Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND HAEMOLYTIC POTENTIAL OF BROWN MACROALGA SARGASSUM

*Megha N. Mole and Anjali B. Sabale

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and haemolytic activity of three species of Sargassum viz. S. cinereum, S. ilicifolium and S. tenerrimum was investigated using extracts prepared in different organic solvents. Ethanol and methanol extracts of all the three Sargassum species were effective in arresting bacterial growth while methanol extract of S. ilicifolium had the maximum ability to arrest the growth of fungal organisms. Inhibition of mycelial growth was more than 60% in ethanol and methanol extracted samples of all the Sargassum species. Haemolytic activity was negligible (5-10%) for a few negative blood groups and slightly more (10-20%) for positive groups when hexane, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of S. cinereum were used. Total antioxidant capacity was remarkable in the methanolic extract of S. cinereum and S. tenerrimum. Results suggested an appreciable level of antimicrobial and antioxidant potential in the three Sargassum species. The range of haemolytic activity indicated a safe use of these species for pharmaceutical purpose. Ethanolic and methanolic extraction favoured the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in Sargassum sp.

Keywords: Sargassum viz. S. cinereum, S. ilicifolium and S. tenerrimum