Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Anti-Inlammatory and
Analgesic Compounds
Freshwater plants are of great use for therapeutic interventions in several inlamma-
tory diseases. Inlammation is the response of the organism to invasion by foreign
bodies such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Inlammatory response is a protective
reaction to irritation, injury, or infection, which are characterized by redness, heat,
swelling, pain, and loss of function. Inlammatory mediators of freshwater plants
include arachidonic acid metabolites, peptides, cytokines, excitatory amino acids, etc.
APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE
RALFS EX BORNET & FLAHAULT
Phylum: Cyanobacteria Class: Cyanophyceae
Order: Nostocales Family: Nostocacea
Distribution: Europe, North America, Southwest Asia, Asia, Australia,
New Zealand
Habitat: Freshwater systems
Description: This edible species is represented by both toxic and nontoxic
forms. The organisms are microscopic, unicellular, and photosynthetic.
Compounds and activities: This species contains essential fatty acids, active
enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, proteins, complex carbohy-
drates, and phytochemicals, which are known for their various activities,
including antidepressant activity. The omega-3-alphalinolenic acid of this
species possesses anti-inlammatory activity to support the immune system
and to improve mental clarity and mental energy, and inhibits formation
of inlammatory prostaglandins and arachidonate metabolites (Drapean,
2003). Further, its high concentration of phycocyanin inhibits the
in vitro
169
