PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF SECONDARY METABOLITES PRODUCED BY MICROALGAE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the main secondary metabolites produced by microalgae and discuss their pharmacological potential based on the available scientific literature. An integrative review of recent studies published in scientific databases was conducted. The results highlight that microalgae such as Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Dunaliella salina are capable of synthesizing a variety of compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. The bioactive properties of these metabolites are being extensively investigated due to their higher biocompatibility and lower toxicity compared to synthetic compounds. The conclusion points to the need for standardization in the production and clinical evaluation of these compounds, in addition to regulatory and technological advances to enable their application in the pharmaceutical industry.