Marine Algae Extracts Research Articles

Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Marine Brown Algae-Derived Phenolics through S100B Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity in the Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke.

Cognitive impairments are frequently reported after ischemic strokes. Novel and effective treatments are required. This study aimed to develop a functional ingredient obtained from marine algae and to determine the effect of the extract on antioxidative stress, as well as neuroprotective effects, in a rat model of MCAO-induced ischemic stroke. Among the selected marine algal extracts, Sargassum polycystum displayed the highest total phenolic content and antioxidative potential, and was subsequently used to evaluate cognitive function in rat models of ischemic stroke. The S. polycystum extract, administered at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW, significantly improved cognitive function by enhancing cognitive performance in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Biochemical changes revealed that providing S. polycystum increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px by 52.48%, 50.77%, and 66.20%, respectively, and decreased the concentrations of MDA by 51.58% and S100B by 36.64% compared to the vehicle group. These findings suggest that S. polycystum extract may mitigate cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting S100B expression, thus highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for drugs and nutraceuticals aimed at neuroprotection.

Biostimulators with marine algae extracts and their role in increasing tolerance to drought stress in highbush blueberry cultivation

Drought is one of the most serious challenges facing agriculture and ecosystems around the world. With more frequent and more extreme weather events, the effects of drought are becoming more severe, leading to yield losses, soil depletion and environmental degradation. In this work, we present an analysis of the impact of a marine algae biostimulanat andits ability to offset the effects of drought stress in blueberry cultivation. The aim of the research was to evaluate various fertilisation programs in increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress such as drought. It was tested whether the algal biostimulator provides the same tolerance to drought stress in highbush blueberry plants as regular fertilisers without biostimulation. The research was conducted in 2022 in a greenhouse in controlled drought conditions. Three-year-old highbush blueberry bushes (12 pieces) were used in the experiment. Highbush blueberry bushes (Vaccinium corymbosum) ’Brigitta Blue’ varieties were planted in plastic pots with a capacity of 10 dm3 containing an acidic substrate and placed in a greenhouse. Controlled lighting conditions were maintained using sodium lamps and a temperature of 25°C/20°C day/night. The substrate in pots was maintained at 80% of field water capacity by manual watering and weekly supply of nutrient solution for 5 weeks until water deficit occurred. Half of the plants were sprayed weekly with biostimulant at a concentration of 1%, three times 1 week apart (1 application per week). The biostimulant was evenly applied to the entire plant. Seven days after the third application of the product, half of the unsprayed and sprayed plants were subjected to water deficit stress by holding thewatering until 40% of the field water capacity (FC) was reached. The experimental layout included four combinations: C—Control—no biostimulation, no water deficit; CS—Stress control—water deficit up to 40% FC, no biostimulation; B—Biostimulator—no water deficit, biostimulation; BS—Stress plus biostimulator—water deficit up to 40% FC, biostimulation. Fertilisers with seaweed extracts show the ability to reduce the adverse effects of stress, promoting plant resilience, including tolerance to drought stress. The following were evaluated in the experiment: catalase activity, peroxidase activity, free malondialdehyde content, photosynthetic activity and leaf mineral content. The biostimulant used in experiment increased the oxidative activity of the enzymes pe-roxidase and catalase under simulated drought stress conditions. The algal biostimulant increased the average value of catalase activity by 20% in comparison to the control plants, in both combinatinations. The tested biostimulator had no effect on the chlorophyll content in the leaves or the concentration of nutrients in the leaves. The effect of marine algae products on the yield quantity and high quality is related among other to bioactive substances which helps to prevent drought stress.

Impact of marine algae extract and balanced fertilizer(NPK) on Hibicsus sabdariffa.L growth, quotient, and vitamin C content.

