ABSTRACT
Alginate, carrageenan, and chitosan (CS) are the principle marine polysaccharides obtained from algae, sea sponge, sea horse, seaweed, and shrimps, etc. and observed with pharmaceutical applications. Alginate is used as a carrier molecule for controlled release of anticancer drugs, antiviral agents and also used as a wound healer. Carrageenan is used in controlled release carrier for curcumin, methotrexate, and also applied as intestine directed, vaginal insert and oral insulin delivering agent. CS is a marine polysaccharide, used as controlled release carrier of sunitinib, 5-fluorouracil, coumarin, and also observed with wound healing, trypanocidal, and mosquito larvacidal effects. This chapter provides detailed information about the pharmaceutical application of different marine polysaccharides.
