| Summary: | Polysaccharides, lipids and amino acid profiles were investigated to understand the nutritional value of <i>Caulerpa racemosa</i> and <i>Ulva</i> <i>fasciata</i> from the Philippines. The results revealed that both species contain high amounts of proteins (8.8–19.9% for <i>C. racemosa</i> and 8.0–11.1% for <i>U.</i> <i>fasciata</i>). The portions of the total amino acids that were essential amino acids (EAAs) (45.28 ± 0.12% for <i>C. racemosa</i> and 42.17 ± 0.12% for <i>U. fasciata</i>) out were comparable to FAO/WHO requirements. Leucine, valine, isoleucine, and lysine are the dominant EAAs in <i>C. racemosa</i>, while leucine, valine, lysine, and phenylalanine are those in <i>U. fasciata</i>. The fatty acid profiles are dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in <i>C. racemosa</i> (56.2%), while saturated fatty acids (72.1%) are dominant in <i>U. fasciata</i>. High C18/C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios were recorded in both species. Mineral contents for both seaweeds were within levels considered safe for functional foods. Total pigment content of <i>C. racemosa</i> (140.84 mg/g dw) was almost 20 times higher than that of <i>U. fasciata</i> (7.54 mg/g dw). Hot water extract (HWE) from <i>C. racemosa</i> showed in vitro antiherpetic activity without cytotoxicity. Nutritional characteristics confirmed that <i>C. racemosa</i> could be potentially used as a nutritious and functional food items for human consumption.
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