Red Marine Algae

Red marine algae or seaweed is well-known for its medicinal properties. Marine algae are classified into three types, green, red and brown. However, all three types belong to different kingdoms as per the biological classification. Red marine algae are found in oceans, and generally referred to as sea vegetables.

Till now, more than 6,000 species of red marine algae have been discovered. They are unicellular as well as multicellular organisms and can resemble plants. They belong to kingdom Protista of the phylum Rhodophyta. They are eukaryotes, i.e., they contain nucleus enclosed by a membrane. The brilliant red color is imparted by a pigment, phycoerythrin; which absorbs blue light, but reflects red light. Besides phycoerythrin, red algae also contain other pigments like chlorophyll, phycobiliprotein, blue-colored phycocyanin, carotenes, zeaxanthin, etc. They carry out photosynthesis for producing energy, as chlorophyll is present in their body. Red algae can absorb blue light, and therefore they can flourish deeper than any other algae in the ocean. They are usually red colored, some other forms are blue or green in color. Red algae cell walls are double-layered, the outer wall is made up of pectic acid and the inner wall is mainly composed of cellulose. Coralline algae, Irish moss, gigartina are some types of red marine algae. Coralline algae is one of the main components of coral reefs.

Red marine algae have a wide range of medical applications. They are supposed to improve the body's immune system by increasing the count of white blood cells. This property can be attributed to the sulfated polysaccharides found in red algae. Sulfated polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that contain sulfur. They stimulate anti-tumor agents and interferon, an antiviral protein that prevents the replication of virus. They strengthen the immune system mainly against viral attacks. Recent studies have shown their efficacy in controlling the growth of yeast and the virus that causes herpes.