ulva lactuca extract

Ulva lactuca extract is a natural extract derived from the green macroalga **Ulva lactuca** (commonly known as sea lettuce). It is rich in **phenolic compounds, flavonoids, polysaccharides (notably ulvan), amino acids, phytosterols, triterpenes, and various volatile organic compounds**[2][4]. The extract has demonstrated notable **antioxidant activity**, **cytotoxic (anticancer) activity**—particularly against certain cancer cell lines (e.g. A549 lung cancer)[1]—and **anticholinesterase potential**, likely relevant for neurodegenerative conditions[1]. Additionally, aqueous Ulva lactuca extract exhibits **antiviral activity**, including potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication, virucidal action, and interference with viral adsorption, believed to be mediated primarily by ulvan and related complex sugars[3]. Its mechanism of action is **multimodal**, including direct antioxidant effects, enzyme inhibition (notably acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase), cytotoxicity, and direct viral neutralization.

Other names

sea lettuce extractulva extract