Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Algae, particularly certain species such as Spirulina and Chlorella, have been investigated as alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotics due to their demonstrated antimicrobial properties. The justification for their use arises not from tradition but from a growing body of scientific research that has identified various bioactive compounds in algae—such as polysaccharides, fatty acids, and peptides—that exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Laboratory studies have shown that extracts from both microalgae and macroalgae can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including some antibiotic-resistant strains. For example, sulphated polysaccharides from red and brown algae have demonstrated inhibition against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro.

However, most of the evidence to date is preclinical, involving cell culture or animal models rather than human clinical trials. Thus, while the mechanistic rationale and laboratory data are promising, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of algae as a replacement for conventional antibiotics in humans. As such, algae-derived compounds are currently being explored as potential leads for new antimicrobial drugs rather than direct antibiotic alternatives for clinical use. The current evidence level is best described as emerging but not yet sufficient to support routine clinical application.

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