A review on pharmacological applications of halophilic alga Dunaliella

Abstract

Dunaliella is a halophilic alga, which secretes some special metabolites (i.e. β-carotene, glycerol) to survive in such hypersaline environment, these metabolites can play a multitude of potential applications in various fields of pharmacology. Importance of Dunaliella derived β-carotene pigments includes its application as a yellow colorant in different food products such as noodles, confectionery, beverages and cosmetic industry. Present review is an attempt to summarize the pharmacological application of alga Dunaliella in various diseases. There have been various reports regarding use of alga or its extracts and metabolites as antioxidant, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, cardioactive, anticough, antidiabetic, anti- inflammatory, hepatoprotection. Current status and the potential application of Dunaliella in the field of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and various industrial products have been discussed.