Microalgae in Health and Disease Prevention

Ira A. Levine, Joël Fleurence, Ira Levine

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN:
  9780128114056
• eBook ISBN:
  9780128114063
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Food Science
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Microalgae in Health and Disease Prevention is a comprehensive reference that addresses the historical and potential use of microalgae, its extracts, secondary metabolites, and molecular constituents for enhancing human health and preventing diseases. Each chapter features an overview, and the book includes coverage of microalgae biology, harmful algae, the use of microalgae in alcohol and food, and as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The historical use of microalgae, in addition to its potential use as a nutraceutical and cosmeceutical, is also addressed. The book provides coverage of relevant, up-to-date research as assembled by a group of contributors who are dedicated to the advancement of microalgae use in health, diet and nutrition. - Discusses research findings on the relationship between microalgal diet, nutrition and human health - Presents the medicinal, anti-allergic and psychoactive properties of microalgae - Identifies toxic and harmful microalgae - Addresses microalgal lipids, proteins and carbohydrates

Chapter 1

Algae

A Way of Life and Health

Ira A. Levine University of Southern Maine, Lewiston, ME, United States

Abstract

Microalgae are responsible for nearly half the global production of oxygen via photosynthesis; they can improve one's general health, cure acute illness, or kill a person; this is the paradox of microalgae. Algae in general and the microalgae (phytoplankton) in particular are a diverse assemblage of plantlike predominantly aquatic, unicellular, multicellular, or colonial; photosynthetic; chlorophyll “a” containing; two domain occupying (Eukaryota and Bacteria) organisms. The algae can range in size from 0.5 μm in diameter (Synechococcus) to ∼30 m (Macrocystis). There are approximately 20,000 and 41,000 described species of macroalgae and microalgae, respectively. The algae are classified depending on photosynthetic pigment content, carbohydrate food reserve, cell wall components, and flagella construction and orientation. Microalgae, an eclectic group, have evolved over the last 2500 million years (1600–1900 million years older than the seaweeds), occupy a large variety of habitats, including the atmosphere, mountain tops, and 200–300 m below the surface of the earth.

Utilization of the microalgae range from folk medicine to aquaculture feeds. The diverse applications of microalgae for medicinal purposes include: antifungal, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and the reduction of biofilms. Alternatively, microalgae also produce potent toxins, allergens, and irritants that cause mild reactions like skin rashes to serious threats, like loss of life.

The editors have assembled a group of contributors, dedicated to the advancement of algae, experts in their fields, endeavoring to bring microalgae and their role in health and disease prevention to a diverse group of readers.

Keywords

Algae; Health and disease; Microalgae; Phytoplankton

Chapter Outline

1. References

“Vilor Alga” (translated as more vile or worthless than algae) wrote Virgil, the Latin poet, in 30 BCE. Civilizations were aware of the role of algae in human health long before Virgil. The use of microalgae dates back 1000 years in Asia and 700 years by the Aztecs, approximately 3700 years after the first documented use of seaweeds. Contrary to the use of microalgae as a functional food or health tonic, there are historical indications of algal-based pathogens, includin...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Dedication
• List of Contributors
• About the Editors
• Chapter 1. Algae: A Way of Life and Health
• Chapter 2. Society and Microalgae: Understanding the Past and Present
• Chapter 3. Biology of Microalgae
• Chapter 4. Microalgal Systematics
• Chapter 5. Lipids From Microalgae
• Chapter 6. Carbohydrate Diversity in Microalgae: A Phylogenetically Arranged Presentation
• Chapter 7. Proteins and Pigments
• Chapter 8. Minerals and Trace Elements in Microalgae
• Chapter 9. Microalgae in Medicine and Human Health: A Historical Perspective
• Chapter 10. Microalgae in Human Health: Interest as a Functional Food
• Chapter 11. Microalgae and Alcohol
• Chapter 12. Anticancer, Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Properties in Microalgae
• Chapter 13. Microalgae and Toxins
• Chapter 14. Antiallergic and Allergic Properties
• Chapter 15. Microalgal Application in Cosmetics
• Chapter 16. Psychoactive Properties of Microalgae
• Index