GELIDIELLA ACEROSA: A PRÉCIS

Abstract

Seaweeds are the macrophytic algae that grows mostly in shallow waters and are highly beneficial. Gelidiella acerosa belongs to the division rhodophyta
and is found in shallow waters of intertidal and upper sub tidal zone. It yields the best quality agar and is also used as an ingredient in milk products,
jams, marmalades, calorie free cooking and ice-creams. Since it has been reported to contain high percentages of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates,
polysaccharides, phenols and flavonoids, it has shown wide applications in pharmaceutical industry. Gelidiella acerosa is reported to possess many
pharmacological activities such as anticancer, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antifertility and anticoagulation activities.