Brown Alga Sargassum Research Articles

Seven undescribed meroterpenoids from Sargassum siliquastrum and their inhibitory activity against amyloid β aggregation.

The inhibition of amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and degradation of Aβ aggregates are promising approaches for treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease. In our search for Aβ42 aggregation inhibitors, we isolated seven undescribed meroterpenoids, sargasilides A (1)‒G (7), from brown alga (Sargassum siliquastrum) collected at Noto Peninsula in Japan. We structurally elucidated the isolated meroterpenoids using spectroscopic data and evaluated their activities using Thioflavin T assay and transmission electron microscopy. Among the seven compounds isolated, sargasilide B had the strongest inhibitory activity. From the comparison of structure and activity, the geometric isomerism of olefins and length of isoprene side chains are important for the activity of meroterpenoids isolated from brown alga.

Chemical constituents from marine medicinal brown alga-derived Scytalidium lignicola SC228

In this study, a marine medicinal brown alga Sargassum cristaefolium-derived fungal strain Scytalidium lignicola SC228 has been isolated and identified. Column chromatography of the extracts from liquid-fermented products of the fungal strain was carried out, and led to the purification of eight compounds. Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were further established by single X-ray diffraction analysis and modified Mosher's method as four previously undescribed compounds, namely scytabenzofurans A–C (1–3), and (3S,4S)-5-chloro-3,4-dihydro-4,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl-1H-2-benzopyran-1-one (4), along with four known compounds 5–8. All the isolates were subjected to anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic assays. Compounds 1–4, 7, and 8 showed moderate nitric oxide production inhibitory activities in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglial cells with IC50 in the range of 19.6 ± 0.1 to 49.0 ± 1.2 μM in comparison with that of curcumin (IC50 = 2.7 ± 0.3 μM). Compounds 5–7 exhibited moderate to potent inhibitory effects on EPCs growth with IC50 in the range of 0.5 ± 0.1 to 42.7 ± 0.9 μM as compared to sorafenib (IC50 = 5.50 ± 1.50 μM).

Invasive brown algae (Sargassum spp.) as a potential source of biocontrol against Aedes aegypti

Influxes of sargassos are responsible for economic and environmental disasters in areas where they bloom, especially in regions whose main income relies on tourism and with limited capacity for sanitation and public health response. A promising way of valorization would be to convert this incredible biomass into tools to fight the deadly vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. In the present study, we generated hydrolates and aqueous extracts from three main Sargassum morphotypes identified in Guadeloupe (French West Indies): Sargassum natans VIII, Sargassum natans I and Sargassum fluitans. We conducted a chemical characterization and a holistic evaluation of their potential to induce toxic and behavioral effects in Ae. aegypti. Despite the low insecticidal potential observed for all the extracts, we found that S. natans VIII and S. fluitans hydrolates deterred oviposition, induced contact irritancy and stimulated blood feeding behavior in host seeking Ae. aegypti females, while aqueous extracts from S. natans I and S. fluitans deterred both blood feeding behavior and oviposition. Chemical characterization evidenced the presence of phenylpropanoid, polyphenols, amino acids and esters. Thus, Sargassum spp. aqueous extracts and hydrolates could be used to manipulate Ae. aegypti behavior and be valorized as control tools against this mosquito.

The Effect of Hydroxyapatite Filling from Chicken Eggshells in the Formulation of Brown Algae (Sargassum sp.) Extract on Setting Time

The Effect of Hydroxyapatite Filling from Chicken Eggshells in the Formulation of Brown Algae (Sargassum sp.) Extract on Setting Time

Identification of the Secondary Metabolites of Sargassum Tenerrimum and their Molecular Docking Analysis against the Targets of Anxiety, Depression and Cognitive Disorder

