Comprehensive Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity Evaluation of Padina boergesenii: Unveiling Its Prospects as a Promising Cosmetic Component.

Marine macroalgae, such as Padina boergesenii, are gaining recognition in the cosmetics industry as valuable sources of natural bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical profile of P. boergesenii and evaluate its potential as a cosmetic ingredient. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight (HRLCMS QTOF) analyses were employed to assess the functional groups, phycocompounds, and beneficial compounds present in P. boergesenii. Pigment estimation, total phenol and protein content determination, DPPH antioxidant analysis, and tyrosinase inhibition assay were conducted to evaluate the extracts' ability to counteract oxidative stress and address hyperpigmentation concerns. Elemental composition and amino acid quantification were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and HRLCMS, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed diverse functional groups, including halo compounds, alcohols, esters, amines, and acids. GCMS analysis identified moisturizing, conditioning, and anti-aging compounds such as long-chain fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty acids, and hydrocarbon derivatives. HRLCMS QTOF analysis revealed phenolic compounds, fatty acid derivatives, peptides, terpenoids, and amino acids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-nourishing properties. Elemental analysis indicated varying concentrations of elements, with silicon (Si) being the most abundant and copper (Cu) being the least abundant. The total phenol content was 86.50 µg/mL, suggesting the presence of antioxidants. The total protein content was 113.72 µg/mL, indicating nourishing and rejuvenating effects. The ethanolic extract exhibited an IC50 value of 36.75 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, indicating significant antioxidant activity. The methanolic extract showed an IC50 value of 42.784 µg/mL. Furthermore, P. boergesenii extracts demonstrated 62.14% inhibition of tyrosinase activity. This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of P. boergesenii as an effective cosmetic ingredient for enhancing skin health. Given the increasing use of seaweed-based bioactive components in cosmetics, further exploration of P. boergesenii's potential in the cosmetics industry is warranted to leverage its valuable properties.

Seasonal Monitoring of Volatiles and Antioxidant Activity of Brown Alga Cladostephus spongiosus.

Cladostephus spongiosus was harvested once a month during its growing season (from May to August) from the Adriatic Sea. Algal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD) and analysed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effects of air drying and growing season on VOCs were determined. Two different extraction methods (ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)) were used to obtain ethanolic extracts of C. spongiosus. In addition, the seasonal antioxidant potential of the extracts was determined, and non-volatile compounds were identified from the most potent antioxidant extract. Aliphatic compounds (e.g., pentadecane) were predominantly found by HS-SPME/GC-MS. Hydrocarbons were more than twice as abundant in the dry samples (except in May). Aliphatic alcohols (e.g., hexan-1-ol, octan-1-ol, and oct-1-en-3-ol) were present in high percentages and were more abundant in the fresh samples. Hexanal, heptanal, nonanal, and tridecanal were also found. Aliphatic ketones (octan-3-one, 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one, and (E,Z)-octa-3,5-dien-2-one) were more abundant in the fresh samples. Benzene derivatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde) were dominant in the fresh samples from May and August. (E)-Verbenol and p-cymen-8-ol were the most abundant in dry samples in May. HD revealed aliphatic compounds (e.g., heptadecane, pentadecanal, (E)-heptadec-8-ene, (Z)-heptadec-3-ene), sesquiterpenes (germacrene D, epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene, gleenol), diterpenes (phytol, pachydictyol A, (E)-geranyl geraniol, cembra-4,7,11,15-tetraen-3-ol), and others. Among them, terpenes were the most abundant (except for July). Seasonal variations in the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts were evaluated via different assays. MAE extracts showed higher peroxyl radical inhibition activity from 55.1 to 74.2 µM TE (Trolox equivalents). The highest reducing activity (293.8 µM TE) was observed for the May sample. Therefore, the May MAE extract was analysed via high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry and electrospray ionisation (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS). In total, 17 fatty acid derivatives, 9 pigments and derivatives, and 2 steroid derivatives were found. The highest content of pheophorbide a and fucoxanthin, as well as the presence of other pigment derivatives, could be related to the observed antioxidant activity.

