- Hypnea musciformis, therapeutical, terpenoids, red algae
Abstract
Red algae are rich in protein, crude lipid and fibre content and therefore ideal as food in terms of nutritional and biochemical point of view. Currently, red algae have gained importance due to their nutritional composition and various bioactive compounds they produce to accustom to the biodiversity of marine ecosystem. Biologically unique compounds of algal include carrageenan, sulpholipids, and pigments such as phycocyanin. Seaweeds are low in fats but contain vitamins and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids and sulphated polysaccharides, which are potential natural antioxidants not found in the terrestrial plants. Hypnea, a common seaweed distributed widely along the tropical and subtropical shores Nutraceutical value of Hypnea musciformis includes nutrients, vitamin, ash and large amount of sodium and potassium electrolytes. There were reports that they possess potent antitumour and antimicrobial activity.