The Impact of Carrageenan on Pharmascience

Abstract

Carrageenan (CG) a sulfated polysaccharide (SP) is produced using a variety of seaweeds from the Rhodophyceae family. This type of seaweed is available in areas, like the Atlantic Ocean close to Great Britain, Europe, and North America. Carrageenan has been permitted for the use as food items with the European additive E-number E407. Carrageenan is a widely used polysaccharide derived from red seaweed and is known for its various applications in the chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical fields. It delves into its versatile applications across various sub areas, spanning from the food to the pharmaceutical industry. A significant emphasis is placed on the intricate roles of carrageenan in pharmaceutical science, where it serves as both a drug carrier agent and an active ingredient, owing to its noteworthy biological activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of carrageenan`s versatile applications, with a focus on its chemical properties, biological activities, and pharmaceutical uses. The pharmaceutical applications of carrageenan are further categorized into various subparts, including its role in treating diseases and its use in drug delivery systems, such as topical, oral, nasal, and unconventional routes. The review also incorporates the most recent developments in clinical trials involving carrageenan and its updated applications, drawing from authoritative sources. This comprehensive analysis aims to offer readers a clear understanding of carrageenan's multifaceted nature and its evolving significance in diverse industries.