Chelation activity and protective effect of Caulerpa lentillifera aqueous extract against lead acetate-induced toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats

Lead is a multisystemic toxicant when it accumulates and is hazardous to health. This study was conducted to determinethe effect of Caulerpa lentillifera aqueous extract on lead accumulation in the internal organs and liver functions oflead-intoxicated rats. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group I was healthy ratstreated with saline (2 ml/kg bwt) daily for 28 days. Group II was healthy rats treated with C. lentillifera aqueousextract (500 mg/kg bwt) daily for 28 days. Group III was intoxicated with lead acetate (20 mg/kg bwt) daily for 4 daysand then treated with saline (2 ml/kg bwt) for another 24 days. Group IV was intoxicated with lead acetate (20 mg/kgbwt) daily for 4 days and then treated with C. lentillifera aqueous extract (500 mg/kg bwt) for another 24 days. Leadaccumulation in the internal organs was measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the liver functionmarkers were determined using assay kits. Lead intoxication significantly (p < 0.05) increased lead accumulation inthe rats’ internal organs and affected their liver functions. C. lentillifera aqueous extract supplementation to leadintoxicated rats significantly (p < 0.05) decreased lead accumulation in the rats’ internal organs and protected theirliver functions. This study concludes that C. lentillifera aqueous extract possesses the capability of a chelating agentand attenuates the effect of lead on lead-intoxicated rats

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in Caulerpa filiformis (Chlorophyta) from Sechura Bay and Paracas Bay, Peru / Actividad antioxidante y contenido fenólico total en Caulerpa filiformis (Chlorophyta) de Bahía de Sechura y Bahía de Paracas, Perú

Abstract In Peru, Caulerpa filiformis is a marine algae listed as an invasive species. For years, its distribution has been considered to be in the north coast (Isla Lobos de Afuera and Piura) until a recent report of its distribution in the central coast (Ancash, Lima, and Ica). The present investigation aims to determine the main groups of secondary metabolites, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of C. filiformis from Sechura Bay (Piura) and Paracas Bay (Ica). The main chemical groups were determined through phytochemical screening, the content of phenols by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity by the ABTS method (2,2-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of C. filiformis from Sechura Bay and Paracas Bay revealed the presence of carbohydrates, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, lipids, alkaloids, steroids, and triterpenes for both extracts. The total phenol content of the extract of C. filiformis from Sechura Bay (39.31 ± 0.39 mg of AGE/g extract) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that from Paracas Bay (18.78 ± 0.31 mg of AGE/g extract). In the ABTS and DPPH assays, the antioxidant capacity of the Sechura C. filiformis extract (IC50 = 3.49 ± 0.01 and 2.18 ± 0.02 mg/mL) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the Paracas C. filiformis extract (IC50 = 6.41 ± 0.02 and 2.42 ± 0.04 mg /mL). These findings suggest that the methanolic extract of C. filiformis is a source of secondary metabolites with an antioxidant potential.

Resumen En Perú, Caulerpa filiformis es una macroalga catalogada como especie invasora. Durante años, su distribución fue considerada en la costa norte (Isla Lobos de Afuera y Piura) hasta un informe reciente de su distribución en la costa central (Ancash, Lima e Ica). El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar los principales grupos de metabolitos secundarios, contenido total de fenol y actividad antioxidante del extracto metanólico de C. filiformis de Bahía de Sechura (Piura) y Bahía de Paracas (Ica). Los principales grupos químicos se determinaron mediante análisis fitoquímico, el contenido de fenoles mediante el método Folin-Ciocalteu y la actividad antioxidante mediante el método ABTS (ácido 2,2-azinobis- [3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfónico]) y 2, 2′-difenil-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). El examen fitoquímico del extracto metanólico de C. filiformis de ambas bahías revelaron la presencia de carbohidratos, polifenoles, taninos, flavonoides, lípidos, alcaloides, esteroides y triterpenos. El contenido total de fenol del extracto de C. filiformis de Bahía de Sechura (39.31 ± 0.39 mg de extracto de AGE / g) fue significativamente mayor (p <0.05) que el de Bahía de Paracas (18.78 ± 0.31 mg de extracto de AGE / g). En los ensayos ABTS y DPPH, la capacidad antioxidante del extracto de Sechura (IC50 = 3.49 ± 0.01 y 2.18 ± 0.02 mg / mL) fue significativamente mayor (p <0.05) que la del extracto de Paracas C. filiformis (IC50 = 6.41 ± 0.02 y 2.42 ± 0.04 mg / mL). Estos hallazgos sugieren que el extracto metanólico de C. filiformis es una fuente de metabolitos secundarios con potencial antioxidante.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities and identification of bioactive compounds of various extracts of Caulerpa racemosa from Algerian coast

