# Therapeutic Potential of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment
###### Abstract  
Cardiovascular diseases are closely related to hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Many studies have reported that an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are critical factors that enhance these diseases. Recently, many bioactive compounds isolated from marine seaweeds have been studied for their benefits in improving human health. In particular, several unique bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, peptides, caroten, and sterol are the most effective components responsible for these activities. This review summarizes the current in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies related to the protective effects of bioactive compounds isolated from seaweeds against cardiovascular disorders, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this present review summarizes these concepts and provides a basis for further in-depth research. seaweed; phlorotannin; polysaccharide; metabolic disease; cardiovascular disease +
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a strong vasoconstrotrictor implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension, is important in regulating blood pressure by catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II [7,8]. As a result, the inhibition of ACE activity has become a prominent target for HTN management. Conversely, in vitro, the biochemical pathways between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) are vital and are involved in regulating the vascular tone [9]. Therefore, we reviewed numerous in vitro and in vivo studies to summarize the newest therapeutic strategies. The growing interest in natural products to promote human health has resulted in seaweeds becoming popular due to their high bioactive compound contents, especially those exhibiting effects related to cardiovascular protection and metabolism regulation. Because of their high nutritional value, seaweeds have been traditionally consumed as a healthy food in many Asian countries since ancient times [10]. Brown seaweeds (Ochroophyta), red seaweeds (Rhodophyta), and green seaweeds (Chlorophyta) are the three primary classifications or species of seaweeds [11,12]. Different types of brown seaweeds, such as _Undaria, Laminaria, Gim_, and _Hiziki_ have been used in traditional Asian meals for a long time. They contain low levels of lipids and high levels of polysaccharides, fibers, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are considered high-quality nutritional components for food preparation. The consumption of seaweed in western countries is relatively low compared with Asian countries because of their food habits. However, over the last few decades, interest in seaweeds has gradually increased because of their various properties as food ingredients and the identification of their invaluable health effects [13]. Due to its chemical diversity and unique components, seaweed has been of interest in many studies and is widely used in the medical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. The primary seaweed metabolites include proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, whereas secondary metabolites contain phenolic compounds, halogenated compounds, sterols, terpen, and small peptides among other bioactive compounds produced in seaweed tissues [12,14]. Seaweed not only contains various primary and secondary metabolites but can also be used as a latent material for bioactive oligopeptides and oligosaccharides via bioconversion processes such as fermentation and enzyme hydrolysis [15]. These bioactive substances derived from seaweeds have numerous therapeutic roles in metabolic disease prevention, with functional properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protection activities. Recent studies have reported evidence of their effects on human health, and mechanisms of biological activity have been reported [13]. Seaweeds are photosynthetic eukaryotes that possess simple reproductive structures with diverse forms and sizes.