Fatty acid composition from the marine red algae Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991 and its antioxidant activity

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fatty acids from the marine red algae Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified nine fatty acids in the two species. The major fatty acids of P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba were palmitic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. The DPPH radical scavenging capacity of fatty acids was moderate ranging from 25.90% to 29.97%. Fatty acids from P. capillacea (31.18%) had a moderate ferrous ions chelating activity (FIC), while in O. obtusiloba (17.17%), was weak. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of fatty acids from P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba was low. As for β-carotene bleaching (BCB), P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba showed a good activity. This is the first report of the antioxidant activities of fatty acids from the marine red algae P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba.

Characterization and bioactivities of a novel polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis

ABSTRACT Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a type of red alga that contains seaweed polysaccharide agar. In this study, a novel non-agar seaweed polysaccharide fraction named GCP (short of crude polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) was isolated from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. Structural analysis showed that GCP shows triple helical chain conformation when dissolved in water and has many branches and long side chains. Also, 1→3 linkage is the major linkage and the sugar structures are galactopyranose configurations linked by β-type glycosidic linkages. Two macromolecular substance fractions (GCP-1 and GCP-2) were purified by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. Moreover, a splenocyte damage assay and splenocyte proliferation assay were used to analyse the bioactivities of GCP, GCP-1 and GCP-2. It was demonstrated that polysaccharides could protect splenocyte damaged by H2O2; GCP-2 shows a greatest protection rate, that is, 92.8%, which significantly enhanced the splenocyte proliferation, and GCP showed the highest proliferation rate, 9.30%. The results suggested that this type of novel non-agar polysaccharide displayed remarkable antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and early alkali treatment could decrease the activities. It may represent a potential material for health food and clinical medicines.

Actividad antiviral de un extracto acuoso del alga roja Laurencia obtusa frente a virus influenza A y B / Antiviral activity of an aqueous extract from the red alga Laurencia obtusa against influenza A and B viruses

(au)INTRODUCCIÓN: la terapia antiviral frente a las infecciones provocadas por virus influenza se basa en empleo de inhibidores de las proteínas M2 y neuraminidasa (NA). Sin embargo, la emergencia de cepas estacionales resistentes a ambos grupos de fármacos motiva la búsqueda de nuevos fármacos anti-influenza. Los extractos de algas pueden ser utilizados como fuente para la obtención de estos compuestos, teniendo en cuenta la diversidad de metabolitos descrita en estos organismos. OBJETIVO: evaluar la actividad antiviral in vitro de un extracto acuoso del alga roja Laurencia obtusa frente a virus influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2) e influenza B. MÉTODOS: se evaluó la citotoxicidad en células MDCK, mediante cálculo de la viabilidad celular, en presencia de concentraciones crecientes del extracto. Los efectos sobre la replicación viral se cuantificaron mediante determinación de los niveles de la hemaglutinina (HA) y de la inhibición del efecto citopático (ECP). El índice selectivo (IS) se calculó a partir de la relación IS=CC50/CE 50. RESULTADOS: el extracto acuoso de Laurencia obtusa posee actividad antiviral in vitro frente a virus influenza B, A (H3N2) y A (H1N1) con valores de IS de 7,73; 11,79 y 12,95; respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Laurencia obtusa inhibe la replicación de virus influenza de elevada importancia clínica. La realización de ensayos secundarios de caracterización de la actividad biológica, así como de caracterización molecular del extracto, podrían permitir el desarrollo de novedosos compuestos antivirales. Este trabajo constituye el primer informe de actividad inhibitoria de esta especie de macroalga frente a virus influenza.compuestos antivirales. Este trabajo constituye el primer informe de actividad inhibitoria de esta especie de macroalga frente a virus influenza(AU)

INTRODUCTION: antiviral therapy against infections caused by influenza viruses is based on the use of inhibitors of M2 protein and neuraminidase (NA). However, the emergence of seasonal strains resistant to both drug groups has led to the search for new anti-influenza medications. Extracts from algae may be used as a source of compounds, considering the diversity of metabolites described for these organisms. OBJECTIVE: evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of an aqueous extract from the red alga Laurencia obtusa against influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and B viruses. METHODS: cytotoxicity was evaluated in MDCK cells by cell viability estimation in the presence of growing concentrations of the extract. The effects over viral replication were quantified by determining hemagglutinin (HA) levels and inhibition of the cytopathic effect (CPE). The selective index (SI) was estimated by SI=CC50/CE50. RESULTS: the aqueous extract of Laurencia obtusa showed in vitro antiviral activity against influenza B, A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) viruses with SI values of 7.73, 11.79 and 12.95, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laurencia obtusa inhibits the replication of influenza viruses, a fact of great clinical importance. Secondary assays to characterize the biological activity and molecular composition of the extract may lead to the development of novel antiviral compounds. The present paper is the first report on the inhibitory activity of this macroalga species against influenza viruses(AU)

Novel antimicrobial activity of a dichloromethane extract obtained from red seaweed Ceramium rubrum (Hudson) (Rhodophyta: Florideophyceae) against Yersinia ruckeri and Saprolegnia parasitica, agents that cause diseases in salmonids

