Evaluation of the genus Hypnea phytochemical and pharmacological potential

The red seaweed Hypnea J.V. Lamouroux is a cosmopolitan genus of the family Cystocloniaceae. It has been used in folk medicine, especially in eastern Asian countries. However, little literature highlighted the phytochemical and pharmaceutical values of its different species. In the past centuries, and until now, different Hypnea species have also been widely utilized as a main component in food recipes because they are rich in various bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, particularly 'κ-carrageenans', polyphenolics, vitamins, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, and minerals. Additionally, the aforementioned constituents have been shown to combat different diseases and complications due to their outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-proliferative, gastroprotective, anticoagulant, enzyme inhibitor, and immunostimulatory potentials. Considering the aforementioned issues, this review aims to provide detailed information about the different phytochemical and pharmacological potentials of species of the genus Hypnea, as well as their mode of action.