Effect of Deployment and Harvest Date on Growth and High-Value Compounds of Farmed Alaria esculenta.

Alaria esculenta is a brown seaweed farmed in many European countries for its biomass rich in useful bio compounds. This study aimed to identify the optimal growing season to maximise biomass production and quality. The seeded longlines of the brown seaweed were deployed in the southwest of Ireland in October and November 2019 and samples of the biomass were harvested in different dates, between March and June 2020. Biomass gain and composition, phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activities) of seaweed extracts prepared with Alcalase were evaluated. The biomass production was significantly higher for the line deployed in October (>20 kg·m-1). In May and June, an increasing amount of epiphytes was observed on the surface of A. esculenta. The protein content of A. esculenta varied between 11.2 and 11.76% and fat content was relatively low (1.8-2.3%). Regarding the fatty acids profile, A. esculenta was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The samples analysed were very rich in Na, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni. The content of Cd, Pb Hg was relatively low and below the maximum levels allowed. The highest TPC and TFC were obtained in extracts prepared with A. esculenta collected in March and levels of these compounds decreased with time. In general, the highest radical scavenging activities (ABTS and DPPH), as well as chelating activities (Fe2+ and Cu2+) were observed in early spring. Extracts from A. esculenta collected in March and April presented higher ACE inhibitory activity. The extracts from seaweeds harvested in March exhibited higher biological activity. It was concluded that an earlier deployment allows for maximising growth and harvest of biomass earlier when its quality is at the highest levels. The study also confirms the high content of useful bio compounds that can be extracted from A. esculenta and used in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry.

Photoprotective and Anti-Aging Properties of the Apical Frond Extracts from the Mediterranean Seaweed Ericaria amentacea.

There is a growing interest in using brown algal extracts thanks to the bioactive substances they produce for adaptation to the marine benthic environment. We evaluated the anti-aging and photoprotective properties of two types of extracts (50%-ethanol and DMSO) obtained from different portions, i.e., apices and thalli, of the brown seaweed, Ericaria amentacea. The apices of this alga, which grow and develop reproductive structures during summer when solar radiation is at its peak, were postulated to be rich in antioxidant compounds. We determined the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of their extracts and compared them to the thallus-derived extracts. All the extracts contained polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants and showed significant biological activities. The hydroalcoholic apices extracts demonstrated the highest pharmacological potential, likely due to the higher content of meroditerpene molecular species. They blocked toxicity in UV-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts and abated the oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, typically released after sunburns. Furthermore, the extracts showed anti-tyrosinase and anti-hydrolytic skin enzyme activity, counteracting the collagenase and hyaluronidase degrading activities and possibly slowing down the formation of uneven pigmentation and wrinkles in aging skin. In conclusion, the E. amentacea apices derivatives constitute ideal components for counteracting sunburn symptoms and for cosmetic anti-aging lotions.

Comparison of antifungal efficacy of commercially available denture cleanser and the extract of Turbinaria conoides seaweed against Candida albicans adherent to acrylic denture base resin: An in vitro study.

Aim: One of the main factors responsible for the development of Candida albicans on the surface of denture is improper maintenance of dentures. Denture hygiene can be achieved by regular cleansing of dentures using an appropriate denture cleanser. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of commercially available denture cleanser and the extract of Turbinaria conoides seaweed against C. albicans adherent to the surface of denture base resin. Settings and Design: This was an in vitro experimental study. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Acrylic resin samples of dimension 10-mm radius and 2-mm thickness was randomly divided into two groups. The denture base resin was coated with C. albicans. The colonies present on the surface of each denture base resin were evaluated by serial dilution method. Group A was treated with commercially available denture cleanser and Group B was treated with extract of seaweed T. conoides. The colonies were then evaluated using serial dilution. Statistical Analysis Used: The colony count values obtained by serial dilution were tabulated. These values were statistically analysed using t-test. Results: Reduction of colony count is more in T. conoides than commercially available Fittydent; the difference was statistically significant with a mean difference of 65 at dilution 10-2 and 29.25 at dilution 10-3 using t-test with P < 0.001. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was proved that the extract of T. conoides seaweed and commercially available denture cleanser Fittydent was effective in reducing the colony count of C. albicans. T. conoides seaweed is statistically significant than commercially available Fittydent.

