''Gloeothece'' is a genus of cyanobacteria belonging to the family Aphanothecaceae. The genus was first described by Carl Nägeli in 1849. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, and its species are found in diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Description

''Gloeothece'' species are known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and produce extracellular polysaccharides. They are unicellular or form small colonies, often surrounded by a mucilaginous sheath. These cyanobacteria play a significant role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem productivity.

Bioactive Potential

Source: Recent studies have highlighted the bioactive potential of ''Gloeothece'' sp., particularly its lipidic extracts. These extracts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid, as well as carotenoids like lutein and β-carotene. These compounds exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, making ''Gloeothece'' a promising candidate for nutraceutical applications. * Antioxidant Activity: Extracts from ''Gloeothece'' sp. have demonstrated strong radical scavenging activity, particularly against nitric oxide (•NO) radicals, with potential applications in mitigating oxidative stress-related diseases. * Anti-Inflammatory Activity: The extracts inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and protect lysosomal membranes, suggesting their use in managing inflammation. * Antitumor Activity: Studies have shown that ''Gloeothece'' extracts can induce cancer cell death and inhibit proliferation, highlighting their chemopreventive potential.

Species

* ''Gloeothece confluens'' Nägeli * ''Gloeothece palea'' (Kützing) Nägeli * ''Gloeothece rupestris'' (Lyngbye) Bornet

Applications

The bioactive compounds in ''Gloeothece'' sp., particularly those extracted using Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) solvents like hexane:isopropanol , have potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them suitable for preventing or managing conditions such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q27438646 Chroococcales Cyanobacteria genera