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In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from Ravenshaw and Utkal Universities have found that red algae growing naturally in the backwaters of Chilika Lake contain compounds that can protect human skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and may even help prevent skin cancer.
According to reports in The New Indian Express , their research has earned them a 20-year patent, marking a major step forward in the use of natural marine resources for healthcare.
The Science Behind the Discovery
The red algae, scientifically known as ‘Gracilaria verrucosa’ and belonging to the Rhodophyta group, were found to contain high levels of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs). These naturally occurring compounds are known for their ability to absorb both UVA and UVB radiation from sunlight.
Scientifically, when UV rays hit human skin, they can cause redness, inflammation, and long-term cell damage that increases the risk of cancer.
However, MAAs absorb these rays and convert them into heat, preventing this harmful reaction. In addition to their UV-protective qualities, MAAs are powerful antioxidants, which means they can also help reduce oxidative stress, a major contributor to skin ageing and cancer.
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Natural Alternative to Chemical Sunscreens
The Chilika red algae-based extract offers a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternative to synthetic chemical-laced cosmetic products. It is not only safer for humans but also better for marine ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by chemical sunscreen pollution.
Reports added that the research team, comprising Prof. Luna Samanta, Soumya Ranjan Jena, Prof. Siba Prasad Adhikary, and Dr. Jyotsnarani Pradhan, has been studying the algae since 2014 in a project that was supported by funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Their study, titled ‘Process for Developing Seaweed Extract and Composition Useful Against UV-Radiation, Oxidative Damage and Skin Cancer’, was awarded a patent under the Indian Patents Act, 1970, and is valid for 20 years from July 15, 2021.
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Chilika: A Natural Laboratory
Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, provides ideal conditions for seaweed growth. Its unique mix of fresh and salt water, shallow depths, and rich nutrient flow makes it a fertile environment for species like Gracilaria verrucosa.
Over the years, researchers have recorded 14 different species of macroalgae in the lake, including both green and red varieties. Despite the ecological pressures from aquaculture and climate change, certain undisturbed parts of the lake continue to support rich marine biodiversity.
Notably, this discovery marks a major step for Odisha’s scientific community and highlights the untapped potential of India’s coastal ecosystems. With global demand rising for green, natural alternatives in medicine and cosmetics, the Chilika red algae could play a crucial role in shaping future innovations.
