Pharmacological Potential of Ulva Species: A Valuable Resource

Ulva Linnaeus genus (Ulvaceae, Ulvales) is an ubiquitous genus widely distributed in oceans and estuaries. Currently, 128 species (accepted taxonomically) have been listed all around the world [1]. Individuals of this genus are characterized by a broad range of environmental tolerance, high growth rate and photosynthetic activity leading to a relatively abundant natural biomass. Aditionnaly, in a rich nutrient environment, these species can proliferate into green tides, making available important amounts of biomass [2]. On the other hand, the successful results obtained for Ulva spp. cultivation in integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems [3] or in land based aquaculture coupled with waste water bioremediation [4] allows promising development for sustainable raw material supply. This last decade, scientific interest for this taxonomic genus has increased [5]. The cosmopolitan nature of Ulva spp., its development patterns and plasticity, among other reasons make it a good model organism to study algal growth, development and morphogenesis [6]. From an economic perspective, the use of Ulva species for different applications has been largely described: bioremediation [7], bioenergy [8], food and feed [9]. A biorefinery approach for industrial exploitation of Ulva constituents have been proposed [10]. To realize an economically feasible value chain, cascading valorization of both protein and non-protein seaweed constituents is required. We here present a mini review of pharmacological perspectives for species of the genus Ulva.