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities and to identify the volatile bioactive compounds present in different crude extracts of the seaweed Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea.Methods: Caulerpa racemosa harvested from the intertidal zone of Mostaganem coast (N 35?54'37.94", E 0?3'17.37") was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, chloroform, and hexane solvents. Antioxidant properties were assessed by using 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on six standard bacterial strains using the agar disc diffusion method. The GC-MS analysis was performed using non-polar and polar capillary columns. Results: The chloroform extract of Caulerpa racemosa exhibited higher contents of polyphenols [(123.91±1.46) mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract] and tannins [(59.28±5.43) mg catechin equivalent/g dry extract] (P<0.001) and was the most effective in scavenging DPPH [(1.98±0.08) mg/mL] and ABTS [(1.66±0.05) mg/mL] radicals. The hexane extract displayed the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, producing inhibition zones of (11.16±0.76), (9.00±0.00) and (9.33±1.15) mm, respectively. The l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate and 4-hydroxy-2methylproline were among the most abundant volatile compounds. Besides conventional fatty acids, cis-10-heptadecenoic acid, nonahexacontanoic acid, and dodecanoic acid, 3-hydroxy- were identified. Two phytosterols were identified: stigmast-5-en-3-ol- (12.9％) and stigmast-5-en-3.beta.-ol, (24S)- (4.57％). Conclusions: The preliminary identification of the volatile compounds reveals the presence of some new bioactive components not reported previously in Caulerpa racemosa from other geographical areas. Some of these compounds possess an interesting potential forpharmaceutical/nutraceutical applications.

Caulerpa okamurae extract attenuates inflammatory interaction, regulates glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#To examine whether Caulerpa okamurae ethanolic extract (COE) could inhibit obesity-mediated inflammation, improve glucose metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity, using in vitro cell models of RAW 264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 adipocytes.@*METHODS@#We cocultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes in direct contact with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the presence or absence of 250 µg/mL of COE. We investigated various markers of inflammation, glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity in these models using Griess reagent to measure nitric oxide (NO) production, 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxyglucose to measure glucose uptake, Western blot analysis to quantify protein expression and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to evaluate mRNA expression.@*RESULTS@#We found that COE (250 µg/mL) significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages by downregulating NO production, nitric oxide synthase 2 expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB. COE also showed similar anti-inflammatory activity in coculture, along with decreased TNF-α, interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein mRNA expression. In addition, COE also improved glucose uptake in coculture by upregulating glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) and adiponectin and reducing serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1). In the TNF-α-induced insulin resistance model of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, COE significantly improved both basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, accompanied by phosphorylation of IRS1 at tyrosine 632, phospho-5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (Ser9) as well as upregulation of GLUT-4.@*CONCLUSION@#Together, these findings suggest that COE has potential to treat or prevent obesity-induced metabolic disorders.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities and identification of bioactive compounds of various extracts of Caulerpa racemosa from Algerian coast

