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Novel Techniques in Nutrition and Food Science

Secondary Metabolites from Algae for Nutraceutical Applications

Ranga Rao A1*, Vijaya Ramu D1 and Ravishankar GA2

1Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research University (VFSTRU), Guntur 522213, Andhra Pradesh, India

2Dayananda Sagar Institutions, Dr.C.D.Sagar Center for Life Sciences, Shavige Malleshwara Hills, 5th Floor, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bangalore 560078, Karnataka, India

*Corresponding author: Ranga Rao A, Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research University (VFSTRU), Guntur-522213, Andhra Pradesh, India

Submission: October 16, 2017; Published: November 13, 2017

DOI: 10.31031/NTNF.2017.01.000503

ISSN 2640-9208
Volume1 Issue1

Editorial

An increasing global concern on healthy foods is a major effort to drive the worldwide nutraceuticals market. Nutraceuticals sector is approaching maturity levels in developed regions. The global nutraceuticals market has raised to $205.39 billion in 2016, and it is expected to reach $297 billion by 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over 2018-2023. The current global start-ups concerning the demand for nutraceuticals need to focus research on exploration of robust secondary metabolites from microbial resources are having high nutraceutical value for the future benefit of human beings. Microalgae are in increasing demand globally for its use in nutraceutical applications [1]. A few algal species namely Chlorella, Haematococcus, Dunaliella and Spirulina offer a wide range of secondary metabolites for the development of healthier food products [2,3]. An alga produces secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and phenazines [4]. In addition to secondary metabolites, algae contain proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, polysaccharides, polyols, and phycobiliproteins etc [5-8]. These secondary metabolites are numerously used in various health food sectors [9]. Secondary metabolites in algae have been enhanced in providing various stress conditions [10-12]. Secondary metabolites in microalgae have undergone a detailed pharmacological evaluation [13]. Some of the studies are performed for testing secondary metabolites against microorganisms and also an assessment of cytotoxicity against cell culture models [14]. Algal metabolites are described in the literature, but still their biological activities pharmacological is to be improved. Phytochemical investigations of algae have been evaluated for only a few algal species; further work should be aimed to explore the chemistry and biological activities of lesser known species. Culturing micro algal species, and thus securing a reliable source of material for investigation, may be very useful in the future for many algal researchers since such algae have to yield the most potent biologically active compounds. Secondary metabolites from algae have economic importance in various sectors such as food, feed, aquaculture, biomedicine, veterinary medicine, cosmetic industries and also health. In addition, algae have the potential for the development of biotechnology; by being an important strategic natural resource for the country. As the expanding market for algal-based products brings with it the risk of over-harvesting of natural populations. Improvements in the controlled cultivation, harvesting and conservation of algae should be put in practice to permit the sustainable, large-scale production of algae and algal- derived products while avoiding further harm to the marine ecosystem and also environment. However, microalgae especially of marine species still remain to date largely unmapped and represent a unique opportunity to explore novel secondary metabolites in a cost-effective manner. Algae based metabolites are known to bring a wide diversity of molecular targets based on the market value and also selectivity which raises nutraceutical importance [15,16].

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research University for providing financial support and research facility for this work.

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