Biochemical properties of different species of seaweeds (Grateloupia) from the Indian coast and analysis of spatial variation in two selected species

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the biochemical composition of five Grateloupia species and analysis of spatial variation in G. filicina and G. lithophila from the East and West coast of India. Methodology: Five Grateloupia species such as G. filicina, G. lithophila, G. catenata, G. orientalis and G. indica were collected from different states of India. Biochemical parameters like crude protein, total lipid, total ash, carbohydrates, total dietary fibre, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total phenolic content were estimated to assess their nutritional values. Spatial variation for same parameters was also studied for G. filicina and G. lithophila. Results: It was observed that genus Grateloupia contained crude protein (12.4-16%), total lipid (0.61-1.47%), ash (11.49-18.03%), carbohydrate (5.17-17.21%), and total dietary fibre (54.08-66.16%) on a dry weight basis. Among all species, G. indica (16.00%) and G. filicina (15.48%) consisted of higher protein content. In contrast, G. orientalis (66.16%) and G. catenata (61.25%) had a maximum of total dietary fibre. The digestible energy obtained from Grateloupia was high, ranging from 85.93-141.29 kcal. Carotenoids (9.52-32.10 mg 100g-1) and total phenolic contents (TPC) (0.508-0.696 mg GAE g-1) represented the potential antioxidant activities of these Grateloupia species. Spatial variation in the biochemical composition of G. filicina and G. lithophila may be due to changes in the environmental factors. Interpretation: Biochemical compositions of these five species were similar to other edible Grateloupia species like G. turuturu and G. filicina. The results revealed that these species could be used for consumption purposes. Key words: Fibre, Grateloupia, Nutritional property, Phenols, Species, Spatial variation