# Laminar _Ulva_ Species: A Multi-Tool for Humankind?
## 5 Commercial Potential
### Pharmacokinetics  
There are several studies throughout the literature demonstrating that various phytochemicals extracted from the algae in general exhibit different activities such as  
* Anticancer--[PERSON] 1957 [129] showed that chlorophylls may be employed as precursors of photosensizers for photodynamic therapy, namely for cancer treatment and microorganism inactivation [130; 195]. Another study carried out by [PERSON] et al. (2004) [196] tested the water-soluble component of _U. lactuca_ extract at concentrations up to 140 ug/mL on human leukemia cells (U937). Surprisingly, 50% growth inhibition was reported following therapy. At a dosage of 100 ug/mL, splenocytes showed increased proliferation. Furthermore, the macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) increased nitric oxide production, which is thought to regulate cytokine action [173]. * Antioxidant--Antioxidants found in chlorophylls, xanthophylls, and carotenoids can function as free radical scavengers, thus helping to safeguard cellular and tissue integrity against oxidative damage and helping to preserve cellular well-being and mitigate susceptibility to disease chronic illnesses such as cancer and improve immune system response [130; 180]. * Antihypercholesterolice--The high yield of soluble dietary fiber is shown in species like _Kappaphycopsis cottonii_ (formerly _Eucheuma cottonii_) (Rhodophyta), _Caulerpa lentilifera_ (Chlorophyta), _Sargassum polycystum_ (Phaeophyceae), _Gymnogorgus durvillei_ (formerly _Alnfeldiopsis concinna_) (Rhodophyta), _Gayralia oxysperma_ (Chlorophyta), _Chondrus ocellatus_ (Rhodophyta), and _U. lactuca_ (as _U. fascita_) (Chlorophyta), which can help reduce cholesterol [130,180]. Another study carried out by [PERSON] et al. (2011) [197] subjected albino rats as an in vivo model to being fed precipitated polysaccharides for 21 days. The control group was given a reference medication named Lapitor (Atorvastatin Ca). Ulvan-treated rats had decreased levels of blood total lipids and triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL. Improved levels of atherogenic index, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) (180%), and enzyme activity creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were also seen. Furthermore, hepatic enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were enhanced. On the other hand, a decrease of total glutathione and thiol was also detected, indicating that ulvan is a strong drug against induced hypercholesterolemia situations [173]. * Anti-inflammatory--[PERSON] (2000) [198] extracted a physiologically active steroid (3-O-\(\beta\)-D-glucopyranosyl clerosterol) from _U. lactuca_ and tested it on mice ear edema. At dosages of 1000 and 1500 mg/year, edema decreased significantly (\(p<0.05\)) (62.2 and 72.2%, respectively). The green macroalgae, _U. lactuca_, has been studied in a rat model to prevent edema by lowering inflammation [173]. * Antimicrobial--It was identified in [PERSON] et al., 2014 [199] that _U. lactuca_ has insecticidal properties. The acetone extract was considered the best against inhibiting the mosquito population, killing the larvae of _Culex pipiens_ (a hematophagous mosquito belonging to the Culic haze family, a vector of diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, and urticaria). [PERSON] et al., 2010 [200] reported that _Ulva_ extract indicated only moderate antiprotozoan (specifically trypanocidal) activity (IC\({}_{50}\) = 34.9 \(\upmu\)g/mL) against _Tryanosoma cruzi_ but good leishmaniasisticidal activity (IC\({}_{50}\) = 12 \(\upmu\)g/mL) [173]. Antiviral--[PERSON] et al., 2008 [201] worked on hepatitis, one of the most common liver diseases, which can be caused by certain germs, viruses, or chemical toxins. _U. lactuca_ polysaccharide extract was evaluated against chemo-induced hepatitis in rats, using Galactosamine at 500 mg/kg body weight.