Gigartina stellata
(Stackhouse) Batters
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Annie Evankow, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) hmw, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Naoise Nolan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A temperate seaweed in the Gigartinaceae family.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The seaweed is sun dried and processed to extract carrageenan or Irish moss agar.
Traditional Uses
It is sun dried and used to extract carragheenan or Irish moss agar.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Carrageenan, or phycocolloids are sulfated linear polysaccharides composed of carrageenan and carrageenan precursors. In order for carrageenan compounds to be useful, the kappa and/or iota carrageenan need to be isolated from its mu-carrageenan or nu-carrageenan precursors. Lower molecular weight and higher amounts of sulfate results in higher antioxidant properties. Heavier molecular weight and higher amounts of sulfate result in anticoagulant properties. The relationships between antioxidant and anticoagulant mechanisms suggest that inflammation and coagulation are interconnected and interdependent processes in M. stellatus. M. stellatus has been used in home remedies to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats by mixing it with C. crispus and other herbs, spices, and sweeteners.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Atlantic, Australia, Britain, Europe, Ireland, North Sea,
References (3)
- Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 196
- Mabey, R., 1973, Food for Free. A Guide to the edible wild plants of Britain, Collins. p 117
- Surey-Gent, S. & Morris G., 1987, Seaweed. A User's Guide. Whirret Books. London. p 64, 135
