The functional role of fucoxanthin and phytohormones from the brown seaweeds

Literature and original data on the content of fucoxanthin and phytohormones in marine brown algae are reviewed. The stocks of brown algae in the Black Sea are assessed. Biological activity of fucoxanthin, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and other properties, is examined. It is shown that the brown seaweeds of genus Cystoseira C. Agardh (C. crinita and C. barbata), distributed in the Black Sea, are good source for the production of biologically active substances, including fucoxanthin and phytohormones. Possible ways of fucoxanthin application in medicine are discussed.