Background Enteric red mouth disease and Saprolegniasis, which are caused by the bacteria Yersinia ruckeri and the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica, respectively, are important illnesses that affect salmonid farming. Sanitary problems in farms are addressed by the prevention of disease outbreaks or by the treatment of diseases with chemicals. Environmental and governmental restrictions, toxicity and high treatment costs limit the use of drugs. Marine organisms, such as algae, sponges and corals, have developed an antimicrobial defense strategy based on the production of bioactive metabolites. Among these organisms, seaweeds offer a particularly rich source of potential new drugs. Hence, many pharmacologically active substances have been isolated from seaweeds. In the Ceramium genus, Ceramium rubrum has been emphasized by several authors for its antimicrobial properties. Based on this background, the present study focused on the antimicrobial activity of a lipophilic extract of C. rubrum on Y. ruckeri and S. parasitica. Results The alga, collected from the Pacific coast of Chile, underwent an ethanol extraction, and the concentrated extract was partitioned between water and dichloromethane. From the dichloromethane extract, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, one hydrocarbon and phytol were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The antimicrobial study showed that the whole extract was more active than the individual components, which suggests a strong synergistic effect among the components. Conclusions These results may constitute a basis for promising future applied research that could investigate the use of C. rubrum seaweed as a source of antimicrobial compounds against fish pathogens.

A Case of Acute Pancreatitis and Acute Hepatitis Caused by Ingestion of Ceramium kondoi / 대한소화기학회지

In Korea, the use of herbal remedies is a common cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, the occurrence of both acute pancreatitis and acute hepatitis after taking herbal remedies has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a case of concurrent acute pancreatitis and acute hepatitis associated with Ceramium kondoi ingestion. A 58-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer 7 months ago. Total gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy was performed without complications. The patient had been well until recently, when she presented with severe abdominal pain after ingestion of Ceramium kondoi for 4 weeks. The laboratory findings demonstrated elevated liver enzymes and lipase, and abdominal computed tomography revealed pancreas swelling with fat infiltration. The diagnosis was made based on the diagnostic criteria for drug induced pancreatitis and the Russel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method scale for drug-induced liver injury. After cessation of Ceramium kondoi, she showed clinical and biochemical improvement.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of red seaweed Dichotomaria obtusata / Atividades anti-inflamatória e analgésica da alga marinha vermelha Dichotomaria obtusata

The aim of the present work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of red seaweed Dichotomaria obtusata, using classic tests in mice (ear edema induced by TPA and writhing induced by acetic acid). The qualitative chemical composition of the aqueous extract (lactones, phenols, triterpenes, steroids and reduced carbohydrates) obtained from this alga was also determined. The results showed that Dichotomaria obtusata (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, ip) inhibited mouse ear edema in a dose-dependent manner. In the writhing test, aqueous extract (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, ip and 100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg, po) significantly reduced abdominal writhes. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of aqueous extract of D. Obtusata in experimental models. These results suggest that D. obtusata aqueous extract possesses therapeutic potential in the treatment of peripheral painful or/and inflammatory conditions.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é centrado nos efeitos antiinflamatórios e analgésicos da alga vermelha Dichotomaria obtusata por meio de clássicos testes em camundongos (edema de orelha induzido por TPA e contorção induzida por ácido acético). Também foi determinada a composição química qualitativa do extrato (lactonas, fenóis, triterpenos, esteróides e carboidratos reduzidos). Os resultados mostraram que de Dichotomaria obtusata (12,5, 25 e 50 mg/kg, ip) inibiu o edema de orelha do camundongo de forma dose-dependente. No teste de contorção, extrato aquoso (12,5, 25, 50 e 100 mg/kg, ip e 100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg, po) reduziu o contorções abdominais de forma significativa. Em conclusão, o estudo demonstrou a atividades antiinflamatória e antinociceptiva do extrato aquoso em modelos experimentais. Estes resultados sugerem que o extrato aquoso D.obtusata possuem potencial terapêutico no tratamento de dor periférica e/ou de doenças inflamatórias.

Identification of a Taq DNA polymerase inhibitor from the red seaweed Symphyocladia latiuscula.

Two inhibitors of Taq DNA polymerase were isolated from the marine red alga Symphyocladia latiuscula. The inhibitors were purified by methanol extraction, molecular fractionation below 3000 MW and reverse-phase HPLC. The purified compound SL-1 containing three bromines was identified as 2,3,6-tribromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol (C7H5Br3O3: MW374) by NMR and MS analyses. The purified compound SL-2 was identified as 2,3, 6-tribromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl methyl ether(C8H7Br3O3: MW388). In a 25-microl reaction mixture containing 1.5 units of Taq DNA polymerase, the enzyme was completely inhibited by 0.5 microg SL-1 or 5 microg SL-2.