A field experiment was conducted in one of the experimental fields affiliated to Ibn Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School located in Al-Hussainiyah District - Karbala Governorate during the 2023 agricultural season with the aim of studying the impact of adding different concentrations of marine algae extract, balanced fertilizer in the growth qualities, yield and vitamin C in the roselle plant. The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangment and three replications. The experiment included two factors. The first factor included spraying with marine algae extract in concentrations ( 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 ml L-1) . The second factor included spraying with balanced fertilizer (NPK) in concentrations (0, 2.5 and 5 ml L-1). The results showed that spraying with marine algae extract (0.75 ml L-1) has a significant superiority in the vegetative growth qualities and vitamin C content of the roselle plant compared to other agile agreements, and the spraying with balanced fertilizer at a concentration of (5 ml L-1) It significantly excelled in all study indicators. The interaction between the two study factors, The spray treatment superiority (0.75 ml L-1) of algae extract with the of balanced fertilizer (5 ml L-1), and gave the highest averages for all the studied qualities., giving the highest Means for all the studied qualities.

Identification of new phylogenetic lineage of Lasiodiplodia causing leaf spot and tip necrosis causing agent on Aloe vera in Sri Lanka and screening eco-friendly control measures

Aloe vera, a member of the Asphodelaceae family, is renowned globally for its medicinal properties and widespread applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. In Sri Lanka, both cultivated and wild A. vera are susceptible to leaf spot and tip necrosis. The present aims to identify the causative agent of this disease and screen the effectiveness of various natural substances in disease control. Disease incidence was assessed in both cultivated fields and wild habitats, and the results showed a higher percentage in the wild. Isolates obtained from symptomatic leaves were identified as members of Lasiodiplodia based on morphological studies. The phylogenetic analysis, which combined sequences from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region and a segment of the calmodulin (cmdA) gene, suggested that the isolates might represent a new lineage within the genus Lasiodiplodia. These isolates appeared to share a common ancestor with Lasiodiplodia hormozganensis. Koch's postulates validated the pathogenicity of the isolates. Natural substances, namely marine algal extracts, plant extract and cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of bacteria, were tested against the isolates. CFSs of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium showed significantly higher inhibition on conidial germination compared to the tested commercial fungicide. Further, CFS of P. fluorescens revealed the notable effectiveness on the development of leaf spot and tip necrosis on the leaf compared to the tested fungicide. These findings underscore the potential of P. fluorescens CFS in managing A. vera diseases caused by the isolates of Lasiodiplodia in Sri Lanka.

The antioxidant, anti-obesogenic, and anti-diabetic potential of selected South African marine algal species

South African marine algae are a prevalent traditional medicine utilized by indigenous populations. There has been recent attention on the health advantages of South African marine algae and its bioactive compounds, which have been associated with favourable health outcomes such as diabetes and obesity. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic potentials of three South African marine algal species or seaweeds, namely Codium fragile, Radicilingua thysanorhizans and Mazzaella capensis using a variety of in vitro and in silico experiments. The crude extracts, obtained using different solvents (aqueous and ethanol), were examined to assess their total phenolic and total flavonoid content as well as their antioxidant properties by means of 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), non-site-specific hydroxyl radical (OH•), and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assays. Thereafter, the extracts were subjected to carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitory assays, including α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and a lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory assay, such as pancreatic lipase. The glucose uptake by yeast cells was also evaluated in vitro. The subjection of the marine algal extracts to LC-MS analysis revealed several beneficial compounds. These compounds were further docked against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and a lipid digestive enzyme, pancreatic lipase. The results of this study indicate that the selected South African marine algae possess potent antioxidant capacity while also exhibiting anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting carbohydrate and lipid digesting enzyme activity as well as by increasing glucose uptake in yeast cells. Evaluated ADME profiles revealed that the compounds of these plants have excellent bioavailability and are considered safe for consumption. Overall, the results of this study suggest that all studied seaweeds have potential antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesogenic potentials with Codium fragile found to be the most promising among them. The current work serves as a validation of the data currently available regarding the antioxidant, anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic potential of C. fragile. The study will also serve as a first-report of the aforementioned activities for R. thysanorhizans and M. capensis.

Metabolomic Analysis and Antiviral Screening of a Marine Algae Library Yield Jobosic Acid (2,5-Dimethyltetradecanoic Acid) as a Selective Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2.

