In recent years, increased life expectancy in developed countries has brought a rise in ageing-related diseases or chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs), posing a global health challenge. Inflammation is a key factor in these, including cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, cognitive decline, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Increased oxidative stress amplifies ROS production, disrupts antioxidant balance and promotes CIDs. Discovering new drugs with higher efficacy as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant could significantly prevent CIDs and improve life quality. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of several extracts from two invasive species, Rugulopteryx okamurae and Asparagopsis armata (gametophyte), using in vitro human cell-based assays. The results show that extracts from both algae exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects. Rugulopteryx okamurae indicated signs of selective cytotoxicity towards cancer-like THP-1 cells while promoting HaCaT cell proliferation. Cellular lipid peroxidation antioxidant assays demonstrated that Asparagopsis armata (gametophyte) inhibited oxidation. These findings highlight the potential of marine algae as alternative sources for the development of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapies. Moreover, the study underscores the sustainable utilisation of biomass from invasive species, offering an innovative approach to mitigating environmental impact while addressing healthcare challenges.
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