Greener Extraction Techniques and Neuroprotective Compounds from Marine Algae: A New Wave in Neuropharmacology

The increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, underscores the urgent need for new therapies with broad mechanisms of action, minimal side effects, and sustainable origins. Marine algae represent a valuable source of neuroprotective compounds, such as phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, omega-۳ fatty acids, sulfated polysaccharides, and sterols. These bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic, and neurogenic activities by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, scavenging reactive oxygen species, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing neurotrophic factors such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Despite their promise, the therapeutic application of these compounds is restricted by conventional extraction processes that are energy-demanding, environmentally harmful, and inefficient. To overcome these limitations, this review highlights the role of green extraction technologies, such as Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE), and Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE), which enhance yield, preserve compound integrity, reduce solvent use, and align with the principles of green chemistry. These approaches offer scalable and eco-friendly solutions for marine biomass utilization. The review also addresses challenges related to extraction standardization, bioavailability, and blood–brain barrier permeability, while highlighting advanced delivery systems, such as nanocarriers and intranasal administration. Future directions emphasize sustainability, precision neuropharmacology, and regulatory and ethical considerations, which are discussed in detail in later sections. Marine algae have thus emerged as an underutilized yet sustainable resource for the development of next-generation neurotherapeutics.

کلیدواژه ها:

Green extraction techniques ، Marine algae ، Neuroprotection ، Phlorotannins ، Fucoxanthin ، Alzheimer’s disease ، Supercritical CO₂ ، Nanocarriers ، oxidative stress ، Sustainable drug development