Current small-molecule-based SARS-CoV-2 treatments have limited global accessibility and pose the risk of inducing viral resistance. Therefore, a marine algae and cyanobacteria extract library was screened for natural products that could inhibit two well-defined and validated COVID-19 drug targets, disruption of the spike protein/ACE-2 interaction and the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. Following initial screening of 86 extracts, we performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis of 16 cyanobacterial extracts. This approach led to the isolation of an unusual saturated fatty acid, jobosic acid (2,5-dimethyltetradecanoic acid, 1). We confirmed that 1 demonstrated selective inhibitory activity toward both viral targets while retaining some activity against the spike-RBD/ACE-2 interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. To initially explore its structure-activity relationship (SAR), the methyl and benzyl ester derivatives of 1 were semisynthetically accessed and demonstrated acute loss of bioactivity in both SARS-CoV-2 biochemical assays. Our efforts have provided copious amounts of a fatty acid natural product that warrants further investigation in terms of SAR, unambiguous determination of its absolute configuration, and understanding of its specific mechanisms of action and binding site toward new therapeutic avenues for SARS-CoV-2 drug development.

Unveiling the Role of Nano-Formulated Red Algae Extract in Cancer Management.

Cancer is one of the major causes of death, and its negative impact continues to rise globally. Chemotherapy, which is the most common therapy, has several limitations due to its tremendous side effects. Therefore, developing an alternate therapeutic agent with high biocompatibility is indeed needed. The anti-oxidative effects and bioactivities of several different crude extracts of marine algae have been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we synthesized the aqueous extract (HA) from the marine algae Amphiroa anceps, and then, a liposome was formulated for that extract (NHA). The extracts were characterized using different photophysical tools like dynamic light scattering, UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and GC-MS analysis. The SEM image revealed a size range of 112-185 nm for NHA and the GC-MS results showed the presence of octadecanoic acid and n-Hexadecanoic acid in the majority. The anticancer activity was studied using A549 cells, and the NHA inhibited the cancer cells dose-dependently, with the highest killing of 92% at 100 μg/mL. The in vivo studies in the zebrafish model showed that neither the HA nor NHA of Amphiroa anceps showed any teratogenic effect. The outcome of our study showed that NHA can be a potential drug candidate for inhibiting cancer with good biocompatibility up to a dose of 100 μg/mL.

The effect of spraying with marine algae extract and adding Humax on growth traits of the roots of two varieties of pomegranate seed-lings

The study was conducted for the period from 20/3 to 20/9/2023 to study the Effect of spraying marine algae extract and adding Humax on the growth traits of the roots of two varieties of pomegranate seedlings. The experiment was implemented relying on the completely randomized block design (RCBD) as a factorial experiment of three factors: the first was pomegranate varieties (Wonderful and Slimi), the second was marine algae extract with three concentrations (0, 1.5, and 3 ml L-1), and the third was Humax with three concentrations (0, 0.25, and 0.50 g L-1), comprising three replicates of each. On September 20 2023 measurements were taken and the results were analyzed according to the statistical design used, and the averages were compared according to the selection of the least significant difference and at the level of probability 0.05, and the most important results reached: The variety Wonderful was significantly superior to the Slimi variety in most root traits studied except the root diameter trait. The treatment of the marine algae extract at a concentration of 3ml L-1 showed significant superiority for all root traits studied, The Humax treatment at a concentration of 0.50 g L-1 showed significant superiority for all the root traits studied. The binary interaction between the varieties and the marine algae extract significantly affected all studied traits, as the variety Wonderful, when treated with 3ml L-1 increased in most root traits, while cultivar Slimi recoded highest average in the root diameter. The binary interaction between the varieties and Humax was significantly effective; when treating the variety Wonderful with 0.50 g L-1 of Humax increased all root traits significantly. The binary interaction between marine algae extract and Humax significantly affected all root traits. Treating seedlings with 3ml L-1 of marine algae extract and 0.50g L-1 of Humax.