Antinociceptive properties in mice of a lectin isolated from the marine alga Amansia multifida Lamouroux

The antinociceptive effects of a lectin (LEC) isolated from the marine alga Amansia multifida were determined in Swiss mice. The LEC (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhings in a dose-dependent manner after intraperitoneal or oral administration. A partial but significant inhibition of writhings was observed after the combination of LEC (10 mg/kg) with avidin (1 mg/kg), a potent inhibitor of the hemmaglutinant activity of the lectin. However, total writhing inhibition was demonstrable in the group of mice treated with LEC plus mannose (1 mg/kg), as compared to LEC alone or to control groups. Furthermore, avidin and mainly mannose also play a role in antinociception, somehow facilitating the interaction of LEC with its active cell sites. In the formalin test, although both phases of the response were significantly inhibited, the effect of LEC was predominant during phase 2, causing inhibition of licking time that ranged from 48 to 88 percent after oral (5 and 10 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal (1 to 5 mg/kg) administration. As is the case with morphine, the effect of LEC (2 mg/kg) was reversed by naloxone (2 mg/kg), indicating the involvement of the opioid system. LEC was also effective in the hot-plate test, producing inhibitory responses to the thermal stimulus, and its effects were blocked by naloxone. In the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, although LEC did not alter the onset of sleep significantly, it increased the time of sleep within the same dose range compared to control. These results show that LEC presents antinociceptive effects of both central and peripheral origin, possibly involving the participation of the opioid system.

Differential activity of a lectin from Solieria filiformis against human pathogenic bacteria

A lectin isolated from the red alga Solieria filiformis was evaluated for its effect on the growth of 8 gram-negative and 3 gram-positive bacteria cultivated in liquid medium (three independent experiments/bacterium). The lectin (500 æg/mL) stimulated the growth of the gram-positive species Bacillus cereus and inhibited the growth of the gram-negative species Serratia marcescens, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus sp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1000 æg/mL but the lectin (10-1000 æg/mL) had no effect on the growth of the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and B. subtilis, or on the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The purified lectin significantly reduced the cell density of gram-negative bacteria, although no changes in growth phases (log, exponential and of decline) were observed. It is possible that the interaction of S. filiformis lectin with the cell surface receptors of gram-negative bacteria promotes alterations in the flow of nutrients, which would explain the bacteriostatic effect. Growth stimulation of the gram-positive bacterium B. cereus was more marked in the presence of the lectin at a concentration of 1000 æg/mL. The stimulation of the growth of B. cereus was not observed when the lectin was previously incubated with mannan (125 æg/mL), its hapten. Thus, we suggest the involvement of the binding site of the lectin in this effect. The present study reports the first data on the inhibition and stimulation of pathogenic bacterial cells by marine alga lectins.

Propiedades físicas del agar de Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariaceae) en Sucre, Venezuela / Physical properties of the agar of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariacea) in Sucre, Venezuela

The yield, gel strength, gelling and melting temperatures of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons agar from Guayacán, Araya Peninsula, Sucre State, Venezuela were determined. Yield values with and without alkali treatment ranged from 23.22 to 39.57% and from 16.29 to 22.42% respectively, while gel strength with alkali treatment fluctuated betwen 699.31 and 1231.69 g/cm2 and without treatment varied from 278.0 to 691.06 g/cm2. Gelling and melting temperatures were in the range reported for other agarophytes. Considering gel strength, the agar quality of G. tenuifrons was higher than in other species and its exploitation in economically feasible.

Toxicological studies and seasonal variation of amino acid composition of the red alga corallina officinalis L.

The toxicological studies of the alcoholic extract of the red alga Corallina officinalis L. including its effect on the liver and kidney functions were investigated. A dose of 400 mg/kg animal body weight [1/10 LD50] did not affect the liver and kidney functions, while a dose of 3.10 g/kg animal body weight exhibited a significant increase in SGPT, SGOT, blood urea and creatinine. The seasonal variation of amino acids composition proved that the protein of C. officinalis L. collected in winter was characterized by a higher content of essential amino acids than the other two algal samples collected in spring and summer

Aislamiento y elucidación estructural de polisacáridos del alga gigartina glomerata howe, fases esporofítica y gametofítica / Isolation and structural elucidation of plysaccharides of alga gigartina glomerata howe, sporophitic phases and gametophitic

Los carragenanos son galactanos sulfatados que se encuentran en diversos géneros de las algas rojas, como son chondrus, gigartina, euchema e hypneo entre otros del género gigartina se han registrado cuatro especies en nuestro litoral. Las muestras biológicas utilizadas fueron las fases esporofítica y gamerofítica femenina del alga roja gigartina glomerata howe, recolectadas en julio de 1991 en la playa Homillos (Huacho-Lima) los polisacáridos totales se obtuvieron mediante extracción acuosa caliente (cada fase por separado), luego se filtraron, purificaron y se concentraron por evaporación, posteriormente se precipitaron con ETOH, redisolviendo con agua destilada y desecando en las estufas a 60ºC. Estos se sometieron a hidrólisis ácida y la cromatografía en papel reveló que la D-galactosa era el úrico monosacárido presente en las estructuras de los extractos obtenidos. Los polisacáridos totales se fraccionaron con soluciones de cloruro de potasio luego se separaron, dializaron, purificaron y desecaron a baja Taº, obteniéndose en la fase esporofítica mayor porcentaje de fracción insoluble, fueron analizados mediantes métodos químicos y espectrofotométricos.