Uses of seaweed and its application to human welfare: A review

Abstract

Seaweed research has been carried out for more than seven decades by many research workers. Research has been done separately in different aspects accordingly to our need. The main objective of the present review is to gather information relating to nutritional, pharmacological, clinical, biochemical, industrial uses and its application to human welfare. Seaweeds have a high concentration of essential vitamins, trace elements, proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, enzymes, and minerals as compared to terrestrial foodstuffs. These plants have been a source of food, fodder, medicine, cosmetics, energy, fertilizer and are used for industrial production of agar and alginate. Their recent utilization increases in poultry due to their nutritive value. In the present scenario, it is being used for wastewater treatment such as treatment of wastewater to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus containing compounds. This review work is an attempt to highlights all the relevant application and uses of seaweeds and its products. Finally, this paper would be helpful to a common man to know and aware about such a great living resources which is present in and around us.