rights Reserved