3 - Aquatic plants as a natural source of antimicrobial and functional ingredients

Abstract

Aquatic plants are still an untapped reservoir of antimicrobial and functional compounds that have potential as food ingredients toward the development of novel functional food and nutraceutical products. Seaweeds are a taxonomically diverse group of marine plants. Seaweeds are edible and have been projected as a potential source of future food. Presently, seaweeds and its derived food products are an important part of the diet and highly valued in many countries. Seaweeds are rich sources of various novel, highly valuable bioactive compounds (such as soluble dietary fibers, proteins, peptides, minerals, carotenoids, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants) and also important source of medicines, functional food ingredients, industrial chemicals, and a prospective source for biofuel production. This chapter introduces the readers to the fascinating world of marine plants; especially the scope of seaweeds has been explored as potential sources of antimicrobial and functional ingredients. We have discussed the various bioactive compounds extracted from the seaweeds and their potential applications as antimicrobial and functional ingredients. The functional activities of the seaweeds for health and disease management, such as anticancer, antiobesity, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, are summarized in this chapter.