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities and to identify the volatile bioactive compounds present in different crude extracts of the seaweed Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea. Methods: Caulerpa racemosa harvested from the intertidal zone of Mostaganem coast (N 35°54'37.94', E 0°3'17.37') was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, chloroform, and hexane solvents. Antioxidant properties were assessed by using 2,2'-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on six standard bacterial strains using the agar disc diffusion method. The GC-MS analysis was performed using non-polar and polar capillary columns. Results: The chloroform extract of Caulerpa racemosa exhibited higher contents of polyphenols [(123.91±1.46) mg gallic acid equivalent/ g dry extract] and tannins [(59.28±5.43) mg catechin equivalent/ g dry extract] (P<0.001) and was the most effective in scavenging DPPH [(1.98±0.08) mg/mL] and ABTS [(1.66±0.05) mg/mL] radicals. The hexane extract displayed the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, producing inhibition zones of (11.16±0.76), (9.00±0.00) and (9.33±1.15) mm, respectively. The l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6- dihexadecanoate and 4-hydroxy-2methylproline were among the most abundant volatile compounds. Besides conventional fatty acids, cis-10-heptadecenoic acid, nonahexacontanoic acid, and dodecanoic acid, 3-hydroxy- were identified. Two phytosterols were identified: stigmast-5-en-3-ol- (12.9%) and stigmast-5-en-3.beta.-ol, (24S)- (4.57%). Conclusions: The preliminary identification of the volatile compounds reveals the presence of some new bioactive components not reported previously in Caulerpa racemosa from other geographical areas. Some of these compounds possess an interesting potential for pharmaceutical/nutraceutical applications.

Caulerpa lentillifera and Sucrose Formulated Diets as Growth Enhancer of Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

A total of 200 of Crassostrea virginica populations of average weight range from 41.19 ± 3.42 to 47.53 ± 1.06 g were studied to determine the effect of the feed diets of Caulerpa lentillifera and sucrose as growth enhancement. Growth rates increased that range from 56.99 ± 3.16 to 61.56 ± 2.87 g for 90 days period using an artificial water tank system. Previous studies conducted that C. lentillifera contained high protein and were the most abundant component. This seaweed also contained high amounts of minerals and balanced amino acid and notably very rich in iodine. phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and copper that will contribute to oysters growth. Oysters are known to have the ability to uptake dissolved organic matter as nutrients. In the present study, the effects of culture water supplemented with sucrose were tested on oysters. Results revealed that this organic matter promotes growth to the oysters. Sugars will be metabolized into pyruvate through the glycolysis pathway and will result in the supply of energy. Therefore, supplementation of sugar to oysters may have contributed as an energy source together with the lipid and protein content from the algae diet.

Anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract of green algae Caulerpa mexicana in a murine model of ulcerative colitis

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by chronic and relapsed gut inflammation. Caulerpa mexicana is a type of green marine algae that can be found in tropical areas, such as the Brazilian Coastland. These macrophytes exhibit in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties such as the ability to reduce both cell migration to different sites and edema formation induced by chemical irritants. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the C. mexicana methanolic extract on the treatment of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate. Acute experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by treatment with 3% dextran sodium sulfate orally for 14 days. During this 14-day period, C. mexicana methanolic extract (2 mg/kg/day) was given intravenously on alternate days. Treatment with the methanolic extract significantly attenuated body weight loss and severe clinical symptoms. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of colonic architecture disruption and a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of C. mexicana methanolic extract on colorectal sites may be a useful therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Demografía de Caulerpa paspaloides var. Wudermannii (Bryopsidales: Caulerpaceae) en la zona costera de Campeche, México / Demography of Caulerpa paspaloides var. wudermanni (Bryopsidales: Caulerpaceae) in the coastal zone of Campeche, México