Antioxidant and chemotherapeutic efficacies of seaweed-derived phlorotannins in cancer treatment: A review regarding novel anticancer drugs.

The ineffectiveness of traditional cancer therapies due to drug resistance, nontargeted delivery, and chemotherapy-associated adverse side effects has shifted attention to bioactive phytochemicals. Consequently, research efforts toward screening and identification of natural compounds with anticancer properties have increased in recent years. Marine seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, such as polyphenolic compounds, have exhibited anticancer properties. Phlorotannins (PTs), a major group of seaweed-derived polyphenolic compounds, have emerged as powerful chemopreventive and chemoprotective compounds, regulating apoptotic cell death pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In this context, this review focuses on the anticancer activity of polyphenols isolated from brown algae, with a special reference to PTs. Furthermore, we highlight the antioxidant effects of PTs and discuss how they can impact cell survival and tumor development and progression. Moreover, we discussed the potential therapeutic application of PTs as anticancer agents, having molecular mechanisms involving oxidative stress reduction. We have also discussed patents or patent applications that apply PTs as major components of antioxidant and antitumor products. With this review, researcher may gain new insights into the potential novel role of PTs, as well as uncover a novel cancer-prevention mechanism and improve human health.

Overview of Phlorotannins' Constituents in Fucales.

Fucales are an order within the Phaeophyceae that include most of the common littoral seaweeds in temperate and subtropical coastal regions. Many species of this order have long been a part of human culture with applications as food, feedand remedies in folk medicine. Apart from their high nutritional value, these seaweeds are also a well-known reservoir of multiple bioactive compounds with great industrial interest. Among them, phlorotannins, a unique and diverse class of brown algae-exclusive phenolics, have gathered much attention during the last few years due to their numerous potential health benefits. However, due to their complex structural features, combined with the scarcity of standards, it poses a great challenge to the identification and characterization of these compounds, at least with the technology currently available. Nevertheless, much effort has been taken towards the elucidation of the structural features of phlorotannins, which have resulted in relevant insights into the chemistry of these compounds. In this context, this review addresses the major contributions and technological advances in the field of phlorotannins extraction and characterization, with a particular focus on Fucales.

Ishophloroglucin A, a potent PTP1B inhibitor isolated from brown alga Ishige okamurae inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Ishophloroglucin A (IPA) is one of the most abundant and active compounds in Ishige okamurae and is known to be a potential therapeutic candidate for the improvement of metabolic diseases. However, IPA on the inhibitory effects of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and adipogenesis have not been determined. In this study, we investigated the effects of IPA on the inhibition of PTP1B, the effects on adipogenesis, and its mechanisms of action in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. The IC50 value of IPA against PTP1B was 0.43 µM, which evidenced the higher inhibition activity than that of ursolic acid, a known PTP1B inhibitor. For further insight, we predicted the 3D structure of PTP1B and used a docking algorithm to simulate the binding between PTP1B and IPA. Molecular docking studies revealed a high and stable binding affinity between IPA and PTP1B and indicated that the IPA could interacts with the amino acid residues located in a region to the active site of PTP1B. Further studies showed that IPA concentrations between 6.25 µM and 25 µM dose-dependently attenuated adipogenesis, which was accompanied by a reduction in adipogenesis-related factors, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, and FABP4. Our findings suggested that IPA may be a promising natural compound for the treatment of obesity and related diseases.

[Instant drinks based on extracts of Japan sea brown algae and fruit and berry juices as functional products].

