Therapeutic and Nutritional Uses of Algae

Algae have been used for food, fodder, fertilizer, and medicine since ancient times, and seaweeds are a valuable source of raw materials for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. They contain significant quantities of protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins and have been used in traditional cultures for their curative powers. However, only a few taxa have been studied for their use in medicine, and only a few genera and species of algae are involved in aspects of medicine and therapy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Algae have been utilized for various purposes since ancient times, including as food, fodder, fertilizer, and medicine. Today, seaweeds offer an abundant supply of raw materials for the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and other industries. They are rich in nutrients, including protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, making them valuable as fresh or dried vegetables or as ingredients in various prepared foods. However, the role of algae and algal metabolites in medicine is still relatively unexplored. Only a few taxa have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, particularly in traditional cultures in maritime areas such as Asia. These cultures often attribute curative powers to specific algae, particularly those found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. Nonetheless, the use of algae in medicine and therapy is still limited to a few genera and species. Beneficial applications of algae or algal products include the development of treatments that mimic specific human diseases, the production of antibiotic compounds, and the improvement of human nutrition in fields such as obstetrics, dental research, thalassotherapy, and forensic medicine.

Weight: 1243g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367781484