Antioxidant Activity and Correlation of Three Different Seaweeds along Gujarat Coastline, India

Abstract

The constant increase in the amount of free radicals in human body leads to the initiation of several diseases. Antioxidants quench free radicals and delay the oxidation process, which ultimately raises defence mechanism against the pathogensis of molecular oxygen. As a treasure of bioactive compounds, seaweeds are attracting attention for the development of new healthy foods and drugs.
The pharmacological activity of seaweeds can be predicted by their phyto-constituents. In the present study, presence of phytoconstituents has been observed in Caulerpa mycophysa, Iyengaria stellata, and Spatoglossum solieri collected from Okha coast, Gujarat, India. Significant differences were observed in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant activities through DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assays. A positive correlation between phenolic, flavonoid and scavenging activities of some extracts has been established. Results of the findings can be utilised in a sustainable manner to establish the use of these seaweeds as a potential source for antioxidants rich food which will help in utilization of these unexploited resources to combat diseases.