Griffithsia – Species Splash

Red is the color of love, and this red seaweed reminds us to stay protected this love month!

Extracted from seaweeds belonging to the genus Griffithsia, griffithsin blocks HIV that enters the cells from binding to receptors, preventing it from infecting cells. It also binds to other viral proteins to stop the virus from functioning. Griffithsin can be developed into a microbicide, a topical agent such as a cream or gel, applied to genital tissues to help prevent HIV transmission.

Recent expeditions in the West Philippine Sea have documented several species of Griffithsia, some of which are now preserved at the Marine Macroalgal Reference Culture Collection at UP MSI (UPMMARCC). Continuous support for UPMMARCC can help maintain and expand it, leading to new discoveries and medical applications like the development of anti-HIV drugs.