TABLE 1.
Microalgae classification and examples of some key metabolites
| Class | Species | Metabolite | Biological activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyanophyceae (blue-green algae) | Arthrospira platensis | c-phycocyanin | Antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective |
| Arthrospira maxima | |||
| Chlorophyceae (green algae) | Chlorella sp. | β-1,3-glucan-peptides | Immune-stimulating, antioxidant, blood lipid reducing, antitumor |
| Haematococcus pluvialis | Astaxanthin | Antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, photoprotective | |
| Dunaliella salina | β-carotene | Antioxidant, anticancer, eye protective | |
| Porphyridiophyceae (red algae) | Porphyridium sp. | Phycoerythrin-polyunsaturated fatty acids | Antiviral (herpes), antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory |
| Bacillariophyceae | Phaeodactylum tricornutum | Fucuxanthin | Insulin resistance improving, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, eye- and cardiovascular-protective |