What is extracted from brown algae?
What Is Brown Algae Extract?
Brown algae is a type of multicellular algae, a type of large seaweed in the plant kingdom Phaeophyceae, and belongs to a relatively advanced group of algae. Brown algae are yellow-brown or dark brown because the content of Lutein in the cells exceeds other pigments. Common brown algae include kelp, sea lettuce, wakame, fucus, sargassum, and sargassum. Brown algae is widely distributed, has a large output, and is cheap. It is a very important marine resource. Brown algae can not only be used as our daily food, but also has a high medicinal value because it contains a variety of special active substances that are beneficial to the human body.
In addition to nutrients such as protein, vitamins, sugars, and minerals, brown algae also contains active ingredients such as sea brown algae polysaccharides and brown algae polyphenols. Studies have shown that the active ingredients in brown algae extracts have multiple effects such as enhancing the body's immunity, anti-oxidation, anti-virus, regulating blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, losing weight and fat, and preventing osteoporosis, which are very beneficial to human health.
Fucoidan is a mixture of various components, consisting of fucoidan (also known as fucoidan), alginate, kelp starch, xylose, galactose and a very small amount of protein in different proportions. Fucoidan is the most important part of the active ingredients of brown algae extract. Fucoidan is a water-soluble intercellular polysaccharide, the main component of which is α-L-fucose-4-sulfate polymer, and contains different proportions of galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, uronic acid, etc., with a high content of sulfate. Fucoidan has significant effects in anti-thrombosis, blood sugar regulation, anti-virus, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, and anti-aging. Alginate is a block copolymer composed of α-1,4-L-guluronic acid and β-1,4-D-mannuronic acid monomers. It is also an intercellular polysaccharide present in brown algae. It is weakly acidic and has anti-Alzheimer's disease, blood pressure lowering, and antibacterial effects. Kelp starch is mainly composed of β-D-pyranose glucose polymerized by 1,3-glycosidic bonds, and contains a small amount of mannose. Kelp starch has the effects of lowering blood sugar and blood lipids.
Brown algae polyphenols
Another type of compound with a high content in brown algae is brown algae polyphenols. The basic structural unit is phloroglucinol, but the structures of different brown algae polyphenols vary greatly, including polyhydroxy type, polyhydroxy biphenyl type, polyhydroxy phenyl ether type, alkylation type and other structures. Brown algae polyphenols can play a chemical defense role for brown algae itself. For the human body, existing studies have shown that brown algae polyphenols inhibit the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme by forming glycoproteins and protein compounds, thereby playing a role in lowering blood pressure. In addition, brown algae polyphenols also perform well in antiviral and antioxidant aspects.
Other active ingredients
Brown algae also contains active ingredients such as sterol compounds, terpenoid compounds, and algae proteins. Terpenoid compounds have antibacterial activity, and algae proteins have the effect of promoting blood lipid balance and maintaining the normal function of the immune system. Algae protein, which is rich in copper, iron, zinc and manganese, can form superoxide dismutase, which has the effect of effectively scavenging free radicals.
What Is The Application Of Brown Algae Extract?
1.Food field
Brown algae extracts are mainly used in the processing and seasoning of seaweed foods in the food field. Brown algae are rich in alginate, mannitol, iodine and other ingredients. These ingredients have good health and nutritional value and can be added to food as natural food additives or health care product raw materials. For example, brown algae extracts can be used to make foods such as trehalose, seaweed biscuits, and seaweed beverages, providing consumers with healthier and more delicious food choices.
2.Medical field
Brown algae extracts are mainly used in the medical field to treat goiter, constipation, gastric ulcers, etc. Brown algae are rich in iodine, which can supplement the iodine required by the human body. At the same time, they have the effect of softening and dispersing nodules, and can relieve symptoms such as goiter. In addition, the polysaccharide components in brown algae extracts have immune regulation and antioxidant effects, and can be used in the research and development and production of immune drugs and health care products.
3.Cosmetic field
Brown algae extracts are mainly used in the production of skin care and beauty products in the cosmetic field. Brown algae extracts are rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, minerals and other ingredients. These ingredients have good moisturizing, antioxidant, soothing and other effects, and can be used in the production of skin care products and facial masks. At the same time, brown algae extract also has a certain antibacterial effect and can be used to make antibacterial cosmetics and hand sanitizers and other products.
4.Feed field
Brown algae extract is mainly used as an additive in animal feed in the feed field. Brown algae are rich in protein, fat, minerals and other ingredients, which can be used as a source of nutrients in animal feed. At the same time, brown algae extract also has certain antioxidant and antibacterial effects, which can extend the shelf life of feed, improve animal immunity, and promote animal growth and health.