A Review on the Potential Anti-inflammatory Properties of <i>Kappaphycus alvarezii</i>

Inflammation is significant innate mechanism of immunity in our human system. It enables our body to respond to a variety of stimuli, including ischemic, traumatic, physical, chemical, and infectious impulses. A major contributor to global health challenges and a significant driver of rising health expenditures are inflammatory disorders. Naturally occurring substances as well as its chemical structural analogues with anti-inflammatory potential have been discovered in the recent years. Marine life forms have a myriad source of natural molecules that can invoke inflammation as a defense against pathophysiology of illness. Macro and microalgae have been determined to be an undiscovered resource with pro-and anti-inflammatory compounds. Natural substances found in marine species can be employed in novel interventions as treatment modalities as anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antioxidant capabilities. Among these substances, Kappaphycus alvarezii is one such marine red algae that can be employed therapeutically to possess biological effects that exhibit strong anti-inflammatory activity and fewer adverse effects. The expanding desire to research marine seaweeds such as Kappaphycus alvarezii and its phytochemicals has made it possible to find novel substances with the potential to be used in healthcare in the near future. This review envisages the anti-inflammatory properties of marine algae along with phytochemicals discovered in Kappaphycus alvarezii and its biological functionalities.