Review Article
    Pharmacognosy Reviews
    Vol. 2
    Issue 4
    2008
    pp. 271-276
    Open Access

    Novel Algal Polysaccharides from Marine Source: Porphyran

    S. Bhatia1,A. Sharma1,K. Sharma1,M. Kavale2,B. B. Chaugule2,K. Dhalwal1,Ajay G. Namdeo1,K. R. Mahadik1
    1Department of Pharmacognosy, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune (Maharashtra), INDIA.
    2Department of Botany, Pune University, Pune, (Maharashtra), INDIA.
    Correspondence:

    *Ajay G. Namdeo

    Department of Pharmacognosy, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune (Maharashtra), INDIA.

    ajay_namdeo@rediffmail.com

    Copyright:

    2008 Author(s)

    Published:25/07/2008

    Abstract

    Porphyran is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from Porphyra sp. It comprises of sulfate ester and 3, 6-anhydrogalactose whose arrangement is similar to agarose. Porphyran has enormous reported activities. It has potential pharmaceutical, medicinal and research applications. Porphyran a promising product is useful to produce antiallergic, anticancer, antioxidant, antitumour, antiviral, immunostimulant, antifatigue, metallic adsorption ability, improvement of intestinal flora, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antiviral, microphage promotion action, hepatoprotective agent, antihyperlipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antiulcer and prebiotic activity. Despite of all this it is also used as gelling agent. Currently porphyran availabilty in the market is not known because of several problems such as its high molecular weight, high viscosity and availability of Porphyra. So it is very necessary to know about basic facts regarding Porphyra sp. before obtaining any novel compound from it.

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    Keywords

    Porphyran
    Nori
    Porphyra
    Sulfated polysaccharides
    Seaweeds
    galactans
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