Aalilou_2026_Food.Sci.Nutr_14_e71690

Halopithys incurva (Hudson) Batters, 1902 is a red macroalga with a broad geographical distribution. In total, 41 chemical constituents have been characterized from H. incurva, including bromophenols, isoflavones, mycosporine-like amino acids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and phytohormones. In addition, this species exhibits an appreciable content of phenols, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and pigments, supporting its potential nutraceutical relevance. Extracts from H. incurva have been reported to display various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, anti-amyloidogenic activities, and cholinesterase-inhibitory effects, suggesting neuroprotective potential. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the chemical composition, bioactivities, geographical distribution, taxonomy, and botanical characteristics of H. incurva. It also highlights critical knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for integrated chemical, biological, and toxicological investigations, as well as in vivo validation, to better define the potential applications and limitations of this underutilized marine species.