Nowadays, there is a need to create functional drinks that not only normalize the water-electrolyte balance, but also correct and optimize the chemical structure of the diet. The basis for the production of dry drinks can be fruit and berry juices, extracts of herbal raw materials, including algae, etc. The aim of the study was to develop dry drinks based on dry extracts of brown algae (Costaria costata and Undaria pinnatifida) and concentrated fruit and berry juices and to evaluate the content of biologically active substances in them, as well as the antioxidant properties of the resulting drinks. Material and methods. Brown algae of the Far Eastern region Costaria costata and Undaria pinnatifida were used as objects, from which dry hydrothermal extracts were obtained, as well as dry drinks based on these extracts (21-26%) and concentrated fruit and berry juices of black currant and blueberry (31-37%). The content of iodine was determined by titrimetric method, fucoidan, the sum of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, catechins - by spectrophotometric method, vitamin C - titrimetrically, anthocyanins - by pH-differential spectrophotometry. Identification of phenolic compounds was carried out by HPLC. The antiradical properties of beverages were evaluated by the ability to interact with the stable 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical in vitro spectrophotometrically. Results. Dry hydrothermal extracts of C. costata and U. pinnatifida brown algae are characterized by a high content of bioactive substances, the main of which are fucoidan and iodine. The fucoidan content in C. costata extract was 1.7 g/100 g, in U. pinnatifida extract - 0.5 g/100 g; the iodine content was 0.0036 and 0.0028 g/100 g, respectively. The content of phenolic compounds was at least 205 mg of tannic acid per 1 g, the main compounds were syringic acid and epicatechin, salicylic and coumaric acids, as well as chlorogenic, caffeic, 2.5-dihydroxybenzoic, ferulic acid and gallates of epigallocatechin and epicatechin. The developed drinks based on dry extracts of C. costata and U. pinnatifida brown algae (21-26%) and concentrated blueberry and blackcurrant juices (31-37%) (the rest is powdered sugar) are a food system enriched with bioactive substances. The content per 1 serving of drinks (10 g per 200 ml) of iodine was high and amounted to 70-75 mcg, phenolic compounds - about 250 mg, vitamin C level was maximum in a drink with black currant (41-44 mg), fucoidan content ranged from 79 to 84 mg. The resulting dry drinks satisfy the daily physiological requirement in iodine by at least 40%, in vitamin C - by at least 30% when consuming 1 serving. The radical binding activity of all the studied beverages was quite high and amounted to 91.1-96.5%. The drink with blueberry juice and C. costata extract showed maximum antiradical properties. Conclusion. The developed dry soft drinks based on dry extracts of C. costata and U. pinnatifida brown algae and concentrated juices of black currant or blueberry contain a wide range of bioactive compounds. They can be attributed to functional products due to the high degree of satisfaction of the daily physiological requirement of the human body in vitamin C and iodine and are characterized by high antiradical properties.

Inhibitory Potential of Six Brown Algae from the Persian Gulf on α-Glucosidase and In Vivo Antidiabetic Effect of Sirophysalis Trinodis.

Background: Brown algae have gained worldwide attention due to their significant biological activities, such as antidiabetic properties. In the present study, the antidiabetic properties of six brown algae from the Persian Gulf were investigated. Methods: An experimental study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 to examine the inhibitory effects of six brown algae against the α-glucosidase activity. Methanol (MeOH) and 80% MeOH extracts of Colpomenia sinuosa, Sargassum acinaciforme, Iyengaria stellata, Sirophysalis trinodis, and two accessions of Polycladia myrica were analyzed. The effect of 80% MeOH extracts of Sirophysalis trinodis on blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was evaluated. Chemical constituents of brown algae were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 80% MeOH extracts of Iyengaria stellata (IC50=0.33±0.15 µg/mL) and Colpomenia sinuosa (IC50=3.50±0.75 µg/mL) as well as the MeOH extracts of Colpomenia sinuosa (IC50=3.31±0.44 µg/mL) exhibited stronger inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase than the acarbose (IC50=160.15±27.52 µg/mL, P<0.001). The 80% MeOH extracts of Sirophysalis trinodis reduced postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetic rats compared to the control group (P=0.037). Fucoxanthin was characterized as the major antidiabetic agent in most of the algal extracts. Conclusion: Sirophysalis trinodis is recommended as a novel source for isolation and identification of potential antidiabetic compounds due to its high in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic effects.

