Preliminary phytochemical and biological activity screening of Sargassum lapazeanum

Abstract

Algae are exposed to substantial stress. In response, these organisms have developed efficient defense systems, such as protective secondary metabolite synthesis, making algae a primary source of bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Thus, algae show potential for use in treatments of thrombotic, infectious, and chronic degenerative diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activity of an extract obtained from Sargassum lapazeanum. Algae were collected in the intertidal zone of Tarabillas beach (Bahía de La Paz, BCS). The biological activities of an ethanolic extract and its fractions were evaluated using chromatographic techniques. In addition, a bioautographic assay of hemolytic activity was conducted, and phytochemical profiles and acute toxicity in Artemia franciscana were evaluated. The relationships among the main extract components were also determined. The ethanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant and hemolytic activity, which was mainly attributed to its content of anthrones, anthraquinones, and unsaturated triterpenes. Its toxicological activity reached an LC50 value of 225.1 μg mL-1, which was mainly attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids, anthrones, and saponins. The results suggest that Sargassum lapazeanum, which is endemic to the Gulf of California, has great pharmacological potential with biomedical applications.