A comprehensive review of the brown macroalgal genus Turbinaria J.V. Lamouroux (Fucales, Sargassaceae)

Abstract

Turbinaria J.V. Lamouroux is a genus of brown algae of the family Sargassaceae (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) found throughout the tropics, subtropics, and occasionally in temperate marine regions. There are currently 22 recognized species, although the taxonomy of Turbinaria is under current refinement with the advancement of genetic analysis techniques for this genus. Ecologically Turbinaria plays an important role, as its morphology, life history, chemical and mechanical defenses, and rafting dispersal ability have contributed to its increasing distribution across reefs worldwide and to its role in the phase shift from coral to macroalgal reefs worldwide. Although Turbinaria is occasionally consumed and used as a fertilizer locally, this genus is not currently highly exploited for industrial use, but research into the potential of Turbinaria extracts for cosmetic, nutritive, fertilizer, and pharmaceutical industries has yielded some promising results. Turbinaria’s alginate, fucoidan, pigment, and unique fatty acid content may prove useful in medical applications due to their antioxidant and anticancer properties.