Red Algae

Red algae: definition

Known in botany as Rodoficee or Rhodophyta, red algae are eukaryotic organisms devoid of flagella: most of the red algae has marine origin and prefers warm seas, although some freshwater species have been identified.
The term Rhodophyta derives from the Greek: the root rhódon (ῥόδον) means "pink", while the ending phytón (phytón) "plant". These algae have reddish hues due to the presence of particular red pigments, known as phycoerythrin, mixed with bluish pigments (phycocyanins): the combination of these colors, together with chlorophyll, generates typically red or, in other cases, purple algae, distinguished by their particular elegance both in color and in shape.

Approximately 4,000 different species of red algae have been identified, almost all of which are multicellular. A peculiarity of red algae is that they are able to build real carbonate platforms, and to contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks thanks to the very particular composition of calcium carbonate of the cell wall: in this regard, many authors speak of red algae as organisms bio-builders. [taken from http://it.wikipedia.org/]

Botanical description

Most of the red algae belong to the Floridee class; among the most important genera, Gelidium and Chondrus are mentioned.
Thanks to the presence of symbiotic cyano-bacteria, red algae contain a high amount of type chlorophyll to And d.
Red algae are made up of a plant body, known as thallus, particularly elaborate, consisting of the "union of cellular cords: the thallus is differentiated into cauloids, rhizoids and phylloids. Again, it is good to distinguish two types of thallus of red algae: the thallus branched it tends to cover the entire main body, so much so that the red alga takes on a very particular caulinary aspect. Instead, we speak of red algae laminar when the filaments of the thallus grow unidirectionally and in the same plane.
Red algae are mainly made up of cellulose and boast photo-synthesizing properties; however, there is no shortage of cellulose-free red algae: in these varieties, cellulose is replaced by other types of polysaccharides, such as mannans and xylans. In general, the cell wall of red algae is a source of other polysaccharides (agar agar) and carrageenans (hydrocolloid used in pharmacology, industry and food, as a gelatin or thickener).
Red algae are rich in sulfur compounds, accumulated in the intercellular spaces or in the cell wall; the quantity of sulfuric esters is very variable from species to species (0-35%).

Employments

The species Palmaria palmata And Porphyra, widely spread in the British Archipelago, are red algae exploited as food for human consumption. In particular, Palmaria palmata has a purple-red color and is distinguished by its particular and spicy taste: in this regard, this red alga is used for the preparation of tasty soups, and to enrich dressings.
The use of red algae, and algae in general, is particularly widespread in the East; intensely cultivated, red algae are considered a gastronomic delicacy.
The use of red algae in cosmetics has been known since ancient times. As we have seen, red algae grow above all in marine environments: for this very reason, algae absorb the countless active products that the sea offers, and man, attentive , exploits the properties of algae for beneficial purposes for beauty and especially for the health of the body. The "cure" with algae is also known in thalassotherapy, therapy based on the curative action of the sea, the marine climate and its products (algae, in this case).
In cosmetics, algae are used to counteract the formation of free radicals, the main responsible for skin aging. Furthermore, the preciousness in minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium) is exploited in cosmetics to revitalize cells.
Red algae are also widely used as adjuvants in the treatment of cellulite and obesity: in any case, the action of algae is exploited to the maximum when associated with a balanced diet, accompanied by sport.
It seems that algae have a hypothetical anti-stress power, potentially rebalancing the CNS (hypothesis not fully demonstrated).
Useful in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis: it seems, in fact, that red algae are able to regulate the production of keratin (topical and / or oral use).
From the processing of red algae, a gelatinous substance can be obtained, carrageenan, whose use is widely used in the food, industrial and cosmetic fields. The algal gelatinous extract is used as a thickener, emulsifier, gelling agent and stabilizer. Considering that carrageenan promotes the sensation of satiety, this substance is widely used in the formulation of supplements, useful as adjuvants of low-calorie diets. Carrageenan is also used as a laxative mass.
Furthermore, agar agar can be obtained from the processing of red algae, used as a culture medium for petri dishes.
In the industrial field, the products obtained from the processing of red algae are used as car polish and in paints.

Summary

Red algae: in short

Red algae: general description Multicellular eukaryotic organisms (most of them), devoid of flagella. 4,000 different species of red algae have been identified Red algae: etymology of the term The term Rhodophyta derives from the Greek: the root rhódon (ῥόδον) means "pink", while the ending phytón (phytón) "plant" Red algae: botanical description Botanical name: Rodoficee or Rhodophyta
Class: Floridee
Most important genres: Gelidium and Chondrus
Chlorophyll: high quantity of chlorophyll a and d
Thallus (plant body): branched or laminar, it differs into cauloids, rhizoids and phylloids
Polysaccharides: cellulose, mannans, xylans, agar agar, carrageenans
Other components: sulfur compounds (e.g. sulfuric esters) Red algae: Palmaria palmata and Porphyra Red algae exploited as food for human consumption
Taste, particular and spicy → preparation of tasty soups and soups, and to enrich dressings Red algae: food sector Consider a gastronomic delicacy in the East Red algae: cosmetics and phytotherapy Man exploits the properties of algae for beneficial purposes for beauty and above all for the health of the body → thalassotherapy

• Adjuvants in the treatment of cellulite and obesity
• Cellular revitalizers
• They counteract the formation of free radicals
• Adjuvants in the treatment of cellulite and obesity
• Rebalancing of the CNS
• Useful in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis → regularization of keratin production
• Mass laxative

Red algae: carrigenin

• formulation of supplements (adjuvant low-calorie diets)
• thickener, emulsifier, gelling agent and stabilizer
• it is widely used in the food, industrial and cosmetic fields

Red algae: other uses Agar agar extraction from red algae → culture medium for petri dishes
Products obtained from the processing of red algae → used as car polishes and in paints
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