Eisenia Bicyclis Research Articles

Japan's nationwide long‐term monitoring survey of seaweed communities known as the “Monitoring Sites 1000”: Ten‐year overview and future perspectives

SUMMARY“Monitoring Sites 1000” – Japan's long‐term monitoring survey was established in 2003, based on the Japanese Government policy for the conservation of biodiversity. Ecological surveys have been conducted on various types of ecosystems at approximately 1000 sites in Japan for 15 years now and are planned to be carried out for 100 years. Since 2008, seaweed communities had been monitored at six sites, featuring the kelp (e.g. Saccharina and Ecklonia; Laminariales) and Sargassum (Fucales) communities in the subarctic and temperate regions of Japan. Annual surveys were carried out during the season when these canopy‐forming seaweeds are most abundant. A non‐destructive quadrat sampling method, with permanent quadrats placed along transects perpendicular to the shoreline, was used to determine species composition, coverage, and vertical distribution of seaweeds at these sites; while destructive sampling was done every 5 years to determine biomass. The occurrence of canopy‐forming species Saccharina japonica (var. japonica) and Ecklonia cava have appeared to be stable at the Muroran (southwestern part of Hokkaido Island) and Shimoda (Pacific coast of middle Honshu Island) sites, respectively; whereas the coverage of Ecklonia radicosa (= Eckloniopsis radicosa) at the Satsuma‐Nagashima site in southern part of Kyushu Island was highly variable until its sudden disappearance from the habitat in 2016. Thalli of E. radicosa lost most of their blades through browsing by herbivorous fish, and thus, this may be one of the causes of the decline. A shift in the community structure related to environmental changes had also been observed at some other sites. Pre‐ and post‐disaster data revealed the impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, including a shift in the vertical distribution of Ecklonia bicyclis (= Eisenia bicyclis) to shallower depths at the Shizugawa site in the Pacific coast of northern Honshu Island, due to seafloor subsidence.

“Tradamixina TP” Compound in Monotherapy for Three Months in Patients with LUTS: Observational Study on Improvement of Urinary Symptoms and Sexual Function in Men

Introduction: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) frequently affect the male population after the age of 50. Moreover, it is well known that there is a correlation of these symptoms with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) that can reach a frequency of roughly 52% in men aged between 40 and 70 years old. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of a new natural compound “Tradamixina TP” (composed of 80 mg of the algae Ecklonia Bicyclis, 100 mg of Tribulus terrestris and 100 mg of Chitosan Water-soluble oligosaccharide 320 mg of Serenoa repens) in the improvement of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Materials & Methods: One-hundred patients with an average age of 64 years old and who were not taking any medication or phytotherapy for prostatic hypertrophy or erectile dysfunction were recruited in the study. All participants were subjected to serum prostate antigen (PSA) and uroflowmetry measuring maximal urine flow/sec (Qmax), at baseline and after 12 weeks. In addition, patients were asked to take the Tradamixina TP for 3 months and to complete at the beginning and end of the treatment the following questionnaires: 1) the IPSS investigating the level of LUTS, and 2) the IIEF-15 investigating the erectile dysfunction. Results: After the treatment, the IPSS scores were lower than those before the treatment. Moreover, a significant effect was found for the IIEF erectile subdomain with scores that were significantly higher at 12 weeks than at baseline. A similar result was found for the IIEF overall subdomain. A decrease of total serum PSA was also observed. Conclusions: After 3 months of daily treatment, the new compound “Tradamixina TP” improved patients’ sexual function, LUTS and led also to a decrease in serum PSA levels.

Community dynamics and a newly conservative means of <i>Ecklonia bicyclis</i> kelp beds after the 2011 huge tsunami in Shizugawa Bay, Miyagi, Japan

Community dynamics and a newly conservative means of <i>Ecklonia bicyclis</i> kelp beds after the 2011 huge tsunami in Shizugawa Bay, Miyagi, Japan

Long‐term changes in a kelp bed of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell due to subsidence caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in Shizugawa Bay, Japan

