Resumen

BATISTA GONZALEZ, Ana Elsa; CHARLES, Marie B; MANCINI-FILHO, Jorge  y  VIDAL NOVOA, Alexis. Seaweeds as sources of antioxidant phytomedicines. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2009, vol.14, n.2. ISSN 1028-4796.

INTRODUCTION: as seaweeds are constantly exposed to oxidative stress conditions, significant quantities of antioxidant compounds are found in their chemical composition such as lypophilic compounds like unsaturated fatty acids, chlorophyll and carotenoids; hydrophilic compounds like polyphenols and vitamin C, and polysaccharides. OBJECTIVES: to review and analyze scientific information about the potentialities of seaweeds as source of natural antioxidants in relation with their chemical composition. METHODS: publications related to seaweeds´ chemical composition and antioxidants properties were thoroughly analyzed and included in the review. RESULTS: the study of seaweeds as natural antioxidants is closely related to their chemical composition, and is at present an important field in natural products research, due to seaweed potentialities for human health and food industry. Nevertheless, it is frequently a challenge to exactly determine the compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity and sometimes, this activity may come from a synergistic effect is found among several compounds. CONCLUSIONS: seaweeds are organisms with wide biodiversity that might become a significant source of natural antioxidants.

Palabras clave : seaweeds; phytomedicines; antioxidants.

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