Prospective Antiviral Effect of Ulva lactuca Aqueous Extract against COVID-19 Infection.

Marine algal extracts exhibit a potent inhibitory effect against several enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has several adverse effects, including an increased mortality rate. The anti-COVID-19 agents are still limited; this issue requires exploring novel, effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the antiviral activity of an aqueous extract of Ulva lactuca, which was collected from the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The aqueous extract of Ulva lactuca was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. According to the HPLC analysis, the extract comprises several sugars, mostly rhamnose (32.88%). The FTIR spectra showed numerous bands related to the functional groups. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of different elements, such as oxygen (O), carbon (C), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na), with different concentrations. The aqueous extract of U. lactuca (0.0312 mg/mL) exhibited potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity via virucidal activity, inhibition of viral replication, and interference with viral adsorption (% inhibitions of 64%, 33.3%, and 31.1%, respectively). Consequently, ulvan could be a promising compound for preclinical study in the drug development process to combat SARS-CoV-2.

Karenia brevis Extract Induces Cellular Entry through Distinct Mechanisms in Phagocytic RAW 264.7 Macrophages versus Non-Phagocytic Vero Cells.

Marine algae extracts are an important area of potential drug discovery; however, nearly all studies to date have used non-fluorescent-based methods to determine changes in target cell activity. Many of the most robust immunological and cellular analyses rely on fluorescent probes and readouts, which can be problematic when the algae extract is fluorescent itself. In this study, we identified the fluorescent spectrum of an isolated extract from the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which included two fluorescing components: chlorophyll α and pheophytin α. When excited at 405 nm and 664 nm, the extract emitted fluorescence at 676 nm and 696 nm, respectively. The extract and its fluorescing components, chlorophyll α and pheophytin α, entered phagocytic RAW 264.7 macrophages and non-phagocytic Vero kidney cells through distinct mechanisms. When incubated with the extract and its main components, both the RAW 264.7 macrophages and the Vero cells accumulated fluorescence as early as 30 min and continued through 48 h. Vero kidney cells accumulated the K. brevis fluorescent extract through a dynamin-independent and acidified endosomal-dependent mechanism. RAW 264.7 macrophages accumulated fluorescent extract through a dynamin-independent, acidified endosomal-independent mechanism, which supports accumulation through phagocytosis. Furthermore, RAW 264.7 macrophages downregulated cell-surface expression of CD206 in response to extract stimulation indicating activation of phagocytic responses and potential immunosuppression of these immune cells. This study represents the first characterization of the cellular update of K. brevis extracts in phagocytic versus non-phagocytic cells. The data suggest the importance of understanding cellular uptake of fluorescing algae extracts and their mechanism of action for future drug discovery efforts.

The Impact of Spraying Marine Algae Extract, Arginine, and Brassinolide on Vegetative Growth Traits of Albion Strawberry Saplings

The study was done in two plastic greenhouses. The first location was the University of Anbar College of Agriculture research station. The second site was in Dolab village during the 2022-2023 growing season to study the effects of spraying Albion strawberry seedlings with marine algae extract, amino acid (arginine), and growth regulator (Brassinolide) in protected environments. The experiment looked at three things: spraying with marine algae extract at 2 and 4 ml L-1, the amino acid “arginine” at 100 and 200 mg L-1, and the growth regulator “Brassinolide” at 0.05 and 0.10 mg L-1, as well as just spraying with distilled water. A randomized full-block design was used for a three-factor factorial experiment. The experiment has 27 treatments in three blocks, with five plants per unit. The experiment utilized 405 plants per location. The means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% significance. The data was examined using Genstat. All growth characteristics were significantly affected by seaweed extract spraying. The characteristics (number of leaves, leaf area, crowns, dry weight of the vegetative system, leaf chlorophyll, and carbohydrate content) performed best at 4 ml/L. The results were 69.0 and 72.0 leaves plant-1, 59.16 and 56.79 cm2 plant-1, 7.02 and 6.64 crowns plant-1, 32.40 and 24.96 g, 13.15 and 12.67 g, 11.13 mg g-1, 13.82 and 12.83%). However, spraying with arginine affected all sapling development parameters. With the 200 mg L-1 treatment, the study sites had the most leaves, the most leaf area, the most crowns, and the most vegetative dry weight (68.1 and 70.7 leaves per plant, 59.39 and 57.61 cm2 per plant, 6.67 and 6.25 crowns per plant, 32.21 and 24.72 g). The best leaf chlorophyll and carbohydrate values were obtained with 100 mg L-1 arginine. The results for both research locations were 11.68 and 10.69 mg g-1, 13.91 and 12.53%). Spraying Brassinolide at 0.10 mg L-1 produced the greatest results for leaf number, leaf area, crowns, vegetative dry weight, leaf chlorophyll, and glucose content. The first and second sites had (68.1 and 70.7 leaves plant-1, 58.95 and 56.23 cm2 plant-1, 6.62 and 6.27 crowns plant-1, 31.20 and 24.20 g, 11.87 and 10.71 mg g-1, 13.30 and 12.10%).

