*4.5. Pharmacology and*/*or Medical Applications*

Algae produce bioactive compounds with rich pharmacological potential. They generate these compounds as a response to environmental conditions or characteristics (competition for space, maintenance of unfolded surfaces, repulsion of predators, etc.) [75]. In recent years, seaweeds have been recognized as producers of an enormous range of biologically active compounds, but the bioactivity of the same species could vary depending on the geographical zone due to environmental and seasonal parameters [75].