SUMMARYWe monitored an Eisenia bicyclis kelp bed during a survey of the rocky coast subtidal zone of Shizugawa Bay, the Sanriku Coast, northeastern Honshu, Japan, from 23 July 2008, to detail the biodiversity, which was subsequently directly impacted by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). To assess temporal changes in abundance of the dominant canopy forming kelp E. bicyclis and in the distribution patterns of macroalgae along a water depth gradient, percent coverage of macroalgae has been observed in permanent quadrats set near the lower limit of the Eisenia bed and in quadrats set along a water depth gradient. The GEJE, which induced huge tsunami waves and coseismic seafloor subsidence, occurred during the monitoring survey period and also affected the coastal communities in Shizugawa Bay. After the GEJE, the cover of E. bicyclis within the permanent quadrats near the lower limit of E. bicyclis gradually declined, and reached zero by July 2014. Also in the line transect survey, the offshore (deep) edge of the Eisenia bed showed a tendency to shift shoreward (upward) after the GEJE; the Eisenia bed near the pre‐earthquake offshore (deep) edge declined and finally disappeared after the GEJE. Combined with results of the permanent quadrat and line transect surveys, the post‐earthquake gradual decline and subsequent complete disappearance of the Eisenia bed within the permanent quadrats probably indicates an upward shift of the deep edge of the subsided kelp bed. Gradual change in the E. bicyclis bed over 2 years after the GEJE is a unique opportunity to document the response of a kelp bed to coseismic subsidence, demonstrating the slow and prolonged recovery process of E. bicyclis to subsidence caused by the mega‐earthquake to the pre‐earthquake depth zone.

Process of deterioration of a kelp (Ecklonia bicyclis Kjellman) bed as a result of grazing by the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus (Agassiz) in Shizugawa Bay in northeastern Honshu, Japan

Over the past five decades, transitions from kelp beds (or forests) to barrens have occurred as a result of sea urchin overgrazing along the temperate coastlines. The deterioration of mature kelp beds has been mainly observed for Laminaria, Saccharina, and Macrocystis in the order Laminariales. In northern Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, the destruction of adult Ecklonia bicyclis kelp beds by the overgrazing of Mesocentrotus nudus was observed since 2013. In this study, we analyzed the process of deterioration of an E. bicyclis bed, from the changes in morphology of the thallus, with or without urchin grazing marks and urchin attachment, from video and photographic records. The processes of deterioration followed one of two strategies. In the first strategy, sea urchins climb from the stipes to the branches under calm conditions in winter. Subsequently, the fronds and branches are grazed by these urchins, as shown by large numbers of bare stipes and holdfasts. After the disappearance of the fronds and the branches, sea urchins mainly graze above the stipe bases, as illustrated by the high percentage of stipes with grazing marks. Finally, rigid holdfasts are left on the seafloor. The kelp bed is most likely to be destroyed by this grazing strategy. In the second strategy, urchins aggregate on the holdfasts of the entire plants and graze the stipe bases, particularly in February. The stipes are severely grazed by sea urchins, and the thalli above the stipe bases fall to the seafloor. Urchins aggregated firstly graze the fronds of the detached thalli followed by the branches and the stipes. The results of this study suggest that protection of the stipes from the grazing and climbing of M. nudus would be desirable for the conservation and restoration of E. bicyclis kelp beds.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Phlorotannins from Edible Brown Algae, Eisenia bicyclis Against Streptomycin-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is an important food borne pathogen responsible for listeriosis. Further, LM is an etiological agent associated with life threatening conditions like meningitis and encephalitis. Biofilm forming and drug resistant LM may potentially become difficult to treat infections and hence effective controlling measures are required to prevent LM infections. In view of this, the present study evaluated an anti-listerial potential of edible brown seaweed, Eisenia bicyclis, by disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods. The results of the present study suggested that the anti-listerial activity of various phlorotannins isolated form E. bicyclis were in the range of 16-256µg/ml. Among the phlorotannins isolated, fucofuroeckol-A (FAA) exhibited the highest anti-listerial potential (MIC range 16-32µg/ml) against LM strains tested. Further, in checker board synergy assays, FFA-streptomycin combination exhibited significant synergy (fractional inhibitory concentration index, ∑FIC<0.5) against aminoglycoside resistant clinical strains of LM. The results of the present study suggested the potential use of edible seaweed E. bicyclis as a source of natural phlorotannins to control food borne pathogenic infections.

Fucofuroeckol-A from edible marine alga Eisenia bicyclis to restore antifungal activity of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans

Phlorotannins from the brown alga, Eisenia bicyclis, are known to possess strong antimicrobial activity against several microbial pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of phlorotannins against Candida albicans was evaluated. Among the six phlorotannins tested in the present study, fucofuroeckol-A (FF) exhibited potent antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 512 μg mL−1 against C. albicans strains. It is also observed that FF restored the antifungal effect of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans in the combination mode. The MIC values of fluconazole against C. albicans strains drastically decreased by three- to fourfold in the combination of FF-fluconazole. Furthermore, analysis of fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices revealed that the median ΣFIC against C. albicans strains ranged from 0.287 to 0.508 with FF-A and fluconazole combination indicating synergistic antifungal effects with restoring antifungal activity of fluconazole. The results obtained in this study imply that phlorotannins especially FF derived from E. bicyclis can be a potential source to develop an antifungal agent against drug-resistant C. albicans infection.

Improvement of gonad quality of the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus fed the kelp Saccharina japonica during offshore cage culture

In northern Japan, Saccharina kelps are natural diets for sea urchins and are known to enhance sea urchin gonad size. However, little is known about the effects of the kelp diet on gonad quality and consistency among individuals. In the present study, Mesocentrotus nudus adults collected from a barren were cultured in a suspended cage from late February to early June 2014 in Shizugawa Bay, Miyagi Prefecture. They were fed stipes of Undaria pinnatifida for 56 d followed by fresh Saccharina japonica kelp for 42d. At the end of the culture period, gonad indices, gonad hardness, gonad color (L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness)), free amino acid (FAA) contents in the gonads, and sensory qualities of the cultured sea urchins (EC) were measured and compared to those of the natural population from the barren (EB) and those from the Eisenia bicyclis kelp bed (EK) in the bay. Gonad index and L* values of EC urchins were higher than those of urchins from the barren at the start of culture (SCB). Total color (L*, a*, b*) of the gonads of EC and EK urchins were similar. Gonad hardness of EC and EK urchins was similar and lower than that of EB urchins, and the coefficients of variation of gonad index, color, and hardness were lower than those from the barren (SCB and EB). Sweet tasting alanine contents of the gonads of EC urchins were markedly higher than those of the gonads from the other urchin specimens. Bitter tasting FAA contents of the EC urchin gonads were higher than those of EK and EB urchins, although arginine and lysine contents were lower than those of EB urchins. Sensory scores of overall taste of EC urchins were higher than those of EB urchins and similar to EK urchins, possibly due to the increased alanine content. These results suggest that gonad size, color, hardness, taste, and consistency among individuals of M. nudus collected from barrens can be improved to reach levels similar to those of urchins from the E. bicyclis kelp bed by cage culture with short-term feeding of Saccharina kelps. Changes in gonad qualities seemed to be mainly due to S. japonica as the food source because hard U. pinnatifida stipes were rarely eaten and had markedly low protein content. Extension of cage culture duration with S. japonica feeding from spring to summer would increase gonad size and further improve gonad quality.

Evaluation of the inhibitory effects of eckol and dieckol isolated from edible brown alga Eisenia bicyclis on human monoamine oxidases A and B.

Eckol and dieckol are important phlorotannins found in edible brown algae including Eisenia bicyclis, Ecklonia stolonifera, and others. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) play an important role in the early management of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of eckol and dieckol isolated from the methanolic extract of E. bicyclis against PD by the inhibition of human MAO-A and MAO-B (hMAO-A and hMAO-B). A sensitive enzyme-based chemiluminescent assay and kinetics methods were used to investigate enzyme inhibition and mode of inhibition. A molecular docking simulation was performed to clarify the binding characteristics of eckol and dieckol to hMAO-A and hMAO-B. The results suggested that methanolic extract of E. bicyclis and its isolated phlorotannins, eckol and dieckol, have potent inhibitory activity against hMAO-A and hMAO-B. The enzyme-based kinetics results demonstrated eckol mixed and non-competitive inhibition of hMAO-A and hMAO-B, respectively, while dieckol non-competitively inhibited both hMAOs. Molecular docking simulation predicted that eckol and dieckol exhibit higher binding affinity towards hMAO-A and hMAO-B through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. These findings implicate eckol and dieckol as inhibitors of hMAOs that might be of potential value in the management of PD.

Interactive effects of elevated summer temperature, nutrient availability, and irradiance on growth and chemical compositions of juvenile kelp, Eisenia bicyclis

SUMMARYPrevious experiments with a factorial design have revealed the effects of several environmental factors on species performance and their interactions, which indicate synergistic or antagonistic effects. Temperature, nutrient availability, and irradiance are well‐known environmental factors that affect the growth and chemical composition of brown algae. However, relatively few studies have tested their combined effect on brown algal growth and chemical composition using a three‐way factorial design. We conducted a culture experiment to test the combined effects of elevated summer temperatures (23 and 26°C), irradiance (180 and 30 μmol photon m−2 s−1), and nutrient availability (enriched and non‐enriched seawater) on four relative growth rates (RGRs; based on wet weight, blade width, length, and area) and three chemical compositions (including carbon, nitrogen, and phlorotannin content) in juvenile sporophytes of the kelp Eisenia bicyclis. RGR based on blade width was the most sensitive to abiotic factors among all RGRs. A significant interaction between temperature and nutrient availability on this RGR suggested that the negative effect of elevated temperature was antagonized by a reduction in nutrient availability. Similarly, the positive effect of elevated irradiance on carbon content was synergized by reduced nutrient availability. Moreover, the negative effect of increased irradiance on nitrogen content was antagonized by elevated temperature in nutrient‐enriched treatments, but not in non‐enriched treatments. The content of carbon‐based phlorotannins increased with reduced nutrient availability but not with elevated irradiance. These results suggest that these abiotic factors have complex interactions on the growth and chemical composition of this species.

Identification and Characterization of a 25 kDa Protein That Is Indispensable for the Efficient Saccharification of Eisenia bicyclis in the Digestive Fluid of Aplysia kurodai.

The digestive fluid of the sea hare Aplysia kurodai can liberate approximately 2.5 mg of glucose from 10 mg of dried Eisenia bicyclis powder. Although laminaran, a major storage polysaccharide in E. bicyclis, is easily digested to glucose by the synergistic action of the 110 and 210 kDa A. kurodai β-glucosidases (BGLs), glucose is not liberated from E. bicyclis by direct incubation with these BGLs. To clarify this discrepancy, we searched for an Eisenia hydrolysis enhancing protein (EHEP) in the digestive fluid of A. kurodai. A novel 25 kDa protein that enhances E. bicyclis saccharification by β-glucosidases was purified to a homogeneous state from the digestive fluid of A. kurodai, and its cDNA was cloned from total cDNAs reverse-transcribed from hepatopancreas total RNA. The E. bicyclis extract strongly inhibited BGLs, suggesting some compound within this brown alga functioned as a feeding deterrent. However, when E. bicyclis was incubated with BGLs in the presence of EHEP, glucose production was markedly increased. As E. bicyclis is rich in phlorotannin, which are only found in brown algae, our study suggested that these compounds are the main BGL inhibitors in E. bicyclis extract. EHEP protects BGLs from phlorotannin inhibition by binding to phlorotannins and forming an insoluble complex with phloroglucinol and phlorotannins. These findings indicated that EHEP plays a key role in the saccharification of brown seaweeds containing phlorotannins in the digestive fluid of A. kurodai. This is the first report of EHEP as a phlorotannin-binding protein that protects BGLs from inhibition.

A Phytotherapic Approach to Reduce Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Patients with Male Infertility

Infertility affects 50 to 80 million (between 8 and 12% of couples). Male factor is a cause of infertility in almost half of the cases, mainly due to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. DNA fragmentation is now considered an important factor in the aetiology of male infertility. We studied the effects on semen analysis and on DNA fragmentation of in vivo admnistration of Myo-Inositol and Tribulus Terrestris plus Alga Ecklonia plus Biovis (Tradafertil; Tradapharma Sagl, Swizerland) in men with previously diagnosed male infertility. Sixty patients were enrolled in the present study and were randomized into two subgroups: the group A who received Myo-inositol 1000 mg, Tribulus Terrestris 300 mg, Alga Ecklonia Bicyclis 200 mg and Biovis one tablet a day for 90 days, and the group B (placebo group) who received one placebo tablet a day for 90 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the improvement of semen characteristics after 3 months' therapy and the secondary outcome was the reduction of the DNA fragmentation after treatment. The groups were homogenous for age, hormonal levels, sperm concentration and all parameters of sperm analysis. Sperm concentration and progressive motility improved after treatment with Tradafertil (3.82 Mil/ml vs. 1.71 Mil/ml; p<0.05; 4.86% vs. 1.00%; p<0.05) as well as the DNA fragmentation (-1.64% vs -0.39%, p<0.001). No side effects were revealed. In conclusion, we can affirm that Tradafertil is safe and tolerable. It is a new phytotherapic approach to Oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) syndrome that could lead to good results without interacting with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

In vitro monoamine oxidase A and B inhibitory activity and molecular docking simulations of fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin is the primary carotenoid found in edible seaweeds, such as Eisenia bicyclis, Undaria pinnatifida, and others. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of fucoxanthin against Parkinson’s disease (PD) by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B because MAO inhibitors are used in early management of PD. A sensitive enzyme-based chemiluminescent assay and kinetics methods were used to investigate the enzyme inhibitory activities and mode of inhibition. A molecular docking simulation was performed to clarify the binding characteristics of fucoxanthin to hMAO-A (2z5x) and hMAO-B (2v5z). Our results suggest that fucoxanthin shows significant inhibitory activity against hMAO-A and hMAO-B with IC50 values of 197.41 ± 2.20 and 211.12 ± 1.17 μM, respectively. Selegiline was used as the positive control (IC50: 10.54 ± 1.25 and 0.128 ± 0.01 μM for hMAO-A and hMAO-B, respectively). The enzyme-based kinetics results demonstrated that fucoxanthin inhibited both hMAOs in a reversible competitive manner. The molecular docking simulation predicted that fucoxanthin exhibits higher binding affinity towards hMAO-A and hMAO-B through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. These findings suggest that fucoxanthin is a reversible competitive hMAO inhibitor that could be used to manage PD.

アラメEisenia bicyclisを摂餌したアイゴSiganus fuscescensの成長

アラメEisenia bicyclisを摂餌したアイゴSiganus fuscescensの成長

Eckol fromEisenia bicyclisInhibits Inflammation Through the Akt/NF-κB Signaling inPropionibacterium acnes-Induced Human Keratinocyte Hacat Cells

To investigate whether eckol, a phlorotannin compound from edible brown seaweed Eisenia bicyclis, could be responsible for the suppression of inflammatory processes, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of eckol on Propionibacterium acnes-induced human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. P. acnes–treated HaCaT cells increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chomokines. We also examined in vitro regulatory function of eckol on production of nitric oxide (NO), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)−2 and MMP-9 as well as expression of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Eckol inhibited the expression or formation production of these proinflammatory mediators and cytokines in HaCaT cells. Additionally, treatment of HaCaT cells with P. acnes significantly increased protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Eckol inhibited P. acnes-mediated phosphorylation of Akt and activation of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that eckol could be a potential therapeutic agent to effectively treat the inflammatory skin disease induced by P. acnes. Practical Applications Eisenia bicyclis is a common perennial phaeophyceae (brown alga) and generally inhabits the region of Ulleung Island in the East sea of Korea. This edible seaweed is widely consumed in various ways such as appetizers, casseroles, muffins, pilafs, and soups. E. bicyclis also has various physiological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities because of their substantial quantities of phenolic compounds, constituted mainly by marine-derived polyphenols (phlorotannins). Eckol, one of phlorotannins from E. bicyclis, shows therapeutic effectiveness against viable P. acnes-induced inflammation in HaCaT cells. Thus, we suggest that eckol from E. bicyclis is a potential treatment for anti-inflammatory therapy for acne vulgaris.