The subaquatic vegetation of Los Petenes, Campeche, Mexico, stands out due to its considerable floristic diversity, composed of a great variety of sea grasses and several species of the genus Caulerpa sp. This is a genus of ecological relevance, with the invasive species in the Mediterranean, with negative impact on several native sub-aquatic plants; nevertheless, little is known about the demography and population dynamics of Caulerpa species and their contribution to food webs. Thus the main objective of this study was to describe the demographics of Caulerpa paspaloides var. wudermanni, using the number of stolons, complete and incomplete fronds, the diameter of the stolons and the biomass. The information was used to determine the growth rate (λ) of this species. The study was conducted in the Biosphere Reserve of Los Petenes, which is located in the Northwest of the state of Campeche. The submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Petenes Biosphere consists of monospecific and mixed populations of seagrass species (Thalassia testudinum, Halodule wrightii and Syringodium filiforme). Although chlorophytes, brown algae and red algae, are fundamental elements in the specific composition of the SAV in Petenes, several species of Caulerpa are prominent because of their coverage and abundance. In May and June of 2010, significant differences in the quantity of stolons, their diameter, incomplete and complete fronds, and the size of the stolons and rhizomes, were observed. In 2010, the finite population growth rate (λ) was 2.38±0.1571 for individuals and 1.20±0.1356 for the population, and in 2011 the values of λ were 1.80±0.3608 and 1.35±0.1571, respectively. From these results it can be concluded that the population is growing; however, growth is controlled by biotic and abiotic factors. Despite there was no apparent threat, we suggest continuing the demographic studies of C. paspaloides var. wurdemannii, as well as of other species of the same genus, not only to detect invasion or explosive growth, but also their presence indicated low oxygen levels and high sulphates. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 729-741. Epub 2014 June 01.

La vegetación subacuática de Los Petenes, Campeche, México, se destaca por su gran diversidad florística, compuesto por una gran variedad de pastos marinos y varias especies del género Caulerpa sp. Caulerpa es un género de relevancia ecológica, con especies como la Caulerpa taxifolia, que es invasiva en el Mediterráneo, con un impacto negativo en varias plantas sub-acuáticas nativas, pero poco se sabe acerca de la demografía y la dinámica poblacional de las especies de Caulerpa y su contribución a las redes alimenticias. El objetivo general es conocer la demografía de Caulerpa sp., por medio del número de estolones, frondas completas e incompletas, el diámetro de los estolones y la biomasa. El estudio se realizó en la Reserva de la Biosfera de Los Petenes, en Campeche, México. La Vegetación Acuática Sumergida (VAS) en la Biosfera de los Petenes está constituida por poblaciones tanto monoespecíficas como mixtas de las especies de pastos marinos Thalassia testudinum, Halodule wrightii y Syringodium filiforme. Aunque las especies de algas clorófitas, feofitas y rodófitas son elementos fundamentales de la VAS, destacan por su cobertura y abundancia las especies de Caulerpa. En mayo y junio del 2010, hubo diferencias significativas de la cantidad de estolones, su diámetro, frondas completas e incompletas y el tamaño de los estolones como el de los ejes erectos. En el 2010 el valor de la tasa finita de crecimiento poblacional (l) fue de 2.38±0.15 con el método de las marcas y con el de la biomasa 1.20±0.13 y en el 2011 los valores fueron de 1.80±0.36 con las marcas y de 1.35±0.15 con la biomasa. Los resultados indican que la población está creciendo, pero es controlada por factores bióticos y abióticos. A pesar de que no se detecta la especie como una amenaza aparente, sugerimos que se continúen estos estudios demográficos sobre C. paspaloides var. wurdemannii e incluso de otras especies del mismo género. No solo para detectar una invasión o un crecimiento explosivo, sino porque la presencia de estas especies no indican condiciones bajas en oxígeno y altas en sulfatos.

In Vitro Study of Antimicrobial Activity in Marine Algae Caulerpa Taxifolia and Caulerpa Racemosa (C. Agardh).

