Antiviral Potential of Algae Polysaccharides Isolated from Marine Sources: A Review

Biomed Res Int. 2015:2015:825203. doi: 10.1155/2015/825203. Epub 2015 Sep 21.

Abstract

From food to fertilizer, algal derived products are largely employed in assorted industries, including agricultural, biomedical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Among different chemical compositions isolated from algae, polysaccharides are the most well-established compounds, which were subjected to a variety of studies due to extensive bioactivities. Over the past few decades, the promising results for antiviral potential of algae-derived polysaccharides have advocated them as inordinate candidates for pharmaceutical research. Numerous studies have isolated various algal polysaccharides possessing antiviral activities, including carrageenan, alginate, fucan, laminaran, and naviculan. In addition, different mechanisms of action have been reported for these polysaccharides, such as inhibiting the binding or internalization of virus into the host cells or suppressing DNA replication and protein synthesis. This review strives for compiling previous antiviral studies of algae-derived polysaccharides and their mechanism of action towards their development as natural antiviral agents for future investigations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Chlorophyta / chemistry
  • DNA Replication / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Viral Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Viral Proteins / drug effects
  • Viruses / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Polysaccharides
  • Viral Proteins