MICROALGAE – A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR EXTRACTION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS

Abstract

Microalgae are a rich source of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes and fiber. Besides, many vitamins and minerals, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, B3, iodine, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium are abundant in microalgae. They are consumed worldwide by the high nutritional value. Some of the most notable microalgae are green algae (Chlorophycea), Chlorella vulgaris, Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina and Spirulina platensis, which are widely commercialized and used primarily as nutritional supplements for humans as supplements, medicine, vitamins and health promotion. In the current review, we aim to introduce some types of microalgae that have been commercialized and successfully extracted high-value bioactive compounds as well as their applications in health, medicine, food and pharmaceutical.