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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2013, 16(3): 205-210pl  Algae as a source of cosmetics ingredientsAlina Rapacka-Gackowska 1/, Irena Matławska 1,2/ 1/ Katedra i Zakład Farmakognozji, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy 2/ Katedra i Zakład Farmakognozji Uniwersytet Medyczny w Poznaniu Summary Algae range from microscopic (microalgae) to multicellular organisms reaching large sizes (macroalgae), living in water or in a humid environment. The chemical composition of algae is varied and depends on the place of occurrence, season of the year, temperature, salinity, and intensity of solar radiation. Compounds characteristic of algae are polysaccharides such as alginic acid and fucans present in brown algae, carrageenans and agar in red algae, xylenes in certain red and green algae; many polysaccharides of algae are sulfated, which affects their anticoagulant activity. The protein content in brown algae is low (5-15%), and higher in red and green algae (10-47% of dry matter). Algae contain 1-3% of lipids (glycolipids and phospholipids); more of them is found in species living in cold waters and less in tropical species. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), with a broad spectrum of activity arouse a lot of interest. The lipid fraction also contains sterols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Tetraterpenes are represented by carotenoids; moreover, vitamins, macro-and micronutrients as well as phenolic compounds are also present. Macroalgae have traditionally been used for consumption, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic preparations containing extracts from algae have beneficial and multi-directional effects on skin and hair as they supply components necessary for their proper functioning; they also show protective, antioxidant activity against UV radiation. This paper presents the use of macroalgae as valuable ingredients of cosmetics. Key words: algae, brown algae, red algae, green algae, cosmetology |