Anticancer and antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized Red Sea marine algal silver nanoparticles.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is emerging as a simple and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The role of AgNPs is expanding as antimicrobial and anticancer agents, sensors, nanoelectronic devices, and imaging contrast agents. In this study, biogenic AgNPs were synthesized using extracts of different marine algae species, including Ulva rigida (green alga), Cystoseira myrica (brown alga), and Gracilaria foliifera (red alga), as reducing and capping agents. The Physiochemical properties, cytotoxicity, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of the biosynthesized AgNPs were assessed. Surface plasmonic bands of the biosynthesized AgNPs capped with U. rigida, C. myrica, and G. foliifera extracts were visually observed to determine a colour change, and their peaks were observed at 424 nm, 409 nm, and 415 nm, respectively, by UV-Vis spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated an almost spherical shape of AgNPs with nanoscale sizes of 12 nm, 17 nm, and 24 nm, respectively. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis suggested that different molecules attached to AgNPs through OH, C=O, and amide groups. The major constituents of the aqueous algal extracts included, terpenoids, polyphenols, sulfonates, polysaccharides, fatty acids, chlorophylls, amide proteins, flavonoids, carotenoids, aliphatic fluoro compounds, volatile compounds, alkalines, pyruvic acid and agar groups. The cytotoxicity and anticancer activities of the biosynthesized AgNPs were assessed using Artemia salina nauplii, normal skin cell lines (HFb-4), and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 cell line). The lethality was found to be directly proportional to the AgNP concentration. The IC50 values of C. myrica and G. foliifera AgNPs against A. saline nauplii were 5 and 10 µg ml-1 after 4 h and 16 h, respectively, whereas U. rigida AgNPs did not exhibit cytotoxic effects. Anticancer activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs was dose dependent. The IC50 values of the biosynthesized AgNPs were 13, 13, and 43 µg ml-1 for U. rigida, C. myrica, and G. foliifera, respectively. U. rigida AgNPs particularly exhibited potent anticancer activity (92.62%) against a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) with high selectivity compared the normal cells (IC50 = 13 µg/ml, SI = 3.2), followed by C. myrica AgNPs (IC50 = 13 µg/ml, SI = 3.07). Furthermore, the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antifungal activity against dermatophyte pathogenic moulds and mild antibacterial activity against the food borne pathogen bacteria. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded for the U. rigida AgNPs, followed by those capped with C. myrica and G. foliifera extracts, respectively. AgNPs capped with the U. rigida extract exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against Trichophyton mantigrophytes (40 mm), followed by Trichosporon cataneum (30 mm) and E. coli (19 mm), with minimal lethal concentration of 32 and 64 µg ml-1 respectively. The study finally revealed that extracts of marine algal species, particularly U. rigida extracts, could be effectively used as reducing agents for the green synthesis of AgNPs. These AgNPs are considered efficient alternative antidermatophytes for skin infections and anticancer agents against the MCF-7 cell line.

New Carbonic Anhydrase-II Inhibitors from Marine Macro Brown Alga Dictyopteris hoytii Supported by In Silico Studies.

