Utilisation potential of seaweeds from Goa coast

Abstract

Commonly growing seaweeds from the shores of Goa were screened for their nutraceutical potential barring those that caused hemagglutination. This study was focussed on the investigation of the property of antioxidant potential of three selected seaweeds as contenders to be deemed as nutraceutical sources. Methanolic extracts were analysed for DPPH scavenging activity and determination of reducing power. Further, in an attempt to identify the causative agent/ source of antioxidant property, qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out for detecting Phenols and Flavonoids in the extracts. Total Phenolic content was precipitated and analysed by IR Spectroscopy. Total phenolic content (TPC) estimated was highest in the methanolic extract of Sargassum tenerrimum (0.0357 plus or minus 0.004 GAE mg/g). The Total flavonoid content (TFC) also was highest in Sargassum tenerrimum (0.000119 plus or minus 0.003 QE mg/g). All three methanolic extracts showed similar reducing power. However, their DPPH scavenging activity differed being highest in Dictyota dichotoma with an EC 50 of 671.5 mu g/ml. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of Phenols and Flavonoids in the extracts. These two constituents may thus be contributing to the antioxidant activity of the extract. The IR spectrum displayed the organic and phenolic nature of the precipitate analysed. This study thus reports the antioxidant activity and the possible role of seaweeds as potential nutraceuticals.