Vol. 8, Issue 4 (2019)

Author(s):
Sumayya SS and K Murugan

Abstract:
Marine algae are proven sources of biologically active metabolites. The active principles produced by marine seaweeds were used in traditional and complementary medicine. Hence, phytochemical survey of the seaweeds will be a good preliminary need to reveal its secondary metabolite constituents and the resultant therapeutic values. In this study, the methanol extract of Gracilaria dura was subjected to phytochemical analysis to know the secondary metabolites present in the extract. The extract was purified by column chromatography. The resultant fraction was subject to GC-MS (Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrum) analysis. A pool of terpenes were identified. Four major terpenoids were noticed in the G.dura. The major terpenoid component was the hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester in G.dura as per the concentration percentage. The purified terpenoid extract showed remarkable antioxidant activity in terms of scavenging hydroxyl radicals in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the extract exhibited strong inhibition on the FRAP and DPPH scavenging assay. The IC50 values were significant and comparable with the synthetic antioxidants like ascorbate and quercetin. The obtained results suggest the possible use of red algae, G.dura as a good candidate in terms of functional food supplement and also in combating carcinogenesis and inflammatory disorders. Thus, G.dura may be considered for future application in medicine, food and cosmetic industries.