In continuation of phytochemical investigations of the methanolic extract of Dictyopteris hoytii, we have obtained twelve compounds (1-12) through column chromatography. Herein, three compounds, namely, dimethyl 2-bromoterepthalate (3), dimethyl 2,6-dibromoterepthalate (4), and (E)-3-(4-(dimethoxymethyl)phenyl) acrylic acid (5) are isolated for the first time as a natural product, while the rest of the compounds (1, 2, 6-12) are known and isolated for the first time from this source. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic 1D and 2D NMR techniques including 1H, 13C, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, COSY, NEOSY, and HR-MS and comparison with the reported literature. Furthermore, eight compounds (13-20) previously isolated by our group from the same source along with the currently isolated compounds (1-12) were screened against the CA-II enzyme. All compounds, except 6, 8, 14, and 17, were evaluated for in vitro bovine carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II) inhibitory activity. Eventually, eleven compounds (1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18, and 19) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against CA-II with IC50 values ranging from 13.4 to 71.6 µM. Additionally, the active molecules were subjected to molecular docking studies to predict the binding behavior of those compounds. It was observed that the compounds exhibit the inhibitory potential by specifically interacting with the ZN ion present in the active site of CA-II. In addition to ZN ion, two residues (His94 and Thr199) play an important role in binding with the compounds that possess a carboxylate group in their structure.

Laxative Effects of Phlorotannins Derived from Ecklonia cava on Loperamide-Induced Constipation in SD Rats.

This study investigated the laxative effects of phlorotannins (Pt) derived from Ecklonia cava (E. cave) on chronic constipation by evaluating alterations in stool parameters, gastrointestinal motility, histopathological structure, mucin secretion, gastrointestinal hormones, muscarinic cholinergic regulation, and fecal microbiota in SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation subjected to Pt treatment. Stool-related parameters (including stool number, weight, and water contents), gastrointestinal motility, and length of intestine were significantly enhanced in the Lop+Pt-treated group as compared to the Lop+Vehicle-treated group. A similar recovery was detected in the histopathological and cytological structure of the mid-colon of Lop+Pt-treated rats, although the level of mucin secretion remained constant. Moreover, rats with Lop-induced constipation subjected to Pt treatment showed significant improvements in water channel expression, gastrointestinal hormone secretions, and expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChRs M2/M3) and their mediators of muscarinic cholinergic regulation. Furthermore, the Lop+Pt-treated group showed a significant recovery of Bifidobacteriaceae, Muribaculaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Eubacteriaceae families in fecal microbiota. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that exposure of SD rats with Lop-induced constipation to Pt improves the constipation phenotype through the regulation of membrane water channel expression, GI hormones, the mAChR signaling pathway, and fecal microbiota.

Effect of solvents on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Padina tetrastromatica and Gracilaria tenuistipitata seaweeds collected from Bangladesh.

Seaweeds are now recognized as a treasure of bioactive compounds. However, the bioactivity of seaweed originating in Bangladesh is still unexplored. So, this study was designed to explore the secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of solvent extracts of Padina tetrastromatica and Gracilaria tenuistipitata. Phytochemical screening and FTIR spectra confirm the diverse type of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity of extracts were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), reducing power (RP), phosphomolybdenum, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Here, methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica showed highest amount of total phenolic content (85.61 mg of GA/g), total flavonoid content (41.77 mg of quercetin/g), DPPH (77.07%), ABTS (77.65%), RP (53.24 mg AAE/g), phosphomolybdenum (31.58 mg AAE/g), hydrogen peroxide (67.89%) and NO (70.64%) assays compared to its methanolic extracts of G. tenuistipitata. This study concluded that methanol as a solvent extract of brown seaweed (P. tetrastromatica) exhibited bioactivity and antioxidant potentiality which will be useful for pharmacological as well as in functional food application.

Chemical, Nutrient and Physicochemical Properties of Brown Seaweed, Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh (Phaeophyceae) Collected from Port Dickson, Peninsular Malaysia.

