Beneficial Effects of Marine Algae-Derived Carbohydrates for Skin Health

Abstract

Marine algae have been considered as abundant source of bioactive compounds with cosmeceutical potential. Recently, a great deal of interest has focused on the health-promoting effects of marine bioactive compounds. Carbohydrate is a major and abundant constitute of marine algae that have been utilized in cosmetic formulations, such as moisturizing and thickening agents. In addition, marine carbohydrates have been suggested as promising bioactive biomaterials for various skin beneficial properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-melanogenic and anti-skin aging. Therefore, marine algae carbohydrates have potential of skin health benefits for value-added cosmeceutical application. The present review focused on the various biological capacities and potential skin health benefits of bioactive marine carbohydrates.

Highlighting the Biological Potential of the Brown Seaweed Fucus spiralis for Skin Applications

“…Effectively, besides phenolics, it is expected that the most hydrophilic fractions F4, F7, and F11 retain high amounts of these macromolecules, including fucoidan, the sulfated polysaccharide commonly found in brown macroalgae. As reported by Kim et al [ 44 ] numerous in vitro and in vivo studies showed that algal carbohydrates have various biological activities against skin disorders including hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, skin inflammation, and skin cancer. In particular, fucoidan suppressed mRNA and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1 upregulation, and type 1 pro-collagen downregulation stimulated by UVB, indicating that fucoidans present skin anti-aging potential with varied mechanisms of action.…”

Marine-Derived Surface Active Agents: Health-Promoting Properties and Blue Biotechnology-Based Applications

“…An important category of biosurfactants include polysaccharides of marine origin and especially from algae [ 34 , 35 ]. Marine macroalgae are generally classified in three main categories including Phaeophyceae , Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Recent reports have highlighted the significant antioxidant/free radical scavenging ability of marine polysaccharides with potential beneficial effects to living organisms and the food industry [ 35 , 40 ]. To this end, sulfated (e.g., SCP, ULLP, DAP) and non-sulfated (e.g., GLP) polysaccharide extracts from Sarcodia ceylonensis , Ulva lactuca L ., Durvillaea antarctica and Gracilaria lemaneiformis , respectively, exhibited significant antioxidant potential and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities [ 41 ].…”

Laminarin Attenuates Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Damage by Reducing Superoxide Anion Levels and Increasing Endogenous Antioxidants in the Dorsal Skin of Mice

“…To prevent UVB-induced skin damage and enhance the integrity of the skin barrier, several studies have reported the development of new bioactive compounds, which are safe and efficacious, from natural sources, instead of synthetic compounds [ 7 , 8 ]. Marine algae are considered an essential source of carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids and minerals that promote skin health [ 9 ]. For example, polysaccharides extracted from marine algae exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atopic and anti-melanogenic effects in in vivo and in vitro studies [ 9 ].…”

“…Marine algae are considered an essential source of carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids and minerals that promote skin health [ 9 ]. For example, polysaccharides extracted from marine algae exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atopic and anti-melanogenic effects in in vivo and in vitro studies [ 9 ].…”