Food Applications and Health Benefits of The Genus Gigartina (Rhodophyta)

Abstract

The genus Gigartina belongs to the phylum Rhodophyta and is considered an edible seaweed. This genus is characterized by worldwide distribution, mainly in the Northeast and Southeast Atlantic and Southeast Asia. Gigartina sp. has the particularity of producing different types of carrageenans, depending on the stage of the life cycle, having a high interest the industrial extraction of these compounds. The polysaccharides of the genus Gigartina have already shown promising results against human diseases, such as cancer and parasitic diseases. However, other compounds from this genus are also being studied (i.e., phenols and pigments), due to their bioactive properties. In this chapter, we comprehensively review about Gigartina species, focusing on their use in the food industry and human consumption. Moreover, health and pharmaceutical potential applications of this genus with respect to its bioactive compounds effective for several human diseases has also been reviewed.