Effect of Foliar Seaweed and Different Irrigation Levels on Water Consumption, Growth and Yield of Wheat

This experiment was carried out using the RCBD randomized complete block design in the Yusufiya district in Baghdad governorate during the agricultural season 2020/2021. The experiment included three spraying levels of seaweed extract of 2,4,8 ml L−1 and three levels of depletion of available water 25,50,75%, with three replicates for each treatment. Some plant tests and some water calculations were conducted, as the results indicated that there were significant differences between spray levels of marine algae extract in plant height, number of branches, leaf surface area, grain yield and biological yield. The spray level of 8 ml L−1 exceeded the levels of 2 and 4 ml L−1. It was also found that treatment 25% was significantly superior according to the different levels of depletion of the available water, as the treatment and for all the studied traits, and there was a significant superiority for the water consumption according to the level of spraying and the level of depletion, and the values ranged from 548.5 to the depletion treatment 25% and at a seaweed extract level of 8 ml L−1 to 404.5 for 75% depletion treatment and at a seaweed extract level of 2 ml L−1, As for the productivity of crop and field water, its values ranged from 1.16 and 1.54 kg m3, respectively, for 50% depletion treatment of the available water and spray level of 8 ml L−1 to 0.87 and 1.13 kg m 3 respectively, for 75% depletion treatment of available water and spray level of 2 ml L−1.

The effect of different biopreparations on soil physical properties and CO2 emissions when growing winter wheat and oilseed rape

Abstract. The introduction of innovative technologies in agriculture is key not only to improving the efficiency of agricultural production and crop yields and quality but also to balancing energy use and preserving a cleaner environment. Biopreparations are environmentally friendly means of restoring the vitality of the soil in which plants can thrive. Biopreparations have an impact on soil health and alter greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different biopreparations on soil porosity, temperature, and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from the soil in northeast Europe (Lithuania) when growing winter wheat and oilseed rape. The experimental studies were carried out over 3 years, and each spring, after the resumption of winter crops, the soil surface was sprayed with biopreparations of different properties or with mixtures of biopreparations under seven scenarios, with one scenario left as a control. Soil porosity, temperature, and CO2 emissions from the soil were measured regularly every month from April to August. The application of the biopreparations showed a cumulative effect on the soil properties. In the third year of the study, the total porosity of the soil was higher in all scenarios compared to the control, ranging between 51 % and 74 %. The aeration porosity of the soil was also higher in all years of the study than in the control, although no significant differences were obtained. The results of the studies on CO2 emissions from the soil showed that, in the first year, the application of the biopreparations increased emissions compared to the control. However, when assessing the cumulative effect of the biopreparations on soil respiration intensity, it was found that, in the third year, most of the biopreparations led to a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the control. The lowest emissions were achieved with the biopreparations consisting of essential oils of plants, 40 species of various herbs extracts, marine algae extracts, Azospirillum sp., Frateuria aurentia, Bacillus megaterium, mineral oils, Azotobacter vinelandi, humic acid, gibberellic acid, sodium molybdate, Azototbacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense, etc. Evaluating the effectiveness of biopreparations on soil porosity, temperature, and CO2 emissions from the soil, it can be stated that the best effect was achieved in all 3 research years in using biopreparations with Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotospirilum brasilense, various herbs, marine algae extracts, oils of plants, and mineral substances. The multiple-regression model showed that soil temperature has a greater influence on the variation of CO2 emissions than soil aeration porosity.