Objective: This article aimed to identify the bioactive compounds present in the brown algae Sargassum tenerrimum using TLC and HPTLC fingerprinting analysis and followed in silico molecular docking against a potential target of anxiety, depression, and cognitive disorder with identified compounds. Methods: Bioactive compounds were identified from the methanolic extract of Sargassum tenerrimum through TLC and HPTLC fingerprinting analysis. In silico molecular docking against a potential target of anxiety, depression, and cognitive disorder was performed on the latest version of AutoDock Vina v.1.2.0 software. The pharmacokinetic profile and possible bioactivities of the compounds were predicted using SwissADME. Results: Fucoxanthin, β-Cryptoxanthin, and Canthaxanthin were identified from the brown algae Sargassum tenerrimum through TLC and HPTLC fingerprinting analysis. Fucoxanthin showed the highest fitness score of -9.7 kcal/mol, -9.6 kcal/mol, and -9.7 kcal/mol against the target protein GABA-A, 5ht2c, and AchE, respectively. β-Cryptoxanthin showed the highest fitness score of -9.4 kcal/mol against target SERT compared with Fucoxanthin and Canthaxanthin. Canthaxanthin exhibited the highest fitness score- 7.5 kcal/mol, -9.0 kcal/mol, -9.7 kcal/mol, -9.1 kcal/mol, -9.1 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.9 kcal/mol and - 7.6 kcal/mol against the target receptor trkB, 5ht1A, D2, DAT, MOA-A, COMT, NMDA and 7nAchR respectively on the comparing with Fucoxanthin and β-Cryptoxanthin. Conclusion: In silico docking and ADME analysis concluded that the canthaxanthin acted through various targets and was safer than the fucoxanthin and β-Cryptoxanthin. Hence, canthaxanthin can be the best potential compound in the therapy of neuropsychological disorders.

Chemical constituents from a marine medicinal brown alga-derived Xylaria acuta SC1019.

In this study, a marine medicinal brown alga Sargassum cristaefolium-derived fungal strain Xylaria acuta SC1019 was isolated and identified. Column chromatography of the extracts from liquid- and solid-fermented products of the fungal strain was carried out, and led to the isolation of twenty-one compounds. Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were further established by single X-ray diffraction analysis or modified Mosher's method as nine previously undescribed compounds, namely xylarilactones A-C (1-3), ent-gedebic acid 8-O-α-D-glucopyranoside (4), 5R-hydroxylmethylmellein 11-O-α-D-glucopyranoside (5), ent-hymatoxin E 16-O-α-D-mannopyranoside (6), 19,20-epoxycytochalasin S (7), 19,20-epoxycytochalasin T (8), and (2R)-butylitaconic acid (9), along with twelve known compounds 10-21. All the isolates were subjected to anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic assays. Compounds 1, 5, 7, 10, and 17 showed moderate nitric oxide production inhibitory activities in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglial cells with IC50 values of 19.55 ± 0.35, 16.10 ± 0.57, 15.20 ± 0.87, 11.76 ± 0.49, and 11.30 ± 0.32 μM, respectively, as compared to curcumin (IC50 = 2.69 ± 0.34 μM) without any significant cytotoxicity. Compounds 7, 8, and 21 displayed potent anti-angiogenic activities by suppressing the growth of human endothelial progenitor cells with IC50 values of 0.44 ± 0.01, 0.47 ± 0.03, and 0.53 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, as compared to sorafenib (IC50 = 5.50 ± 1.50 μM).

The Existence of Macroalgae in Indonesia: Unlocking the Nutritive Potential for Sustainable Beef Production

Abstract Assessment of the existence of macroalgae and revealing the chemical composition to investigate the potential usage for feed to support sustainable beef production has been conducted in Indonesian prominent livestock production area specifically Lombok, Bali, Yogyakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu. These regions host numerous seaweed production centres, while others hold the capacity to develop into seaweed cultivation zones. To assess the existence, utilisation, and accessibility of macroalgae in each region, observations and interviews were conducted. Subsequently, dominant macroalgae species were sampled and subjected to proximate analysis to determine their nutritional profiles. The results showed that the dominant macroalgae observed included red algae (Rhodophyta) like Eucheuma sp., Gracilaria sp., and Acanthophora sp., green algae (Chlorophyta) such as Ulva sp. and Caulerpa sp., and the brown alga (Phaeophyta) Sargassum sp. The dominant macroalgae found in all five observation sites with high abundance were Sargassum sp., Gracilaria sp., and Eucheuma cottonii. Ulva sp. and Eucheuma spinosum were present at four sites, while Acanthophora sp. and Caulerpa sp. were found at three sites. The dry matter content of the macroalgae ranged from 9.92% to 17.01%, with the highest values observed in the Eucheuma group (14.11%-17.01%). This was followed by Sargassum sp. (12.55 ± 2.40%), Ulva sp. (12.28 ± 2.33%), and Gracilaria sp. (11.09 ± 3.79%). Caulerpa sp. exhibited the lowest dry matter content (9.92 ± 1.29%). The crude protein (CP) content varied both within and between groups of algae species and observation sites. Gracilaria sp. exhibited the highest CP content (13.55 ± 0.16%), followed by Caulerpa sp. (11.87 ± 2.22%), Sargassum sp. (8.98 ± 0.42%), and Ulva sp. (6.98 ± 0.94%). The mineral content of the macroalgae was noticeably high, which is reflected in the low organic matter content. Ulva sp. had the highest organic matter content (80.17%), followed by Sargassum sp. (70.55%), Gracilaria sp. (66.53%), Caulerpa sp. (47.61%), and Eucheuma cottonii (43.50%). The readily available seaweed in this study tend to exhibit moderate to high protein and mineral content, making it a promising partial replacement or supplement for conventional feed, potentially contributing to sustainable beef production. Gracilaria sp., the most readily available seaweed, high in nutrient content with the potential to partially replace conventional feed protein sources. Its abundance of vitamins and minerals may enrich the overall value of the feed.

Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Antibacterial of The Brown algae Sargassum sp.

Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Antibacterial of The Brown algae Sargassum sp.

Assessing the impact of sargassum algae biodiesel blends on energy conversion in a modified single-cylinder diesel engine with a silica-incorporated diamond-like coated piston

ABSTRACT As coal and oil reserves deplete, the world is shifting to alternative fuels and renewable energy. Researchers are exploring a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels for powering automobiles. In this investigation, biodiesel was synthesized from brown marine algae (Sargassum algae) using transesterification process. Silica-incorporated diamond-like coating (DLC) was done on the engine piston by using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process with flow rate of 7sccm of C2H2. Three different coating thicknesses, such as 50,100, and 150 µm, were employed on the CI engine piston. Mechanical properties such as hardness, wear, and microstructure analysis were investigated. Analysis of mechanical characteristics reveals that pistons with a 100 μm coating have enhanced characteristics compared to those with other pistons. Using a 100 μm silicon coated piston on a single-cylinder Kirloskar engine, four blends (B10, B20, B30, and B40) were compared to neat diesel. At maximum engine load conditions, the B40 blends produced 42 ppm of HC whereas neat diesel with 19 ppm which is 57% higher than diesel and CO emission concentration increased by 4.9% than diesel. Similarly, brake-specific fuel consumption was observed at maximum load conditions for diesel with 0.18 kg/kWh and 0.20 kg/kWh for B10D90 which is 9.54% higher than diesel. As a result, it is critical to recognize the importance of sargassum’s potential for producing sustainable energy toward green globalization.

Brown algae (Sargassum subrepandum) found on the shores of Mediterranean Sea in Egypt are an important source of bioactive compounds

Brown algae (Sargassum subrepandum) found on the shores of Mediterranean Sea in Egypt are an important source of bioactive compounds

Assessment of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Brown Algae Sargassum vulgare: Insight into Antioxidants, Anticancer, Antibacterial and Hepatoprotective Effect.

Algae are used as safe materials to fabricate novel nanoparticles to treat some diseases. Marine brown alga Sargassum vulgare are used to fabricate silver nanoparticles (Sv/Ag-NPs). The characterization of Sv/Ag-NPs was determined by TEM, EDX, Zeta potential, XRD, and UV spectroscopy. The Sv/Ag-NPs were investigated as antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus mojavensis PP400982, Staphylococcus caprae PP401704, Staphylococcus capitis PP402689, and Staphylococcus epidermidis PP403851. The activity of the Sv/Ag-NPs was evaluated as hepatoprotective in vitro in comparison with silymarin. The UV-visible spectrum of Sv/Ag-NPs appeared at 442 nm; the size of Sv/Ag-NPs is in range between 6.90 to 16.97 nm, and spherical in shape. Different concentrations of Sv/Ag-NPs possessed antioxidant, anticancer activities against (HepG-2), colon carcinoma (HCT-116), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), and prostate carcinoma (PC-3) with IC50 50.46, 45.84, 78.42, and 100.39 µg/mL, respectively. The Sv/Ag-NPs induced the cell viability of Hep G2 cells and hepatocytes treated with carbon tetrachloride. The Sv/Ag-NPs exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus caprae PP401704, Staphylococcus capitis PP402689, and Staphylococcus epidermidis PP403851. This study strongly suggests the silver nanoparticles derived from Sargassum vulgare showed potential hepato-protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cells, and could be used as anticancer and antibacterial activities.

