Seaweeds are known among academics and others to possess antiviral properties, among additional important activities beneficial in human health applications. Much of the reported antiviral effects stem from activities of the naturally present sulfated polysaccharides, especially the ones found in red seaweeds. There are products available in the marketplace to this effect, although, as with many natural products, there is a gap between the research and the commercialization. However, there have also been some successes, and one of them is highlighted at the end of this summary.

A small sampling of the Research Studies

• Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Material from Chondrus crispus and Codium fragile and Its Effect on Herpes simplex Virus (HSV-1). Mar. Drugs 2015, 13, 558-580; doi:10.3390/md13010558
• Properties of Polysaccharides in Several Seaweeds from Atlantic Canada and Their Potential Anti-Influenza Viral Activities. J. Ocean Univ. China (Oceanic and Coastal Sea Research), doi: 10.1007/s11802-012-1906-x
• Characterization and Comparison of the Structural Features, Immune-Modulatory and Anti-Avian Influenza Virus Activities Conferred by Three Algal Sulfated Polysaccharides. Drugs 2016, 14, 4; doi:10.3390/md14010004
• Low molecular weight derivatives of different carrageenan types and their antiviral activity. J Appl Phycol  doi: 10.1007/s10811-012-9839-8
• Antiviral Activity of Carrageenans from Marine Red Algae. Am. J. Pharm. 28 (3): 443-8 (2009)
• Protective effect of a natural carrageenan on genital herpes simplex virus infection in mice. Antiviral Research 64 (2004) 137–141
• Seaweeds with anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 activity. J Appl Phycol (2015) 27:1623–1637 doi: 10.1007/s10811-014-0447-7
• Virucidal activity of polysaccharide extracts from four algal species against herpes simplex virus. Antiviral Research 83 (2009) 282–289

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