Enteromorpha compressa exhibits potent antioxidant activity

Area of Science:

• Marine Botany
• Phytochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Mediterranean Sea harbors diverse macroalgae with potential bioactive compounds.
• Understanding seasonal variations in algal growth and chemical composition is crucial.
• Green algae are increasingly explored for their antioxidant capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate environmental factors influencing green macroalgae (Enteromorpha compressa, Ulva lactuca, E. linza) in Abu Qir Bay.
• Determine the antioxidant activity of E. compressa extracts.
• Identify active compounds responsible for antioxidant effects.

Main Methods:

• Seasonal collection of green macroalgae from Abu Qir Bay.
• Pigment analysis, essential oil, and antioxidant enzyme assays on E. compressa.
• Sequential solvent extraction (ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, water).
• Antioxidant activity evaluation using DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and beta-carotene linoleic acid assays.

Main Results:

• Ethyl acetate fraction of E. compressa showed high antioxidant activity (82.80% by DPPH assay), comparable to butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT).
• Crude ethanolic, petroleum ether, and chloroform fractions exhibited moderate to lower antioxidant activities.
• Antioxidant activity was dependent on extract concentration and incubation time.
• An active compound was isolated and identified from the ethyl acetate fraction via chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses.

Conclusions:

• Enteromorpha compressa possesses significant antioxidant potential, particularly in its ethyl acetate extract.
• Seasonal environmental factors likely influence algal growth and bioactive compound production.
• Further research into the isolated active compound could lead to novel antioxidant applications.