An overview of the bioactive properties of phlorotannin compounds extracted from marine brown algae

Nowadays the importance of bioactive compounds from seaweeds is well known for pharmacological purposes. In particular, the neutrocytic compounds from seaweed are used as a rich source for medicinal applications. Among seaweeds, brown algae are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds. These compounds improve health and reduce the risk of diseases. The marine resources from Persian Gulf are riched in algae that their functional properties are not sufficiently known. In recent years, promising insights into the bioactivity of extracts and compounds isolated from marine algae has increased the development of seaweed-derived products with commercial potential. Phlorotannin is one of these important natural bioactive compounds that in this article, an attempt has been made to review its pharmacological properties. The results showed that phlorotannin compounds delayed the oxidation process by inhibiting free radicals in cells and also prevented many cardiovascular diseases, cancer and etc. by reducing possible mutations. Therefore, this bioactive compound can be used to make new drugs and enriched foods to deal with abnormalities in humans.