Abstract:
Seaweeds are incredibly significant marine resources that have the ability to yield beneficial metabolites and
bioactive substances, exhibiting an extensive variety of biological and physiological capabilities. Seaweed
polysaccharides, in conjunction with other bioactive components, have been shown to exhibit a diverse range of
advantageous characteristics. These include antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic
effects.
The
assortment
and
constitution
of
polysaccharides
found
in
seaweed
are
crucial
factors
in
regulating
these
biological
processes.
Agar,
alginate,
carrageenan,
fucoidan,
and
ulvan
are
abundant
in
seaweeds,
boosting
their
bioactivity. Tissue engineering, drug administration, and wound healing are among the medical
applications of seaweed polysaccharides. Algae-derived polysaccharides have exhibited extraordinary antiviral
properties, which makes them highly promising subjects for pharmacological research. Moreover, numerous
mechanisms have been recorded for these polysaccharides, encompassing the prevention of viral coupling or
entry of the cell host, along with the inhibition of DNA replication and protein synthesis. Seaweed polysaccharides
also have the potential to serve as a long-term solution against the highly publicized coronavirus,
which has caused a global pandemic. This review aims to analyze a variety of seaweed-derived polysaccharides,
explore the association between their bioactivity and structural compositions, and highlight their potential
biological applications, particularly in relation to antiviral activity.