Assessment of antioxidant and digestive enzyme inhibition by phyco-molecules isolated from marine brown alga Sargassum wightii

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a global endocrine disorder, posing a significant healthcare challenge. The purpose of current research work was to isolate bioactive compounds from the marine brown alga Sargassum wightii using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Column Chromatography (CC), further characterized by different spectrophotometric analyses. The S. wightii ethyl acetate extract (SWEA), yielded a potential enzyme inhibitory fatty acid molecule, identified as 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. The compound exhibited promising inhibitory activity against diabetic enzymes, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 39.08 µg/mL (α-amylase) and 60.1 µg/mL (α-glucosidase). Additionally, 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid demonstrated notable radical scavenging properties, with IC50 values of 31.14 µg/mL (DPPH) and 33.09 µg/mL (FRAP). The isolated seaweed compound displayed antioxidant and diabetes enzyme inhibition activities comparable to standard compounds such as ascorbic acid and acarbose. These findings suggest the potential of 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid as a novel candidate for anti-diabetic drug development. This research contributes valuable insights for formulating innovative approaches in the design and development of anti-diabetic medications.

Nitrogen excretion by the lobsters Panulirus ornatus and Thenus australiensis and uptake by the brown algae Sargassum siliquosum: Implications for integrated recirculated aquaculture systems

Farming extractive species such as macroalgae that take up nitrogen (N), with fed species (e.g., lobsters, finfish, prawns) is termed integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). In recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), high concentrations of nitrogenous waste can become toxic to the fed species and macroalgae offers a method of mitigating N waste. To utilise macroalgae as a biofilter for N waste, an understanding of their N ecophysiology of both the fed and extractive species is needed. In this study we first determine the ammonium and urea excretion rates for emerging aquaculture candidates the tropical rock lobsters, Panulirus ornatus (TRL) and slipper lobster, Thenus australiensis (SL). Using multiple flask uptake experiments, we then determined the N ecophysiology of the tropical brown macroalga, Sargassum siliquosum, to assess its potential use as a biofilter in a lobster RAS. Routine (basal) N excretion was predominantly ammonium with only a minor contribution of urea (8 and 13% for TRL and SL respectively). For both lobster species, ammonium and urea excretion substantially increased post-prandial, peaking at levels 3.6 times greater than basal amounts for TRL and 3.2 times greater for SL, and remained elevated for between 32 and 38 h. Uptake of both ammonium and nitrate by S. siliquosum showed saturating kinetics, where the kinetic parameter Vmax is the maximum rate of uptake, Ks is the half-saturation constant and the Vmax:Ks-ratio is a proxy for the algae's affinity of uptake for that respective nutrient: for ammonium Vmax = 110.9 μmoles g−1 dry weight (DW) h−1 and Ks = 37.9 μM and for nitrate Vmax = 152.7 μmoles g−1 DW h−1 and Ks = 58.52 μM. Urea uptake was highly variable with both positive and negative (i.e. urea release from tissue) rates recorded; when positive values were considered, Vmax = 55.5 μmoles g−1 DW h−1 and Ks = 17.65 μM. We used uptake and excretion rates from our study to derive a unit mass stocking ratio of algae to lobster (algae: animal) to offset N pollution in RAS. The ratios of TRL to algae to offset NH4+ and urea post-prandial were 5.15E-04 and 3.09E-04 respectively and for SL, 4.46E-04 and 6.31E-04 respectively. The findings serve as a reference for future studies on integrating Sargassum species into RAS and IMTA systems.

From a heavy metal perspective, is macroalgal biomass from Madeira Archipelago and Gran Canaria Island of eastern Atlantic safe for the development of blue bioeconomy products?

