Antiviral Natural antioxidant

In the search of feasible new sources of natural antioxidants that can be used in the food industry, algae and microalgae have been suggested as possible raw materials. Both organisms are widely known and consumed in certain countries, and numerous health benefits have been associated to their u se. Different compounds with antibacterial, antiviral and antifiingical activity can be found in this type of organisms (30-32), along with compounds with antioxidant activity that, as has been already mentioned, is nowadays one of the most important fields of activity in food research. 

The proanthocyanidins are widely distributed in nature and often represent the active compounds of medicinal plants or plants showing human health beneficial effects. Reports of several in vitro assays demonstrate potentially significant antiviral, antibacterial, molluscicidal, enzyme-inhibiting, antioxidant, and radical-scavenging properties. " Their potential to interact with biological systems rests, at least in part, on the ability to form complexes with other biomolecules, thus emphasizing the necessity to accurately define... 

It has been known since the early days of ascorbic acid research that the appearance of scurvy, which is caused by deficiency of this vitamin, is associated with decreased resistance to infection (Reid and Briggs, 1953). Over the years, it has become well recognized that ascorbate can bolster the natural defense mechanisms of the host and provide protection not only against infectious disease, but also against cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases. The functions involved in ascorbate s enhancement of host resistance to disease include its biosynthetic (hy-droxylating), antioxidant, and immunostimulatory activities. In addition, ascorbate exerts a direct antiviral action that may confer specific protection against viral disease. The vitamin has been found to inactivate a wide spectrum of viruses as well... 

Pyrrole and furan derivatives are important classes of five-membered heterocycles found in many natural products. Pyrrole nucleus takes part of proline (amino acid), nicotine (tobacco alkaloid), bile pigments, vitamin B12, and, especially, hemoglobin and chlorophyll (group of porphyrins). Additionally, they exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. Pyrroles and substituted pyrroles are important heterocyclic compounds having different biological activities, which are related to their pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflammatory, antitumoral, and antioxidant activities, as well as treatment of hyperlipidemias [44],... 

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