The present study was carried out to investigate its antimicrobial potentiality of the algae such as Caulerpa taxifolia, Caulerpa racemosa (C. Agardh) were studied against both Gram-positive, Gram- negative and fungal pathogens. For microbiological testing of the different crude algal extracts (Hexane, Chloroform, Methanol and water) was determined by the well diffusion method.The zone of inhibition was measured for all the Crude extracts revealed a wide range of antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens. The overall antimicrobial activity assessed from the above results indicates the presence of active constituents in the extractions of Seaweeds which can be exploited for the production of lead molecules which are use of in pharmaceutical industry.

Anti-diabetic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera：stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and enhancement of glucose uptake in adipocytes

Objective: To evaluate anti-diabetic effect of Caulerpa lentillifera (C. lentillifera).Methods:The inhibitory effect of C. lentillifera extract on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV andα-glucosidase enzyme was measured in a cell free system. Then, interleukin-1β and interferon-γinduced cell death and insulin secretion were measured in rat insulinoma (RIN) cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and ELISA kit, respectively. Glucose uptake and glucose transporter expression were measured by fluorometry and western blotting, using 3T3-L1 adipocytes.Results: C. lentillifera extract significantly decreased dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and α-glucosidase enzyme activities, and effectively inhibited cell death and iNOS expression in interleukin-1βand interferon-γ induced RIN cells. Furthermore, C. lentillifera extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RIN cells and glucose transporter expression and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.Conclusions:Thus, our results suggest that C. lentillifera could be used as a potential anti-diabetic agent.

Anti-diabetic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera: Stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic ß-cells and enhancement of glucose uptake in adipocytes

Objective: To evaluate anti-diabetic effect of Caulerpa lentillifera (C. lentillifera). Methods: The inhibitory effect of C. lentillifera extract on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and α-glucosidase enzyme was measured in a cell free system. Then, interleukin-1ß and interferon-γ induced cell death and insulin secretion were measured in rat insulinoma (RIN) cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and ELISA kit, respectively. Glucose uptake and glucose transporter expression were measured by fluorometry and western blotting, using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results: C. lentillifera extract significantly decreased dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and α-glucosidase enzyme activities, and effectively inhibited cell death and iNOS expression in interleukin-1ß and interferon-γ induced RIN cells. Furthermore, C. lentillifera extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RIN cells and glucose transporter expression and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusions: Thus, our results suggest that C. lentillifera could be used as a potential anti-diabetic agent.

Anti-diabetic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera: stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and enhancement of glucose uptake in adipocytes

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate anti-diabetic effect of Caulerpa lentillifera (C. lentillifera).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The inhibitory effect of C. lentillifera extract on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and α-glucosidase enzyme was measured in a cell free system. Then, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ induced cell death and insulin secretion were measured in rat insulinoma (RIN) cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and ELISA kit, respectively. Glucose uptake and glucose transporter expression were measured by fluorometry and western blotting, using 3T3-L1 adipocytes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>C. lentillifera extract significantly decreased dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and α-glucosidase enzyme activities, and effectively inhibited cell death and iNOS expression in interleukin-1β and interferon-γ induced RIN cells. Furthermore, C. lentillifera extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RIN cells and glucose transporter expression and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Thus, our results suggest that C. lentillifera could be used as a potential anti-diabetic agent.</p>

Marine natural seaweed products as potential antiviral drugs against Bovine viral diarrhea virus

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an etiologic agent that causes important economic losses in the world. It is endemic in cattle herds in most parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect and antiviral properties of several marine natural products obtained from seaweeds: the indole alkaloid caulerpin (CAV, 1) and three diterpenes: 6-hydroxydichotoma-3,14-diene-1,17-dial (DA, 2), 10,18-diacetoxy-8-hydroxy-2,6-dolabelladiene (DB1, 3) and 8,10,18-trihydroxy-2,6-dolabelladiene (DB3, 4). The screening to evaluate the cytotoxicity of compounds did not show toxic effects to MDBK cells. The antiviral activity of the compounds was measured by the inhibition of the cytopathic effect on infected cells by plaque assay (PA) and EC50 values were calculated for CAV (EC=2,0± 5.8), DA (EC 2,8± 7.7), DB1 (EC 2,0±9.7), and DB3 (EC 2,3±7.4). Acyclovir (EC50 322± 5.9) was used in all experiments as the control standard. Although the results of the antiviral activity suggest that all compounds are promising as antiviral agents against BVDV, the Selectivity Index suggests that DB1 is the safest of the compounds tested.