Systematic study on the effect of seaweed fertilizer on the growth and yield of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (Mung bean)

Seaweed (Marine algae) extracts have been reported to be beneficial to plants for early seed germination, better plant growth, improved crop yield, and also in preventing biotic and abiotic stress. They are naturally rich in plant growth-promoting factors like microelements, organic matter, vitamins, and fatty acids and can be a low-cost alternative to conventional N:P:K fertilizers and expensive organic farming techniques. Herein, the seaweed fertilizer (SF) have prepared by using three seaweeds, viz., Turbinaria ornata (TSF), Ulva intestinalis (USF), and Portieria hornemannii (PSF). The formulation was evaluated for biostimulant potential by performing a pot culture on Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, along with aqueous control, chemical fertilizer control (CFC), and organic manure control (OMC). The plants were treated with various groupings (individual and combination) of SF at six different concentrations. The study revealed that PSF (30%) stimulates maximum seed germination and an upsurge in plant growth (shoot length (28%), root length (120%), leaf count (53%), leaf area (62%), fresh weight (41%), and dry weight (54%)), pigment concentration (carotenoid (80%), chlorophyll a (29%), and chlorophyll b (41%)), and biochemical parameters of the leaves (carbohydrate (18%), protein (21%), amino acids (21%), phenolic content(49%)) when compared with aqueous control. The study revealed an 85% surge in the quantity of grains (15.568 g/plant) upon treatment with 30% PSF compared with aqueous control (8.413 g/plant). Followed by 30% (USF + PSF), 30% (TSF + PSF), and 40% PSF, have exhibited 75%, 73%, and 72% increase, respectively, compared with aqueous control. The nutrient uptake study exhibited that 30% PSF improves the efficiency of mineral uptake in V. radiata (L) plants. The results suggest that the tested SF, especially PSF, could be a low-cost and environmentally safe fertilizer. Based on this study, the formulated PSF could be used alone or partially replaced with commercial fertilizers to reduce the total cultivation cost.

Immunostimulatory effects of marine algae extracts on in vitro antigen-presenting cell activation and in vivo immune cell recruitment.

Marine algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that are widely used as sources of food, cosmetics, and drugs. However, their biological and immunological effects on immune cells have not been fully elucidated. To unravel their immunological activity and broaden their application, we generated antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, from mouse bone marrow cells and treated them with six different marine algae extracts (MAEs). We evaluated cell viability, activation marker expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by APCs after 2 days of MAE treatment. All six MAEs significantly induced cytokine production of APCs, among which Pyropia yezoensis (PY), Peyssonnelia caulifera (PC), and Meristotheca papulosa (MP) extracts exhibited the strongest effect. Cladophora wrightiana var. minor (CW) extract moderately upregulated cytokine levels but increased the expression of activation markers on DCs. Moreover, PY, PC, MP, Sargassum pectinifera (SP), and Caulerpa okamurae (CO) pre-treated APCs effectively stimulated T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Furthermore, the mice injected with MAEs exhibited higher cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) production as well as enhanced innate immune cell recruitment capacities (DCs, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells) in the peritoneal cavity of the mice compared to those of the non-treated mice. Therefore, all MAEs exhibited immunostimulatory potential, with PY, PC, CW, and MP extracts being the most effective in stimulating immune responses and cell activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the immunomodulatory activities of six MAEs both in vitro and in vivo.

Seaweed extracts as biological control of aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus

BackgroundMycotoxins are secondary metabolites made by a variety of molds and fungi. They contaminate a lot of food products and local crops during pre- and post-harvesting under favorable conditions like high temperature and moisture. Aspergillus species are the most common fungi that contaminate food and produce biochemicals known as mycotoxins. Aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) are the major mycotoxins produced by A. flavus and A. parasiticus that harm animal and human health. These fungi are controlled by chemical fungicides, but these are harmful to the environment. The aim of this study was to determine whether the aflatoxigenic fungi can be exterminated only by marine algal extracts or not.ResultsThe findings showed that the tested seaweed extracts inhibited fungal growth and aflatoxins production to varying degrees. The maximum antifungal activity was recorded in Halimeda opuntia extract against A. parasiticus-24 and A. flavus-18 and Turbunaria decurrens extract against A. flavus-18 (with an inhibition percentage of 77.78%), followed by Jania rubens extract against A. parasiticus-16 with inhibition percentage 75.88% compared to the control. Aqueous extract of H. opuntia effectively eliminated aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) in A. parasiticus-16 and A. parasiticus-24. T. decurrens extract could detoxify 100% of aflatoxins in three isolates of A. parasiticus. J. rubens extract eliminated aflatoxins in A. parasiticus-15 and A. parasiticus-16 compared to their normal production using high-performance liquid chromatography.ConclusionsAccording to this study, the macroalgal species with numerous distinctive antifungal properties constituents significantly inhibited the growth and production of aflatoxin in A. parasiticus and A. flavus isolates. The findings supported the use of macroalgae as a biological control agent against fungi and their toxins.

Roles of Marine Macroalgae or Seaweeds and Their Bioactive Compounds in Combating Overweight, Obesity and Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review

Obesity and diabetes are matters of serious concern in the health sector due to their rapid increase in prevalence over the last three decades. Obesity is a severe metabolic problem that results in energy imbalance that is persistent over a long period of time, and it is characterized by insulin resistance, suggesting a strong association with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The available therapies for these diseases have side effects and some still need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they are expensive for underdeveloped countries. Hence, the need for natural anti-obesity and anti-diabetic drugs has increased in recent years due to their lower costs and having virtually no or negligible side effects. This review thoroughly examined the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of various marine macroalgae or seaweeds and their bioactive compounds in different experimental settings. According to the findings of this review, seaweeds and their bioactive compounds have been shown to have strong potential to alleviate obesity and diabetes in both in vitro and in vivo or animal-model studies. However, the number of clinical trials in this regard is limited. Hence, further studies investigating the effects of marine algal extracts and their bioactive compounds in clinical settings are required for developing anti-obesity and anti-diabetic medicines with better efficacy but lower or no side effects.

Effect of seaweed (Ecklonia cava extract) on blood glucose and insulin level on prediabetic patients: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

To investigate the effect of polyphenolic-rich seaweed extract (Ecklonia cava) on postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) and postprandial insulin level (PPIL) as well as investigating any associated side effects related to the study intervention in 20 prediabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. Thedouble-blind, randomized-controlled trial was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 in Riyadh, in 20 prediabetic patients with no other health complications. Subjects were given 600 mg of seaweed extract in a single dose for acute effect investigation. PPBG and PPIL were measured immediately at intervals of 30, 60, 90, and 120 min following 75 g of carbohydrate consumption, iAUC and peak concentration were calculated accordingly. Insignificant differences were shown for PPBG levels between study groups at intervals of 30 and 60 min (p> .05). However, PPBG results were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to placebo of 90 and 120 min after carbohydrate (75 g) consumption. The mean (SD) of PPBG in the seaweed group at 90 and 120 min was 108.1 (±8.9) and 101.3 (±8.7), respectively, compared to the placebo group at 90 and 120 min with a mean of 122.2 (±16.9) and 112.9 (±12.1), respectively (p value at 90 min=0.032) and (p value at 120 min=0.024). iAUC of PPBG shows no significant differences between the study groups (p> .05). There was no significant difference in PPIL between study groups at all study measurements (p> .05). Discomfort symptoms were similar between study groups (p> .05). This study indicated that a single dose of 600 mg of E. cava extract has a lowering effect on postprandial blood glucose with no associated side effects. Further research should investigate the glycemic modulating effects of marine algal extracts in the long-term investigation.

