Kappahycus Alvarezii

Other names: elk sea moss

Kappahycus alvarezii, much better known as elk moss, is a species of red algae that belongs to the class Rhodophyceae. This algae is native to the tropical coast of the Philippines and is commercially cultivated in many areas of the Pacific as a source of hydrocolloid compounds, especially carrageenan. Elk moss is also one of the most widely used algal species in aquaculture, which is why it is widely used in various areas of industry and research.

The main use of elk moss Kappahycus alvarezii is in the production of hydrocolloids, especially carrageenan, which is widely used as a stabiliser, thickener and gelling agent in the food industry. It is used, for example, in the production of yoghurts, ice creams, jams and sweets. It is also increasingly used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of tablets and capsules, and in the cosmetics industry, where its moisturising and smoothing properties make it a component of many body lotions, creams, masks and lotions. Scientists are also exploring the potential use of elk moss in biotechnology, for example as a source of bioethanol or as a potential source of antiviral drugs.