In vitro bioactivity and phytochemical analysis of two marine macro-algae

Marine macro-algae also called as seaweeds are rich in minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins; hence it could potentially be exploited for both human and animal health applications[1,2]. Around 600 secondary metabolites have been so far identified from seaweeds[3] and compounds derived from them are associated with broad range of biological activities[4,5]. The emergence of antibiotic resistant microorganisms in aquaculture is a key obstacle to their extensive use. The residue of these chemicals in aquaculture products has also been reported as a serious concern for consumers[6]. The prevention and treatment of these infectious agents by applying natural products from marine organisms appears to be a possible alternative source[7]. The desirable physiological and morphological characteristics of erythrocytes made them an effective tool in drug testing and delivery[8,9]. Oxidative damage to the erythrocyte membrane leads to hemolysis and compounds having antioxidant properties have long term action on hemolysis[10]. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols and phlobatanins inhibited proliferation of cancer cells and influenced anti-inflammatory responses[11]. Sargassum wightii (family: Phaeophyceae) (S. wightii) is widely distributed in the southern coasts of India, harbors good amount of flavonoids and is an ideal target for medical and industrial applications[12]. Sargassum sp. contains various secondary metabolites with biological activities[13] and has also been used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, hypertension, edema, goiter and tuberculosis of lymph nodes[14]. Gracilaria verrucosa (family: Rhodophyceae) (G. verrucosa) prevalent in Indian coast is known for its food value. The phycocolloids have a high growth rate owing to temperature tolerance and are rich in primary and secondary metabolites[15]. Gracilaria species have small esterification cell wall and phycocolloids, the main source of agar α-(1,4)-3,6-anhydroL-galactose and β-(1,3)-D-galactose that are important for the industrial and biotechnological applications[16,17]. With this backdrop, the present study has been undertaken to compare the in vitro biological activity of solvent extracts of S. wightii and G. verrucosa. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT