Codium Fragile Research Articles

Optimization of Desalting Conditions for the Green Seaweed Codium fragile for Use as a Functional Food with Hypnotic Effects.

Codium fragile (CF) contains various bioactive compounds, but its high salt content (39.8%) makes its use as a functional food challenging. Here, we aimed to optimize the desalination process and verify changes in functionality based on variations in salt and total phenolic contents. To optimize the CF immersion conditions for the lowest salt content and monitor the total phenolic content, a response surface methodology was used. The optimal immersion conditions were as follows: X1 (immersion temperature) = 42.8 °C; X2 (immersion time) = 1.0 h. An inverse correlation was noted between salt content and total phenolic content. Among the post-desalination processes, desalination with centrifugal dehydration (CD) significantly reduced salt content. CD ethanol extract (CD-E) induced the longest sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test in ethanol extracts. Moreover, 1000 mg/kg CD-E had a significant effect on non-rapid eye movement sleep but did not affect delta activity. These findings highlight the potential of industrializing CF as a functional food through desalination and its promise as a natural aid for sleep promotion.

Identifikasi Makroalga yang Tersebar di Perairan Walakiri Sumba Timur

This study aims to identify macroalgae scattered in Walakiri waters. The method used in this study was to explore the entire coast of Walakiri. The samples which were then identified visually and morphologically include: color, thallus shape, serrations on the stems of each macroalgae sample and then matched to AlgaeBase: http://www.algaebase.org. The results showed that there were 3 classes of macroalgae with a total of 10 species including red algae (Eucheuma cottonii, Eucheuma spinosum, Achanthopora spicifera), brown algae (Padina australis, Sargassum vulgare, Sargassum cristaefolium, Sargassum polycystum), and green algae (Ulva reticulata, Halimeda micronesica, Codium Fragile). In addition, the water quality of Walakiri is good for macroalgae growth.

Identifying Codium fragile extract components and their effects on muscle weight and exercise endurance

Codium fragile (CF) is a type of green algae consumed as kimchi in Asia. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed that CF contain lysophosphatidyl choline, canthaxanthin, retinoic acid, α-tocopherol, and unsaturated fatty acids, which reportedly improve skeletal muscle health. However, the effect of CF on skeletal muscle mass and function remains to be elucidated. In mice fed with CF extracts, exercise endurance and muscle weight increased. CF extracts enhanced protein synthesis and myogenic differentiation through the mTORC1 pathway. CF extracts also promoted oxidative muscle fiber formation and mitochondrial biogenesis through the PGC-1α-related signaling pathway. Upregulation of PGC-1α by CF extracts was abolished by EX527 SIRT1 inhibitor treatment. Changed signaling molecules in the CF extracts were partially regulated by canthaxanthin, a new compound in CF extracts, suggesting that canthaxanthin contribute synergistically to the effect of CF extracts. Therefore, CF is a potential food source for sport nutrition or prevention of sarcopenia.

Potential Antidiabetic Effects of Seaweed Extracts by Upregulating Glucose Utilization and Alleviating Inflammation in C2C12 Myotubes

Seaweed is known to have various health-promoting effects. However, the mechanisms underlying seaweed’s antidiabetic effects remain unclear. We investigated the potential antidiabetic effects of seaweed water extracts and further examined their mechanism(s) using C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. Briefly, we screened the physiochemical properties of seven seaweed extracts by comparing the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Among them, three seaweed extracts, Undaria pinnatifida sporophyll (UPS), Codium fragile (CF), and Gracilaria verrucosa (GV), were selected for further testing of their possible antidiabetic effects with underlying mechanisms using C2C12 myotubes. Consistent with the superior α-glucosidase inhibition of the three seaweed extracts, the extracts also enhanced glucose utilization in myotubes compared to the control. The upregulated glucose uptake by the seaweed extracts was reversed by an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, compound C, in the UPS- and CF-treated groups. Furthermore, all three seaweed extracts significantly promoted the phosphorylation of AMPK which was completely blocked by pretreating with compound C. In addition, all three extracts reduced lipopolysaccharide-simulated TNF-α production in C2C12 cells. Our results demonstrated that all three seaweed extracts exhibited antidiabetic properties through not only the inhibition of glucose absorption but also the promotion of glucose utilization. Moreover, the regulation of inflammatory cytokine production by the extracts suggested their potential anti-inflammatory property which might play a critical role in protecting insulin sensitivity in a chronic inflammatory state. Taken together, UPS, CF, and GV are a promising source to modulate the glucose absorption and utilization in muscle cells partially via the AMPK pathway.

Codium fragile Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolism by Modulating the Gut Microbiota in Mice.

Codium fragile (CF) is a functional seaweed food that has been used for its health effects, including immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities, but the effect of CF extracts on obesity via regulation of intestinal microflora is still unknown. This study investigated anti-obesity effects of CF extracts on gut microbiota of diet-induced obese mice. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet were given CF extracts intragastrically for 12 weeks. CF extracts significantly decreased animal body weight and the size of adipocytes, while reducing serum levels of cholesterol and glucose. In addition, CF extracts significantly shifted the gut microbiota of mice by increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreasing the abundance of Verrucomicrobia species, in which the portion of beneficial bacteria (i.e., Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Acetatifactor) were increased. This resulted in shifting predicted intestinal metabolic pathways involved in regulating adipocytes (i.e., mevalonate metabolism), energy harvest (i.e., pyruvate fermentation and glycolysis), appetite (i.e., chorismate biosynthesis) and metabolic disorders (i.e., isoprene biosynthesis, urea metabolism, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis). In conclusion, our study showed that CF extracts ameliorate intestinal metabolism in HF-induced obese mice by modulating the gut microbiota.

Codium fragile extract Pretreatment Ameliorates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice.

Introduction: Ulvan is a complex of sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine green seaweeds. One of marine green algae is codium fragile (CF). Ulvan demonstrated antioxidant as well as potential anti-inflammatory properties in previous studies. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major critical event that commonly occurs after liver transplantation and resection. Reactive oxygen species–mediated release of related inflammatory factors have important roles in hepatic IRI. In this study, we investigated whether CF extract protects against IRI-induced acute liver injury in mice. Method: Partial (70%) hepatic IRI was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by portal triad pedicle occlusion for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 6 h. CF extract (300 mg/kg body weight [BW], oral) was administered 5 days before the IRI. Result: Treatment with CF extract significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (sAST) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as liver histological changes. CF extract also prevented hepatic glutathione (GSH) depletion, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and HO-1 levels induced by IRI. Western blotting indicated that the expression of the ERK, C-JUN, and iNOS were significantly decreased in the CF extract treatment group after IRI. RT-PCR indicated that CF extract significantly attenuated the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) protein levels after IRI. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β was significantly decreased in the CF extract treatment group. Conclusion: CF improved the acute hepatic IRI by reducing oxidative damage, and inflammation. These findings suggest that CF is a promising agent against acute IR-induced hepatic damage.

Analysis of Dietary Fiber, Mineral Content and Fatty Acid Composition in Cheonggak (Codium fragile)

Analysis of Dietary Fiber, Mineral Content and Fatty Acid Composition in Cheonggak (Codium fragile)

Protective effect of Ulvan (sulfated polysaccharide) Pretreatment against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion injury in Mice

Introduction Ulvan is a complex of sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine green seaweeds. One of marine green algae is codium fragile (CF). Ulvan demonstrated antioxidant as well as potential anti-inflammatory properties in previous studies. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major critical event that commonly occurs after liver transplantation and resection. Reactive oxygen species –mediated release of related inflammatory factors have important roles in hepatic IRI. In this study, we investigated whether CF extract protects against IRI-induced acute liver injury in mice. Methods Partial (70%) hepatic IRI was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by portal triad pedicle occlusion for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 6 h. CF extract (500 mg/kg body weight [BW], oral) was administered 5 days before the IRI. Results Treatment with CF extract significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (sAST) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as liver histological changes. CF extract also prevented hepatic glutathione (GSH) depletion, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and HO-1 levels induced by IRI. Western blotting indicated that the expression of the ERK, C-JUN, and iNOS were significantly decreased in the CF extract treatment group after IRI. Conclusions CF improved the acute hepatic IRI by reducing oxidative damage, and inflammation. These findings suggest that CF is a promising agent against acute IR-induced hepatic damage

해조류 추출물의 항산화 및 α-glucosidase 저해 활성

The antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of 10 kinds of seaweeds Ecklonia cava (EC), Ecklonia stolonifera (ES), Eisenia bicyclis (EB), Capsosiphon fulvescens (CF), Sargassum fulvellum (SF), Undaria pinnatifida (UP), Sargassum thunbergii (ST), Codium fragile (CFr), Hizikia fusiformis (HF), and Enteromorpha prolifera (EP) were investigated. Among all the tested seaweed extracts, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the EB extract were highest 150.81 mg/g and 77.02 mg/g, respectively. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities of the EB ethanol extract (1 mg/mL) were 86.26% and 99.71%, respectively, and its SOD-like activity and reducing power were 21.34% and 1.710 (OD700). The α-glucosidase inhibition activities of the EC, EB, and ST were above 98% at the 0.1 mg/mL concentration. These results suggest that seaweed extracts effectively prevent the what of antioxidants and decrease the blood glucose level, and may be used to develop various functional products.

Pyrolytic Behavior of Green Macro Algae and Evaluation of Its Activation Energy

 Abstract—In this research work, the pyrolytic and kinetic characteristics of a green macro algae, Codium Fragile (C. Fragile) as a model for marine biomass was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method in the range of 313 K to 973 K at atmospheric pressure. Proximate analysis of the freeze dried macro algae showed 6.5% water content, 58% degradable products, 10.5% char, and 25% ash content. The influences of particle size, initial weight of the sample, and heating rate on decomposition of the algae have been investigated. Both particle size and initial weight of the sample do not have a significant effect on the TG profile of the algae pyrolysis. In addition, the TGA and DTG (differential thermogravimetric) curves of algae differed significantly for variation in heating rates. The DTG results showed that there are three zones to the pyrolysis; and mainly second zone was significantly affected with heating rates. The non-isothermic integral isoconventional methods were used to obtain the kinetic parameters from data of the pyrolysis reactions of C. Fragile in the second zone. The corresponding activation energies of pyrolysis and decomposition stage of C. Fragile were calculated based on the weight loos data obtained from DTG data using the most popular methods (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Fredman, and Coast-Redfren methods).

Codium fragile Ethanol Extraction Inhibited Inflammatory Response through the Inhibition of JNK Phosphorylation

Codium fragile (CF) is an edible green alga consumed as a traditional food source in Korea. In this study, the ethanol extract of CF was evaluated to determine if it has anti-inflammatory activity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a toxin from bacteria, is a potent inducer of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. Therefore, we studied whether CF extracts have an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-induced murine macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7). In the present study, IL-6 production was measured using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production was measured using the EIA kit, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation were determined by Western blot analysis. IL-6 mRNA, COX-2 mRNA and iNOS mRNA expression were measured using reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicated that CF extracts inhibit LPS-induced IL-6, NO and PGE₂ production in a dose-dependent manner, as well as expression of iNOS and COX-2. CF extracts significantly inhibited LPS-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 phosphorylation. Taken together, these findings may help elucidate the mechanism by which CF modulates RAW 264.7 cell activation under inflammatory conditions.

청각 추출물이 난소를 절제한 흰쥐의 collagen 함량 및 collagen 가교형성에 미치는 영향

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Codium Fragile(CF) extract on the collagen content and collagen cross-link content of the connective tissues, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium levels of serum in ovariectomized estrogen-deficient rats. Three groups were surgically ovariectomized. The fourth group was sham operated. Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly assigned to the following groups : sham-oper-ated rats(Sham), ovariectomized control rats (OVX-CON), ovariectomized rats supplemented with CF at 50 mg/kg body wt and 200 mg/kg body wt, respectively The CF were orally administrated at 1mLa day. The ovariectomy caused a decreasing in collagen content in bone, cartilage, skin and lung tissues. However CF groups, supplementation with Codium Fragile extract, increased in collagen contentin bone and cartilage tissues than OVX-CON group. Fyridinoline content in cartilage collagen was de-creased by ovariectomy but supplementation with the CF extracts was similarly increased to Sham. Alkaline phosphatase activity on serum of CF groups decreased than OVX-CON group. These results suggest that CF supplementation prevents post-menopausal bone loss, thus it may be used possibly to improve the quality of life in menopausal women.

The Antifouling and Fouling-Release Perfomance of Hyperbranched Fluoropolymer (HBFP)−Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) Composite Coatings Evaluated by Adsorption of Biomacromolecules and the Green Fouling Alga Ulva

Cross-linked hyperbranched fluoropolymer (HBFP) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) amphiphilic networks with PEG weight percentages of 14% (HBFP-PEG14), 29% (HBFP-PEG29), 45% (HBFP-PEG45), and 55% (HBFP-PEG55) were prepared on 3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (3-APS) functionalized microscope glass slides for marine antifouling and fouling-release applications. The surface-free energies (gamma(s)), polar (gamma(s)(p) and gamma(s)(AB)), and dispersion (gamma(s)(d) and gamma(s)(LW)) components were evaluated using advancing contact angles by two-liquid geometric-mean and three-liquid Lifshitz-van der Waals acid-base approaches. The HBFP coating exhibited a low surface energy of 22 mJ/m(2), while the gamma(s) and gamma(s)(p) of the cross-linked HBFP-PEG coatings increased proportionally with the PEG weight percentages in the networks. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), lectin from Codium fragile (CFL), lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli (LPSE) and Salmonella minnesota (LPSS) upon glass, APS-glass, HBFP, PEG, and the cross-linked HBFP-PEG network coatings were investigated by fluorescence microscopy. The marine antifouling and fouling-release properties of the cross-linked HBFP-PEG coatings were evaluated by settlement and release assays involving zoospores of green fouling alga Ulva (syn. Enteromorpha; Hayden, H. S.; Blomster, J.; Maggs, C. A.; Silva, P. C.; Stanhope, M. J.; Waaland, J. R. Eur. J. Phycol. 2003, 38, 277). The growth and release of Ulva sporelings were also investigated upon the HBFP-PEG45 coating in comparison to a poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer (PDMSE) standard material. Of the heterogeneous cross-linked network coatings, the maximum resistances to protein, lipopolysaccharide, and Ulva zoospore adhesion, as well as the best zoospore and sporeling release properties, were recorded for the HBFP-PEG45 coating. This material also exhibited better performance than did a standard PDMSE coating, suggesting its unique applicability in fouling-resistance applications.