AbstractMacroalgae are considered a valuable source of several compounds with nutritional, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. They are also used for crop fertilization and biofortification by introducing important minerals into the soil essential for crop productivity. At the same time, however, they are known bio-accumulators of some heavy metals. In this work, we assessed the content of 7 minerals considered as heavy metals in 25 macroalgae samples, comprising 4 greens, 9 reds and 12 browns, from Madeira Archipelago, Portugal, for their potential use as blue bioeconomy products. These heavy metals included zinc (Zn) with concentrations that ranged from 1.95 – 242.65 mg kg−1 dw, nickel (Ni, 0.6 – 34.78 mg kg−1 dw), copper (Cu, 0.42 – 7.98 mg kg−1 dw), chromium (Cr, 0.47 – 45.74 mg kg−1 dw), cadmium (Cd, 0.1 – 2.58 mg kg−1 dw), lead (Pb, 0.05 – 2.79 mg kg−1 dw) and mercury (Hg, 0.03 – 8.49 µg kg−1 dw). We also analysed 22 samples of beach-cast macroalgae from Gran Canaria Island, Spain, collected from November 2016 to November 2019. The same heavy metals were assessed with their concentrations that ranged as follows: Zn (11.41 – 42.20 mg kg−1 dw), Ni (3.17 – 17.78 mg kg−1 dw), Cu (1.85 – 4.20 mg kg−1 dw), Cr (6.08 – 37.98 mg kg−1 dw), Cd (0.02 – 0.11 g kg−1 dw), Pb (0.16 –5.42 mg kg−1 dw) and Hg (3.59 – 31.00 µg kg−1 dw). These concentrations are all within the normal ranges reported in earlier studies in low industrialized areas, except for the brown algae Gongolaria abies-marina and Sargassum vulgare with high mean (± SD) Cd concentration (1.91 ± 0.36 and 1.75 ± 0.07 g kg−1 dw respectively). Our results suggest that most of the biomass prospected in these localities covered in the present study would be a viable source of materials for the development of a blue economy industry with emerging products following the European Union directives.

The contribution of intraspecific variation to future climate responses of brown algae

AbstractIntraspecific variation, which may arise through the interplay between environmental heterogeneity and adaptive variation, has consequences for the resilience of species to climate change. Here, we revealed the levels of intraspecific genomic variation and its causes in a widespread brown alga (Sargassum horneri). Our datasets included both benthic and floating samples from 20 populations sampled along a latitudinal gradient in the Chinese marginal seas. We prepared two datasets: 1) 4628 filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for all samples, and 2) 20,735 filtered SNPs for only benthic samples. We conducted genotype‐environment association analyses and outlier tests to identify adaptive loci for each dataset. Both neutral and adaptive SNPs revealed a deep genetic split between benthic populations in the North Yellow Sea (NYS) and East China Sea. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that temperature is a major factor driving adaptive divergence of benthic populations. Predictions of the lineage‐level species distribution model revealed severe habitat loss of S. horneri in the NYS and eastern coasts of Korea under RCP8.5 in the 2100 s; however, the low‐latitude boundary remained stable. Based on these results, we speculate that low‐latitude populations may have high resilience to global warming. The dispersal routes of floating samples were determined by coastal currents; however, restricted gene flow between regions was detected. Thus, we speculate that opportunities for the recovery of depleted populations through natural gene flow may be limited. This study highlights the importance of applying conservation strategies (e.g., assisted gene flow) to protect coastal species from local extinction in the future.

Screening of Antiviral Efficacy of Few Seaweeds of Tamil Nadu Coast

Lately there has been a lot of interest worldwide in studies on the antiviral activities of marine natural secondary metabolites, notably marine polysaccharides. It has been established that polysaccharides made from marine sources and their derivatives have antiviral effects against potent viruses. Agricultural, biological, food, and pharmaceutical industries all make extensive use of goods obtained from algae. The most well-known chemical components found in algae are polysaccharides, which have been the subject of a variety of studies because of their varied bioactivities. Polysaccharides made from algae have recently risen to the top of pharmaceutical research due to their fascinating antiviral potential. Currently, COVID-19 can be prevented with vaccination, but the brown alga Sargassum wightii has several bioactive compounds that have the following qualities and may be a better option. S. wightii is one of the marine algae species that is rich in sulfated polysaccharides, the secondary metabolites which have antiviral action and the capacity to prevent viral proliferation. Fucoidan, a long-chain sulfated polysaccharide found in various brown algae, has potent antiviral effects. Additionally, sulfated polysaccharides from green algae (such as ulvans) and red algae (such as carrageenan), and lectins from red algae (such as griffithsin) have antiviral therapeutic agents against coronaviruses and other viruses. This research focuses on screening seaweeds for possible antiviral compounds to treat viral infections notably COVID-19.

