Biological activities and health benefit effects of natural pigments derived from marine algae

TLDR

Marine algae are recognized as valuable sources of functional ingredients, and natural pigments from these organisms exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic, and neuroprotective activities. This contribution investigates the biological activities of marine algae‑derived natural pigments and their potential applications in food and pharmaceutical products. The authors review the biological activities of these pigments and discuss their use in food and pharmaceutical contexts.

Abstract

The importance of marine algae as sources of functional ingredients has been well recognized due to their valuable health beneficial effects. Therefore, isolation and investigation of novel ingredients with biological activities from marine algae have attracted a great deal of attention. Among functional ingredients identified from marine algae, natural pigments (NPs) have received particular attention. These NPs exhibit various beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic and neuroprotective activities. This contribution focuses on biological activities of marine algae-derived NPs and emphasizing their potential applications in foods as well as pharmaceuticals areas.