Recent increased interest in seaweed is motivated by attention generated in their bioactive components that have potential applications in the functional food and nutraceutical industries. In the present study, nutritional composition, metabolite profiles, phytochemical screening and physicochemical properties of freeze-dried brown seaweed, Sargassum polycystum were evaluated. Results showed that the S. polycystum had protein content of 8.65 ± 1.06%, lipid of 3.42 ± 0.01%, carbohydrate of 36.55 ± 1.09% and total dietary fibre content of 2.75 ± 0.58% on dry weight basis. The mineral content of S. polycystum including Na, K, Ca, Mg Fe, Se and Mn were 8876.45 ± 0.47, 1711.05 ± 0.07, 1079.75 ± 0.30, 213.85 ± 0.02, 277.6 ± 0.12, 4.70 ± 0.00 and 4.45 ± 0.00 mg 100/g DW, respectively. Total carotenoid, chlorophyll a and b content in S. polycystum were detected at 45.28 ± 1.77, 141.98 ± 1.18 and 111.29 µg/g respectively. The total amino acid content was 74.90 ± 1.45%. The study revealed various secondary metabolites and major constituents of S. polycystum fibre to include fucose, mannose, galactose, xylose and rhamnose. The metabolites extracted from the seaweeds comprised n-hexadecanoic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester, benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy- methyl ester, 1-dodecanol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-, which were the most abundant. The physicochemical properties of S. polycystum such as water-holding and swelling capacity were comparable to several commercial fibre-rich products. In conclusion, results of this study indicate that S. polycystum is a potential candidate as functional food sources for human consumption and its cultivation needs to be encouraged.

Brown marine algae Gongolaria baccata extract protects Caco-2 cells from oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

Gongolaria baccata (S.G. Gmelin) is marine brown seaweed mainly found on the coasts of the Baltic Sea south to the Mediterranean Sea, Canary Islands, Mauritania and Western Sahara. Herein, we report the cell viability and protective effects attributed to molecular mechanisms underlying antioxidant response to survive oxidative stress injuries. Caco-2 cells were submitted to oxidative stress by treatment with tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BOOH). The extract prevented cell damage and enhanced activity of antioxidant defenses (NQO1 and GST activities and GSH levels) reduced by treatment with tert-BOOH. The increases of MDA levels, the amount of intracellular ROS and caspase 3/7 activity induced by tert-BOOH were prevented when cells were treated with the G. baccata extract. Moreover, G. baccata extract caused up-regulation of GSTM2, Nrf2, and AKT1 gene expressions, as well as G. baccata extract reduced significantly Bax, BNIP3, APAF1, ERK1, JNK1, MAPK1, P38, P53, NFκB1, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1ß and HO-1 gene expressions related to apoptosis, proinflammation and oxidative stress induced by tert-BOOH. These results suggest that G.baccata extract protected the cells against oxidative damage and inflammation; protective effects that could be linked to their bioactive constituents. Hence, this brown seaweed G.baccata extract could be used for the development of functional foods and/or nutraceuticals.

Dieckol: a brown algal phlorotannin with biological potential.

Dieckol [C36H22O18], is a naturally occurring phlorotannin found in some brown algal species. Dieckol is gaining more attention in the scientific community for its potential biological activities. It has been exhibited a broad spectrum of therapeutic functions including anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and other medicinal applications. Distinct emphasis has been given to extraction, purification, and biomedical applications of dieckol. This critical review comprises of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico biological properties of dieckol. An attempt has been made to evaluate the effectiveness, therapeutical application, and mechanism of dieckol against various diseases. The pharmacological significance, current status and the dosage of multifunctional dieckol and its mechanisms have been discussed in this review. Dieckol plays an important role in apoptosis induction via inhibiting the PI3K, AKT, mTOR and FAK signaling molecules. Dieckol remarkably inhibited the lipid accumulation in high fat diet induced animal models. Dieckol, a multifaceted compound will be beneficial in attenuating the action of various diseases and it could be a potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compound. Therefore, the combined effects of dieckol with existing drugs and natural compounds will be studied in future to optimize its benefits. Besides limited information on the toxicological action and dosage administration of dieckol on the human was reported to date. Overall, dieckol is a prospective health-promoting compound for the development of a novel drug against numerous diseases.

An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption.

