Effects of Phlorotannins on Organisms: Focus on the Safety, Toxicity, and Availability of Phlorotannins

Abstract

Phlorotannins are polyphenolic compounds produced via polymerization of phloroglucinol, and these compounds have varying molecular weights (up to 650 kDa). Brown seaweeds are rich in phlorotannins compounds possessing various biological activities, including algicidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Many review papers on the chemical characterization and quantification of phlorotannins and their functionality have been published to date. However, although studies on the safety and toxicity of these phlorotannins have been conducted, there have been no articles reviewing this topic. In this review, the safety and toxicity of phlorotannins in different organisms are discussed. Online databases (Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) were searched, yielding 106 results. Following removal of duplicates and application of the exclusion criteria, 34 articles were reviewed. Phlorotannins from brown seaweeds showed low toxicity in cell lines, invertebrates, microalgae, seaweeds, plants, animals (fish, mice, rats, and dogs), and humans. However, the safety and toxicity of phlorotannins in aquaculture fish, livestock, and companion animals are limited. Further studies in these organisms are necessary to carry out a systematic analysis of the safety and toxicity of phlorotannins and to further identify the potential of phlorotannins as functional foods, feeds, and pharmaceuticals.

Evaluation of Toxicity of Crude Phlorotannins and Phloroglucinol Using Different Model Organisms

“…The level of larvicidal and inhibitory effect of crude phlorotannin extracted from E. cava appears to be relatively lower than crude phlorotannin from some other brown seaweed species. Many studies have reported that marine macroalgae in the Phaeophyta group contain a number of biodynamic compounds with their respective cytotoxic properties [ 16 , 17 , 19 , 57 ]. Phlorotannin, as a bio-compound of brown seaweed, may also have a different bioactivity and toxicity, depending on several factors, including structural composition and molecular weight [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”

“…Phlorotannins are also toxic to other organisms. Recent scientific reviews of the toxicity and larvicidal activity of phlorotannins in organisms have been compiled [ 16 , 17 ]. Larvicidal studies of phlorotannins in mosquito larvae have also been widely reported [ 18 , 19 , 20 ], as well as in some marine invertebrates, such as ascidians Ciona savignyi and Halocynthia roretzi [ 21 ]; tube-building polychaete, Hydroides elegans [ 22 ]; mussel, Mytilus edulis [ 23 ]; blue crab, Portunus trituberculatus [ 24 ]; barnacle, Balanus improvisus [ 9 ]; coral, Acropora millepora [ 25 ]; and brine shrimp, Artemia salina [ 26 ].…”

Antifungal and Larvicidal Activities of Phlorotannins from Brown Seaweeds

“…According to Paradis et al [57], Baldrick et al [58], and Shin et al [59], no side effects of phlorotannins have been recorded after testing in humans. Negara et al [60] further reported that phlorotannins exhibit biological activities with low toxic effects on humans and animals. Phlorotannins successfully decrease the incremental areas under the curve in plasma insulin, cholesterol (both low-density and high-density lipoprotein levels), DNA damage, body fat ratio, and waist/hip ratio.…”

Fucosterol of Marine Macroalgae: Bioactivity, Safety and Toxicity on Organism

“…stolonifera (formerly Ecklonia stolonifera) is the second most frequently reported macroalgal species that has been studied for its fucosterol content. Ecklonia species have been known as potential source of bioactive compounds [19]. Studies on the safety and toxicity levels of fucosterol obtained from Ecklonia stolonifera were mostly conducted on animal cell lines, human cell lines, and animals.…”