Vol. 11, Issue 1 (2022)

Author(s):
Kalaiselvi Lakshmanan and Sriram Padmanabhan

Abstract:
In the present study, phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts of four seaweeds, Gracilaria tenuistipitata, Padina gymnospora, Padina tetrastromatica and Stoechospermum marginatum were investigated. The total phenol, flavonoid, carbohydrate, protein, sulphate and uronic acid contents of the ethanolic extracts of seaweeds were determined by standard methods. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. The total phenol, flavonoid and carbohydrate contents were found to be significantly higher in S. marginatum extract. The sulfate content was found to be higher in the G. tenuispitata while the protein content was found to be highest in P. tetrastromatica. All the seaweed extracts tested were found to have antioxidant activities and it was found to be highest in S. marginatum extract. The results indicated that S. marginatum extract contained higher polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant property and has a potential for developing natural antioxidants and could be lead for development of bioactive molecule.