Caulerpa lentillifera Sea Grape: A Promising Source of Bioactive Metabolites for Aquaculture and Health

Caulerpa lentillifera, also known as sea grape, is a species of macroalgae belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta and the family Caulerpaceae. This species is found in Sabah, Malaysia, and other parts of the world. It thrives in shallow seagrass beds and sandy bottoms, especially in tropical and subtropical regions with warm water temperatures. This chapter aims to highlight the bioactivity and metabolite profile of C. lentillifera. Studies have shown that this species possesses various beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective properties. These protective properties of C. lentillifera can be attributed to the presence of various bioactive metabolites of different natures, including carotenoids, fatty acids, alkanes, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The beneficial effects of C. lentillifera extracts and metabolites can be utilized for both human and animal health, especially in aquaculture, which relies heavily on chemical intervention. The extraction, isolation, and purification of these secondary metabolites from C. lentillifera could play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inflammation, microbial infections, and parasitic infestations in human and animal populations, especially in the aquaculture sector. Research into these organic metabolites is a long-term and practical means of improving health and sustainable aquaculture practices.