EFFECT OF SPRAYING WITH NANO-PROLINE AND SEAWEED EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH OF ROSEMARY PLANT ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS L.

A lath tria was carried out at lathhouse belonging to the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar for the year 2020-2021. For the purpose to test the effect of spraying with nano-proline and marine algae extract on rosemary plant, three levels of nano-proline were used viz., 0, 200 and 400 mg L-1. And three levels of seaweed extract 0, 100 and 200 mg L -1 a significant and clear effect of spraying nano-proline was recorded on the studied traits compared to plants that were not sprayed, a significant increase was also recorded in the studied traits. It was found that treatment with Proline at the highest concentration 400 led to a significant increase in all these studied traits (1.7956%), (12.6733) mg/100g, and (13.7800%), respectively. The results showed that treatment with nanorolene led to a significant increase in the leaves content of nutrients (N.P.K) significantly at concentration 400. which were sprayed with marine algae extract, which is distinguished by the interaction between the two factors of the study, where the highest rates of the studied traits were recorded in the combination 400 Proline + 200 Seaweed extract. A significant increase was also recorded in the studied traits, which were sprayed with marine algae extract, the treatment with marine algae extract positively affected the chemical characteristics, as the concentration 200 mg. plant-1 gave the highest values ​​for these traits. (2.1433% for carbohydrates), (14.33 for chlorophyll), (14.022% for the percentage of dry matter) and also had a significant effect on the percentage of nutrients in the plant and the values ​​of the elements were (1.0137N: %) (0.03556P=%) (1.4033K=%) The interaction between the two factors of the study had a positive effect in all the studied traits, as the highest rates were recorded for the studied traits when the combination 400 P and 200A. Where the highest values ​​were recorded compared to the rest of the treatments, including the measurement treatments, where the percentage of carbohydrates was 3.3967%, the content of leaves was chlorophyll 15.7567 and the percentage of dry matter 15.0733%. The results also show the clear superiority in the percentage of nutrients in the leaves, the value of which was N 1.1697%, P 1.427% and K 1.4933%.

Bioactive Compounds Identification, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Algerian Marine Algae Extracts

Background: Marine algae produce bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. They have antioxidant, antibacterial, immune regulation and other biological activities. The aim of this study was to examine the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of extracts of five marine algae species: Cystoseira humilis, Halopteris scoparia, Pavonica padina, Sargassum vulgare and Rhodomela confervoides of Bejaia’s coast (northern Algeria). Methods: Phenolic content of the five marine algae was assessed using Folin Ciocalteu method and then characterized by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analyses. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH•, ABTS•+, NO• radical scavenging and FRAP assays. For the screening of the antibacterial activity, six strains were tested using three different methods: agar disc diffusion, agar well diffusion and spot methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also determined. Results: Protocatechuic acid was the phenolic compound identified in all the studied seaweeds, while Padina pavonica was the species where more phenolic compounds were identified (phloroglucinol, gallic acid, ferulic acid and syringic acid). Cystoseira humilis showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH•: 2237.50 ± 148.34 μM TE/100 g dw, ABTS•+: 1992.50 ± 165.97 μM TE/100 g dw, NO•: 2559.58 ± 42.08 μM TE/100 g dw, FRAP: 2081.20 ± 115.29 μM TE/100 g dw), which was also the richest in phenolic compounds (4.63 ± 0.23 mg PhlE/g dw). Rodomela confervoides showed an important activity against all the bacterial strains tested with the greatest diameter of inhibition zone (18 mm) against E. coli with a MIC equal to 20 mg/mL. The extract of Padina pavonica showed a moderate activity (13.5 mm) against P. aeruginosa with a MIC ≤ 10 mg/mL and a MBC > 10 mg/mL. Conclusion: The studied marine algae showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities. They could be potentially used for applications in medicine, food production and the cosmetic industry.