Beneficial effects of seaweeds and seaweed-derived bioactive compounds: Current evidence and future prospective

Seaweeds are the ocean's living resources. Despite their widespread use in the food and feed industries, they are untapped as a nutraceutical and medicinal products despite their significant antioxidative qualities. Seaweeds contain various bioactive chemicals and secondary metabolites that can be employed in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, cosmetics, fertilizer, and food sectors. Dietary fibers, antioxidants, vital amino acids, phytochemicals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and minerals are abundant in seaweeds that can be majorly used in different aspects. In addition, seaweeds are the chief sources of commercially important agar, carrageenan and alginate. Seaweeds are effective as therapeutic pharmacological entities for various disorders, including dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. Along with individualized health care, a regular diet rich in seaweeds can boost the nutritional content of food. The diverse bioactive components of seaweeds and their nutritional, pharmacological, clinical, biochemical, and industrial applications for human welfare have been the focus of this review. In addition, we have explored how these seaweeds can be used as effective biofertilizers and renewable bioenergy sources in the future.