Caulerpin as a potential antiviral drug against herpes simplex virus type 1

About 80% of the human adult population is infected with HSV-1. Although there are many anti-HSV-1 drugs available (acyclovir, ganciclovir, valaciclovir, foscarnet), their continuous use promotes the selection of resistant strains, mainly in ACV patients. In addition to resistance, the drugs also have toxicity, particularly when administration is prolonged. The study of new molecules isolated from green algae with potential antiviral activity represents a good opportunity for the development of antiviral drugs. Caulerpin, the major product from the marine algae Caulerpa Lamouroux (Caulerpales), is known for its biological activities such as antioxidant, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChE) and antibacterial activity. In this work, we show that caulerpin could be an alternative to acyclovir as an anti-HSV-1 drug that inhibits the alpha and beta phases of the replication cycle.

Physical factors contributing to the benthic dominance of the alga Caulerpa sertularioides (Caulerpaceae, Chlorophyta) in the upwelling Bahía Culebra, north Pacific of Costa Rica / Factores físicos que contribuyen a la dominancia bentónica del alga Caulerpa sertularioides (Caulerpaceae, Chlorophyta) en la surgencia Bahía Culebra, Pacífico norte de Costa Rica

Caulerpa sertularioides has been spreading in Bahía Culebra, a seasonal upwelling bay in the north Pacific of Costa Rica, since 2001. The survey was carried out from December 2003 to March 2005, in several locations around Bahía Culebra, located inside the Gulf of Papagayo. This study investigated spatial and temporal patterns, percent coverage, monthly growth rate, reproductive adaptations, and morphological variations of frond length and stolon diameter of Caulerpa sertularioides, at different environmental physical and chemical factors at the bay. The alga extended to depths of 23 m on a variety of substrates. The stolons extended quickly, with a maximum growth rate of 31.2 cm month-1. This alga grows mainly by fragmentation of its fronds and stolons; nevertheless it can also reproduce sexually by releasing gametes in the water column. These two modes of spreading promote the adaptation of this opportunistic species to environmental, chemical, and physical changes at this bay. At the same time the alga showed variations in the length of its fronds and stolons, adapting to conditions such as depth and season. Average percent cover and frond density increased during the dry season when the upwelling of nutrients and cold water occurs. In the rainy season the average percent cover and frond density decreased; however there was a peak in September, when high precipitation resulted in runoff into the bay of nutrient-rich waters. The morphological and physiological plasticity of C. sertularioides, in synergy with its predominant clonal propagation and sexual reproduction provided this species with a great adaptability to changes in temperature and nutrient concentration at Bahía Culebra.

Desde el 2001 se ha observado una propagación del alga verde Caulerpa sertularioides en Bahía Culebra, zona de afloramiento costero, en el Pacífico norte de Costa Rica. El muestreo se llevó acabo entre Diciembre 2003 a marzo 2005, en varias localidades de Bahía Culebra. En este estudio se presentan los patrones de distribución, cobertura, tasa mensual de crecimiento, adaptaciones reproductivas y variaciones morfológicas del largo de la fronda y diámetro del estolón de Caulerpa sertularioides, a diferentes factores ambientales físico-químicos en Bahía Culebra. Esta alga se extiende hasta profundidades de 23 m, en una gran variedad de sustratos. Los estolones se extienden rápidamente, con un crecimiento máximo de 31.2 cm mes-1. Esta alga se propaga principalmente por la fragmentación de sus frondas y estolones, así mismo se reproduce sexualmente liberando gametos a la columna de agua. Estos modos de reproducción promueven la adaptación de esta especie oportunista, a los cambios ambientales, tanto químicos, como físicos, de la bahía. Al mismo tiempo esta alga presenta variaciones en el largo de sus frondas y el diámetro del rizoma, adaptándose a diferentes profundidades y condiciones de la época del año. El porcentaje de cobertura y densidad de frondas aumentan durante la época seca, cuando emergen aguas frías y nutrientes por el afloramiento costero. Por otro lado, en la época lluviosa estas medidas decrecen, sin embargo se presenta un pico en setiembre, cuando la precipitación aumenta y llega una carga extra de nutrientes a la bahía por escorrentía. La plasticidad morfológica y fisiológica de C. sertularioides, en sinergia con su propagación clonal, proveen a esta alga con una gran adaptabilidad a los cambios en temperatura y nutrientes de Bahía Culebra.

