Abstract
The carrageenophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta) has neurotrophic activity in primary hippocampal neurons. This seaweed is abundant and easily cultivated in tropical coastal areas. To determine the best growth conditions for neurotrophic activity, thalli were grown at different depths and for different periods in various areas of Indonesia. Neurotrophic activity was measured based on the number of primary neurites, the total length of the primary neurites, and the length of the longest neurite. K. alvarezii had higher neurotrophic activity than carrageenophytes K. striatum and Eucheuma denticulatum cultured under the same conditions. K. alvarezii grown at the surface for 45 days had higher (1.4- to 1.8-fold) neurotrophic activity than thalli grown at depth (2 m) or harvested sooner (15 days) (P < 0.05). Relatively high activities were detected in thalli cultured at Ternate and Garut, Indonesia. Therefore, from a commercial perspective, the culture conditions at the surface for 45 days were optimal for the production of both neurotrophic compounds and carrageenan. K. alvarezii produced neurotrophic compounds under various environmental conditions, although some conditions were optimal.
Highlights
Neurodegenerative disorders are a crucial threat to human health, especially in the elderly
Neurotrophic activity was quantified based on morphometric analyses of hippocampal neurons using number of primary neurites (NPN), total length of primary neurites (TLPN), and length of the longest neurite (LLN)
We compared three abundant carrageenophytes (K. alvarezii, K. striatum, and E. denticulatum) that are aquaculturable in Indonesia to select the one with the highest neurotrophic activity
Summary
Neurodegenerative disorders are a crucial threat to human health, especially in the elderly. Neurotrophic activity can prevent cell death in neurodegenerative processes and play key roles in the survival, differentiation, synaptogenesis, and maturation of affected neurons in Alzheimer’s disease [4]. The edible rhodophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii produces a hydrocolloid carrageenan that is used as a food additive and a gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing agent in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products [5]. This seaweed was reported to have beneficial effects in preventing diet-induced metabolic syndrome [6]. We showed that K. alvarezii exerts its neurotrophic activity by accelerating the initial neuronal maturation and stimulating axodendritic arborization in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons [13, 14]
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