KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII: PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Kappaphycus alvarezii, a species of red algae (Rhodophyta) formerly known as Eucheuma cottonii, has been widely utilised for its nutritional benefits. This comprehensive review highlights the recently published information on the phytochemicals and pharmacological aspects of K. alvarezii, which underscore its potential applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries. K. alvarezii contains high levels of polysaccharide carrageenan, a major component, and other phytochemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and lectins, which may contribute to its pharmacological activity. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that K. alvarezii possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Given these phytochemical and pharmacological properties, K. alvarezii has the potential to be a valuable source of therapeutically beneficial products in Malaysia, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.