## 6 Future Perspectives and Research Directions
Additionally, research should explore strategies to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of clinical data since current findings are often inconsistent. While _C. vulgaris_ offers a wide range of health benefits and applications, its consumption is not without risks. Concerns regarding the potential for heavy metal accumulation, the presence of antinutritional factors, and the risk of toxicological interactions with other products [138] highlight the need for comprehensive safety evaluations. Research should also focus on developing purification techniques to minimize heavy metal contamination during production and assessing the long-term safety of _C. vulgaris_ consumption at different dosages. As research on _C. vulgaris_'s bioactive compounds progresses, there is growing interest in exploring its use in novel medical applications. For example, _C. vulgaris_-derived compounds could be investigated as potential drug candidates for antiviral therapies, particularly against emerging viral threats [4]. Specific studies could focus on identifying the exact antiviral mechanisms of _C. vulgaris_ compounds, such as whether they block viral entry or replication. Its anti-inflammatory properties also hold promise for treating chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Future research should explore the specific pathways involved in its anti-inflammatory effects and how these can be harnessed for therapeutic development. Additionally, due to rising concerns about antibiotic resistance, investigating the antimicrobial properties of _C. vulgaris_ could reveal promising natural alternatives to conventional antibiotics, which are beneficial for both human and veterinary medicine. In light of global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and malnutrition, _C. vulgaris_ offers a promising solution as a sustainable, nutrient-dense food source. Future research should focus on its potential role in addressing these issues, particularly in developing regions where malnutrition is prevalent [34]. Due to its ability to thrive in diverse environments, _C. vulgaris_ can be integrated into local agricultural systems to enhance food security. Additionally, its potential for use in bio-fuel production, water purification, and carbon capture offers exciting opportunities for contributing to sustainability and environmental preservation [86; 150; 151]. Recent advances in genetic and metabolic engineering present exciting opportunities to enhance the bioactive properties of _C. vulgaris_. By identifying and manipulating key genes involved in the biosynthesis of compounds such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, researchers can develop strains of _C. vulgaris_ with higher yields of specific nutrients or therapeutic compounds [4]. Future research should focus on overcoming technical challenges in the metabolic engineering of _C. vulgaris_, such as improving gene-editing tools to target specific metabolic pathways without affecting the overall cell viability. While promising, genetic engineering of _C. vulgaris_ still faces significant barriers, particularly in ensuring stable modifications that do not compromise cell health or yield. Moreover, genetic engineering can enable _C. vulgaris_ to be used as a biofactory for producing pharmaceutical compounds, enzymes, and other high-value products, further expanding its industrial and therapeutic applications [31].