Pharmaceutical aptitude of Cladophora: A comprehensive review

Cladophora is a group of macroscopic green algae with over 183 species. This genus is rich in phytochemical compounds that can be exploited for sustaining both human and animal health. Owing to the variety of secondary metabolites, species of this group possess antioxidant anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and cytotoxicity activities. Although considerable research has been conducted previously for isolation and identification of pharmaceutically important compounds from Cladophora very few compounds are commercialized. This review encompasses the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, health and research potential of different bioactive compounds present in Cladophora. Aquaculture techniques used for high biomass production to fulfill commercial demand are also discussed.