추출방법에 따른 대황 추출물의 항산화 및 소화효소 저해 효과

The antioxidant and digestive enzyme inhibitory effects of Eisenia bicyclis extracted by various extraction methods (RE, reflux extraction; SE, ultrasonification extraction; AE, autoclave extraction; LE, low-temperature high-pressure extraction) were investigated. The extraction yield (55.21%) and the laminarin (39.03%), fucoidan (24.75%), total polyphenol (115.68 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (36.67 mg RHE/g) contents of AE were higher than those in other methods. The DPPH radical (86.60%, 500 mg%), ABTS radical (58.56%, 25 mg%), nitrite (86.38%, 100 mg%) scavenging activities of the Eisenia bicyclis extracted by AE were higher than those of Eisenia bicyclis extracted by other methods. The ABTS radical and nitrite scavenging activities were above 98% in all tested Eisenia bicyclis extracts and these activities were dependent on its concentration. The inhibitory effects of AE against amylase (50 mg%) and α-glucosidase (5 mg%) were 64.76% and 86.71%, respectively. The AE showed the best inhibitory effect of Eisenia bicyclis extracts (50 mg%) against trypsin (24.37%) and α-chymotrypsin (49.05%), respectively. These results suggest that Eisenia bicyclis extracted by AE can be used as a bioactive and functional material in the food industry.

Use of a Natural Compound Made of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ecklonia bicyclis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Seaweed, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Tribulus terrestris&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and Water-Soluble Chitosan Oligosaccharide, in Male Sexual Asthenia with Mild or Mild-Moderate Erectile Dysfunction and Serum Testosterone Levels at the Lower Limit of Normal

Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural compound made of Ecklonia bicyclis Seaweed, Tribulus terrestris and water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide, in the male sexual asthenia with mild or mild-moderate erectile dysfunction and serum testosterone levels between 280 and 350 ng/dl. Materials and Methods: 84 male patients affected by reduced libido and serum testosterone levels at the lower limit of normal, were recruited. We have separated patients in three different age groups: group A (18 - 45 years), group B (45 - 59 years), group C (>60 years). All subjects answered the International index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF-5) and underwent determination of serum total testosterone before and after 30 days of treatment. Results: Before treatment, the group A showed mean (± standard deviation) total testosterone 321.9 ± 19.2 ng/dl and mean IIEF-5 18.6 ± 1.97, in the group B it was 318.5 ± 18.1 ng/dl and 16.3 ± 2.66, and finally in the group C it was 305.4 ± 13.1 ng/dl and 14.2 ± 1.95 respectively. After treatment mean total testosterone and mean IIEF-5 were respectively: group A (448 ± 111.46 ng/dl and 21.84 ± 3.41); group B (453.8 ± 105.23 ng/dl and 20.4 ± 3.81); group C (385.8 ± 87.29 ng/dl and 16.7 ± 3.84). Conclusions: The treatment with Ecklonia bicyclis, Tribulus terrestris and water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide might represent a safe and effective option on the improvement of libido and erectile function in man with testosterone level at the lower limit of normal.

Evaluation of Effective MMP Inhibitors from Eight Different Brown Algae in Human Fibrosarcoma HT1080 Cells.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial extracellular matrices degrading enzymes that have important roles in metastasis of cancer progression as well as other significant conditions such as oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis. Marine plants are on the rise for their potential to provide natural products that exhibit remarkable health benefits. In this context, brown algae species have been of much interest in the pharmaceutical field with reported instances of isolation of bioactive compounds against tumor growth and MMP activity. In this study, eight different brown algae species were harvested, and their extracts were compared in regard to their anti-MMP effects. According to gelatin zymography results, Ecklonia cava, Ecklonia bicyclis, and Ishige okamurae showed higher inhibitory effects than the other samples on MMP-2 and -9 activity at the concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL. However, only I. okamurae was able to regulate the MMP activity through the expression of MMP and tissue inhibitor of MMP observed by mRNA levels. Overall, brown algae species showed to be good sources for anti-MMP agents, while I. okamurae needs to be further studied for its potential to yield pharmaceutical molecules that can regulate MMP-activity through cellular pathways as well as enzymatic inhibition.

Feeding the Abalone Haliotis discus hannai with the Seaweed Eisenia bicyclis Allows the Accumulation of Phlorotannins

Feeding the Abalone Haliotis discus hannai with the Seaweed Eisenia bicyclis Allows the Accumulation of Phlorotannins

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.