Antinociceptive activities of crude methanolic extract and phases, n-butanolic, chloroformic and ethyl acetate from Caulerpa racemosa (Caulerpaceae) / Atividade antinociceptiva do extrato metanólico bruto e das fases n-butanólica, clorofórmica e acetato de etila de Caulerpa recemosa (Caulerpaceae)

In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive actions of n-butanolic phase, chloroformic phase, ethyl acetate phase and crude methanolic extract obtained from Caulerpa racemosa. This seaweed is cosmopolitan in world, mainly in tropical regions. The n-butanolic, chloroformic, ethyl acetate phases and crude methanolic extract, all administered orally in the concentration of 100 mg/kg, reduced the nociception produced by acetic acid by 47.39 percent, 70.51 percent, 76.11 percent and 72.24 percent, respectively. In the hotplate test the chloroformic and ethyl acetate phase were activite in this models. In the neurogenic phase on formalin test, were observed that crude methanolic extract (51.77 percent), n-butanolic phase (35.12 percent), chloroformic phase (32.70 percent) and indomethacin (32.06 percent) were effective in inhibit the nociceptive response. In the inflammatory phase, only the ethyl acetate phase (75.43 percent) and indomethacin (47.83 percent) inhibited significantly the nociceptive response. Based on these data, we can infer that the ethyl acetate phase shows a significant anti-inflammatory profile, whose power has not yet been determined. However, pharmacological and chemical studies are continuing in order to characterize the mechanism(s) responsible for the antinociceptive action and also to identify other active principles present in Caulerpa racemosa.

Neste estudo, tentamos identificar a atividade antinociceptiva do extrato metanólico bruto e das fases n-butanólica, clorofórmica e acetato de etila provenientes da alga Caulerpa racemosa. Esta alga é cosmopolita no mundo, principalmente em regiões tropicais. O extrato metanólico bruto e as fases n-butanólica, clorofórmica e acetato de etila foram administrados por via oral, na concentração de 100 mg/kg. Estes foram capazes de reduzir a nocicepção produzida pelo ácido acético, sendo 47,39 por cento, 70,51 por cento, 76,11 por cento e 72,24 por cento, respectivamente. No ensaio da placa quente as fases clorofórmica e acetato de etila foram ativas neste modelo. Na fase neurogênica do teste de formalina, foi observado que o extrato metanólico bruto (51,77 por cento), fase n-butanólica (35,12 por cento), fase clorofórmica (32,70 por cento) e indometacina (32,06 por cento) foram eficazes em inibir a resposta nociceptiva. Na fase inflamatória, apenas a fase acetato de etila (75,43 por cento) e indometacina (47,83 por cento) foram capazes de inibir significativamente a resposta nociceptiva. Com base nestes dados, podemos sugerir que o a fase acetato de etila apresenta um significativo efeito anti-inflamatório, cuja potência ainda não foi determinada. No entanto, estudos farmacológicos e químicos serão necessários, a fim de caracterizar o mecanismo responsável pela ação antinociceptiva e também para identificar outros princípios ativos presentes na alga Caulerpa racemosa.