Structure and Metabolically Oriented Efficacy of Fucoidan from Brown Alga Sargassum muticum in the Model of Colony Formation of Melanoma and Breast Cancer Cells.

This work reports the detailed structure of fucoidan from Sargassum miticum (2SmF2) and its ability to potentiate the inhibitory effect of glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG). 2SmF2 was shown to be sulfated and acetylated galactofucan containing a main chain of alternating residues of 1,3- and 1,4-linked α-l-fucopyranose, fucose fragments with monotonous 1,3- and 1,4-type linkages (DP up to 3), α-d-Gal-(1→3)-α-L-Fuc disaccharides, and 1,3,4- and 1,2,4-linked fucose branching points. The sulfate groups were found at positions 2 and 4 of fucose and galactose residues. 2SmF2 (up to 800 µg/mL) and 2-DG (up to 8 mM) were not cytotoxic against MDA-MB-231 and SK-MEL-28 as determined by MTS assay. In the soft agar-based model of cancer cell colony formation, fucoidan exhibited weak inhibitory activity at the concentration of 400 µg/mL. However, in combination with low non-cytotoxic concentrations of 2-DG (0.5 or 2 mM), 2SmF2 could effectively inhibit the colony formation of SK-MEL-28 and MDA-MB-231 cells and decreased the number of colonies by more than 50% compared to control at the concentration of 200 µg/mL. Our findings reveal the metabolically oriented effect of fucoidan in combination with a glycolysis inhibitor that may be beneficial for a therapy for aggressive cancers.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from brown alga (Sargassum angustifolium): structural characterization, antioxidant, and antitumor activities

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from brown alga (Sargassum angustifolium): structural characterization, antioxidant, and antitumor activities

Marine brown algae (Sargassum wightii) derived 9-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid: A promising inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase with mechanistic insights from molecular docking and its non-target toxicity analysis

Jeopardized glucose hemostasis leads to cronic metaboic disorder like Diabetes mellitus and it is predicted to occur in ∼700 million people in the coming 20 years. Our study aims to isolate Palmitic acid (C16H32O3), 9-Hydroxyhexadecanoic acid metabolite from Sargassum wightii to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and decline the risk of diabetes. High docking score of palmitic acid with both α-amylase and α-glucosidase is observed in in-silico molecular docking analysis, in comparison to commercially available drug acarbose. The three hydrogen bond in palmitic acid interacts with the important amino acids like Arg195, Lys200 and Asp300 in Glide XP docking mode for alpha-amylase. For α-glucosidase, quantum-polarized ligand docking (QPLD) was used with similar three hydrogen bond interactions. Both docking studies showed significant binding interaction of palmitic acid with α-amylase (−5.66 and −5.14 (Kcal/mol)) and with α-glucosidase (−4.52 and −3.51(Kcal/mol)) with respect to the standard, acarbose docking score. The bioactive palmitic acid isolated from the brown alga, Sargassum wightii is already seen to inhibit digestive enzyme with non-target property in Artemia nauplii and zebra fish embryos. Further studies are required to investigate its role in in vivo antidiabetic effects due to its non-toxic and digestive enzyme inhibitory properties. It can be recommended in additional pharmaceutical studies to develop novel therapeutics to manage diabetes mellitus.

Changes in the community structure of stony corals in the southern Mexican Caribbean

The Mexican Caribbean coral reef ecosystem has endured the effects of global and regional stressors and, recently, the massive arrivals of the free-living, floating brown algae Sargassum spp. This study aimed to evaluate spatiotemporal changes in the stony coral community structure in the southern Mexican Caribbean by a temporal comparison of live coral cover and colony density using a data set collected in 2008–2009 and a recent survey in 2021 within a Protected Natural Area. A multivariate analysis approach was used to reveal spatiotemporal changes in coral cover and colony densities. Coral cover ranged from 6.9 to 8.9% in 2008–2009 to 6.5% in 2021, the lowest values recorded for the area. Coral colony density ranged from 0.68 to 0.78 colonies m−1 in 2008–2009 to 0.68 colonies m−1 in 2021. The present results appear to represent subtle changes during the last decade.