MARINE INGREDIENTS
Unleashing the power of red grape algae
I-Min Liao, Yen-Chi Liao, Yao-Yi Cheng - Giga Fine Chemical
Since prehistoric times, algae have been extensively harvested and consumed by coastal inhabitants and used as medicinal herbs owing to their high nutritional value. Over time, multiple studies have confirmed the therapeutic and nutritional values of algae. Advancements in biotechnology have led to
the discovery of several applications of algae, specifically in food, animal feed, wastewater treatment, fertilizer, and dietary supplements. Recently, these applications have expanded to include the cosmetics industry. Algae extracts and separations boast properties such as whitening, moisturizing, anti-ageing, and anti- inflammatory effects.1
As a result, they are used
in personal care products to provide a safe, sustainable, and economical alternative to synthetic products.
Power of marine algae More than 70% of the earth is covered by oceans, creating diverse environments and offering abundant resources. Sustainable development has recently emerged as an essential element in green economy initiatives, highlighting the significance of marine ecology as a biological resource. The marine world offers a diverse spectrum of bioactive compounds, primarily arising from macroalgae. The market competitiveness of marine algae is expected to considerably increase because of the following three key factors. ■ Environmental sustainability. Algae can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,2 and produce oxygen through photosynthesis using sunlight, thus rendering them an ecofriendly alternative. ■ Resource efficiency. Compared with most terrestrial plants, algae exhibit higher growth rate and productivity. Algae cultivation is resource efficient because it does not compete with traditional food sources for resources such as potable water and arable land. ■ High nutritional value. The diversity of compounds in algae is more than ten times that in terrestrial plants.3
They produce a
wide array of bioactive compounds, including unsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and essential amino acids. Several metabolites derived from algae reportedly possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti- melanogenesis, antibacterial, and anti-ageing effects.3
www.personalcaremagazine.com
Ruby of marine algae - red grape algae Macroalgae are classified into three major classes: red, brown, and green algae. Among them, red algae possess the highest protein content, reaching up to 47% of their dry weight. Red algae contain proteins such as phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin,4,5
and amino acids. They offer various health benefits, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,8
and antiallergic
properties.9 Red grape algae (International
oxidases, aldolases, and
other components. Moreover, red algae at 100 µg/mL have the highest antioxidant activity (40%) compared
to the other algae extracts (10˜38%).6 Additionally, red algae boast a diverse array of nutrients, including red algal polysaccharides, minerals, polyphenols, terpenoid compounds,7
Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, INCI: Botryocladia Leptopoda Extract), a member of the Rhodophyta (INCI: Kousou Ekisu), derives its colour from the pigment phycocyanin. They are named after the fact that the red fruit produced by the algae resembles clusters of grapes. Although red grape algae can be found
globally, Taiwan’s unique geographical location enables the cultivation of superior and pure red grape algae, which thrives owing to the nutrient-rich water of the Kuroshio Current. The term ‘Kuroshio’ comes from low impurity content; sunlight penetrating the water surface reflects less, creating the characteristic blue colour of the region. In Taiwan, deep-sea water from the
The Kuroshio Current around Taiwan
Kuroshio Current is used to cultivate red grape algae; it provides high nutritional value without concerns regarding heavy metal contamination, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury(Hg) and lead(Pb). These factors collectively contribute to the exceptional dermatological cosmetic benefits of the red grape algae cultivated in Taiwan. Our studies have confirmed their ability to effectively soothe skin irritation, particularly for treating facial redness in individuals with sensitive skin.
March 2024 PERSONAL CARE
73
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