Currently, seaweeds are gaining major attention due to the benefits they give to our health. Recent studies demonstrate the high nutritional value of seaweeds and the powerful properties that seaweeds' bioactive compounds provide. Species of class Phaeophyceae, phylum Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta possess unique compounds with several properties that are potential allies of our health, which make them valuable compounds to be involved in biotechnological applications. In this review, the health benefits given by consumption of seaweeds as whole food or by assumption of bioactive compounds trough natural drugs are highlighted. The use of seaweeds in agriculture is also highlighted, as they assure soils and crops free from chemicals; thus, it is advantageous for our health. The addition of seaweed extracts in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and industrial companies will enhance the production and consumption/usage of seaweed-based products. Therefore, there is the need to implement the research on seaweeds, with the aim to identify more bioactive compounds, which may assure benefits to human and animal health.

Immunomodulatory activity of brown algae Turbinaria ornata derived sulfated polysaccharide on LPS induced systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress are common pathologies in a wide range of chronic diseases. Polysaccharides are known to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and are suggested to possess immunomodulatory potential. PURPOSE: Herein, the immunomodulatory activity of a sulfated polysaccharide (PS) separated from a brown marine algae Turbinaria ornata is studied in LPS instigated systemic inflammation in experimental rats. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Male SD rats are pretreated with different doses of PS (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg bw) for a week followed by inducing systemic inflammation using LPS (10 mg/kg i.p.). Blood withdrawn after 8 h of LPS injection is subjected to hematological analysis (WBC, HCT, and PLT). After 24 h of LPS induction, cardiac tissue was isolated and subjected to biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analysis. Effect of PS pre-treatment (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg bw) was checked by assessing serum parameters (AST, CK-MB, and γGT), antioxidant markers (LPO, GSH, SOD, Grx) and inflammatory markers (IL1ß, IL6, IL10, NFκB), followed by analyzing the iNOS, PI3k and Akt to identify the probable mode of action. RESULTS: Elevated levels of AST, CK-MB, and γGT in serum were significantly reduced on PS pretreatment. LPS significantly raised the LPO and Grx levels in heart tissue whereas, PS pre-treatment significantly reduced LPO and Grx levels. GSH and SOD levels were reduced upon LPS induction and were brought to near normal by HD of PS. PS also reduced the mRNA levels of IL6, Trx, and increased IL10 levels in the heart tissue substantiating its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency. Further, IL1ß, NFκB, iNOS, and pPI3k/pAkt expressions were significantly modulated by PS in the cardiac tissue substantiating the immunomodulatory effect. A trend of improvement in the inflammatory pathology was also observed in the heart tissue compared to LPS control, as confirmed by histopathology analysis. CONCLUSION: Altogether, this study concludes the immunomodulatory potential of PS from the marine macroalgae Turbinaria ornata significantly and prevents LPS induced systemic inflammation in the cardiac tissue presumably influenced by the glucopyranose and fucopyranose subunits in the polysaccharide.

Diphlorethohydroxycamalol isolated from Ishige okamurae prevents H2O2-induced oxidative damage via BMP2/Runx2 signaling in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Accumulating evidence has shown an association between osteoporosis and oxidative damage. In the present study, the protective effects of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) isolated from the brown algae Ishige okamurae against H2O2-induced oxidative damage via bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)/ runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) signaling were investigated using MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. DPHC counteracted the reduction in cell viability caused by H2O2 exposure and protected against H2O2-induced dysfunction, demonstrated by improved cellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition. In addition, treatment with 0.05-0.2 mM DPHC elevated the protein expression of osteoblast differentiation factors type 1 collagen, ALP, p-Smad1/5, Osterix, BMP2, and Runx2, in response to H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Importantly, DPHC decreased the expression levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, which promotes bone resorption, and inhibited the H2O2-induced generation of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, the results suggest that DPHC counteracts the effects of oxidative stress in osteoblastic cells and has the potential to be effective in preventing and alleviating osteoporosis.