Antiprotozoal,antimycobacterial and cytotoxic potential of twenty‐three British and Irish red algae

As part of our continuing research on seaweeds, we have screened the crude extracts of 23 red marine algae collected from England and Ireland. The clinically important blood‐stage life forms of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi, Leishmania donovani and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were used as test organisms in the in vitro assays. The selectivity of the extracts was determined by using mammalian skeletal myoblast (L6) cells. All algal extracts showed activity against T. brucei rhodesiense, with Corallina officinalis and Ceramium virgatum being the most potent (IC₅₀ values 4.8 and 5.4 μg/ml), whilst none of the algal extracts inhibited the growth of T. cruzi. Except for Porphyra leucosticta, extracts from all seaweeds also showed leishmanicidal activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 16.5 to 85.6 μg/ml. Only the crude extract of Calliblepharis jubata showed some weak activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC value 256 μg/ml), while the others were inactive at this concentration. Corallina officinalis was the only seaweed that displayed some marginal cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ value 88.6 μg/ml), and all remaining extracts were non‐toxic towards L6 cells at 90 μg/ml concentration. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting antiprotozoal and antimycobacterial activity of British and Irish red algae. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Marine algae as human food in Hawaii,with notes on other Polynesian Islands

Marine algae, also called seaweeds, have been consumed by numerous maritime peoples since antiquity. Although they have little importance in Western diet today, they remain an important food and in some cases a highly esteemed staple in eastern Asia and the Pacific islands. This paper discusses seaweed collection and uses in Hawaii and other areas of Polynesia. Most Polynesians collect seaweeds from a wide range of coastal habitats, thoroughly sort and clean them, and eat them either raw or cooked, mixed with vegetables, fish, or meat. Seaweeds may be preserved by salting. A crude type of seaweed cultivation has been practiced in Hawaii since ancient times. The importance of marine algae in Polynesian cultures is attested also in a variety of medicinal and ceremonial uses.     

Alternative Sources of Omega-3 Fats: Can We Find a Sustainable Substitute for Fish?

Increasing demand for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) containing fish oils is putting pressure on fish species and numbers. Fisheries provide fish for human consumption, supplement production and fish feeds and are currently supplying fish at a maximum historical rate, suggesting mass-scale fishing is no longer sustainable. However, the health properties of EPA and DHA long-chain (LC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) demonstrate the necessity for these oils in our diets. EPA and DHA from fish oils show favourable effects in inflammatory bowel disease, some cancers and cardiovascular complications. The high prevalence of these diseases worldwide indicates the requirement for alternative sources of LC-PUFA. Strategies have included plant-based fish diets, although this may compromise the health benefits associated with fish oils. Alternatively, stearidonic acid, the product of α-linolenic acid desaturation, may act as an EPA-enhancing fatty acid. Additionally, algae oils may be a promising omega-3 PUFA source for the future. Algae are beneficial for multiple industries, offering a source of biodiesel and livestock feeds. However, further research is required to develop efficient and sustainable LC-PUFA production from algae. This paper summarises the recent research for developing prospective substitutes for omega-3 PUFA and the current limitations that are faced.     

Skin symptoms among workers in the fish processing industry are caused by high molecular weight compounds

Scratch tests were performed with fish juice containing high and low molecular weight compounds obtained by ultrafiltration and with degradation compounds known to accumulate in fish stored on ice. 75 volunteers were tested. The peptide pattern in raw fish juice and its high and low molecular weight fractions were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the concentration of protein in the various fractions was determined. Fish products were analysed for bacteria and algae and the concentration of degradation compounds was measured. Mainly high molecular weight compounds (polypeptides) of fish juice were found to be responsible for the skin symptoms.     

Growth-inhibitory effects of a mineralized extract from the red marine algae, Lithothamnion calcareum, on Ca-sensitive and Ca-resistant human colon carcinoma cells

Proliferation and differentiation were assessed in a series of human colon carcinoma cell lines in response to a mineral-rich extract derived from the red marine algae, Lithothamnion calcareum. The extract contains 12% Ca²⁺, 1% Mg²⁺, and detectable amounts of 72 trace elements, but essentially no organic material. The red algae extract was as effective as inorganic Ca²⁺ alone in suppressing growth and inducing differentiation of colon carcinoma cells that are responsive to a physiological level of extracellular Ca²⁺ (1.4 mM). However, with cells that are resistant to Ca²⁺ alone, the extract was still able to reduce proliferation and stimulate differentiation.     

Fungi and Algae as Sources of Medicinal and Other Biologically Active Compounds: A Review

Many species of fungi including lichenized fungi (lichens) and algae have the ability to biosynthesize biologically active compounds. They produce, among others, polysaccharides with anticancer and immunostimulatory properties: (1) Background: This paper presents the characteristics of the most important bioactive compounds produced by fungi and algae; (2) Methods: Based on the example of the selected species of mushrooms, lichens and algae, the therapeutic properties of the secondary metabolites that they produce and the possibilities of their use are presented; (3) Results: The importance of fungi, especially large-fruited mushrooms, lichens and algae, in nature and human life is discussed, in particular, with regard to their use in the pharmaceutical industry and their nutritional value; (4) Conclusions: The natural organisms, such as fungi, lichenized fungi and algae, could be used as supplementary medicine, in the form of pharmaceutical preparations and food sources. Further advanced studies are required on the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of these organisms.     

饮用水藻类和藻毒素污染控制与处理研究进展

系统介绍了近几年国内外饮用水藻类和毒素污染控制及处理方法的研究近况;藻毒素的理化特性和控制标准;提出了一些今后在藻毒素污染控制及处理方面值得进一步研究及需要关注的问题。     

雨水收集利用工艺及安全饮用的观察研究

该研究采用了环境卫生学、卫生工程学、卫生检测学、水生生物学、统计学和流行病学的方法进行研究．指出了雨水收集的重大意义和雨水收集的可行性工艺．包括采集方法、储水池建设、水质净化等。同时,对天然雨水水质按降雨时段进行了监测分析,并对所储存的雨水进行了卫生学指标、毒理学指标及水生生物学指标监测,并在一定范围内进行了腹泻搞人的流行病学调查。研究结果证实,雨水的收集利用在社会经济学、卫生经济学方面可产生巨大影响。有效的推广可创造可观的社会效益和经济效益。