Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Red Seaweeds from Central Portugal

Abstract

Throughout the ages, macroalgae have provided humankind with elements beneficial to human health, and often with bioactive abilities. Yet, while today we fully acknowledge such potential, especially that of the most widely known species, an even greater number of species remain unaknowledged. This holds particularly true for the highly diverse phylum Rhodophyta (red seaweeds) and, therefore, the present study aims to unveil the antioxidant and the antimicrobial potential of twelve red seaweed species collected in central Portugal. Results obtained from the antioxidant assays ABTS and TPC highlighted the high scavenging capacity of the coralline algae Corallina officinalis, Ellisolandia elongata and Amphiroa rigida, and the high phenolic content of Porphyra umbilicalis, whereas the antimicrobial analyses through MIC determination emphasized the activities of Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Mesophyllum lichenoides against, respectively, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study raised awareness of the bioactive potential waiting to be discovered regarding less known Rhodophyta species, such as Amphiroa rigida and Mesophyllum lichenoides. Therefore, we believe this study provides extra steps in pinpointing Rhodophyta species with bioactive potential, encouraging further studies tailored toward a biotechnological perspective, and, ultimately, influencing current perspectives regarding the exploration of seaweeds.

Seaweed: a sustainable solution for greening drug manufacturing in the pursuit of sustainable healthcare

“…They can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, induce programmed cell death (apoptosis), and impede the formation of new blood vessels that support tumor growth (angiogenesis). These compounds hold potential for use in developing novel anticancer drugs or serving as adjuvants in cancer treatment [128,129].…”

Seaweeds as Nutraceutical Elements and Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus: Future Perspectives

“…The extraction process of the bioactive compounds from seaweeds can vary depending on the species, location, and extraction method used, leading to inconsistent results. Standardization of the extracts is essential for the reproducibility of the antidiabetic activity [134,135]; without the standardization of the extraction process and control safety measures, it will be very difficult to comply with international agencies for drugs or even for food safety. Due to the diverse metabolism and toxicity exhibited by various bioactive compounds in biological systems, it is imperative to investigate them for dose optimization and explore their potential therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications.…”

An Overview on Antimicrobial Potential of Edible Terrestrial Plants and Marine Macroalgae Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta Extracts

“…The objective of the study of Freitas et al [ 72 ] is to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of twelve red seaweed species commonly found on Portuguese shores, namely Porphyra umbilicalis , Ceramium ciliatum , Osmundea pinnatifida, Chondrus crispus , Sphaerococcus coronopifolius , Plocamium cartilagineum , Corallina officinalis , Ellisolandia elongata , Amphiroa rigida , Jania rubens , Mesophyllum lichenoides, and Liagora viscida . All of them possess interesting antimicrobial properties, and in Table 2 are reported the MIC and inhibition zone diameter of the edible seaweeds P. umbilicalis , O. pinnatifida , and C. crispus .…”

“…P. umbilicalis presents, by far, the highest phenol content when compared to the other studied algae, as well as a high scavenging ability. These results likely indicate strong antioxidant activity, as it is known that seaweeds are able to develop antioxidant shielding mechanisms and strategies to withstand highly oxidative environments [ 72 ].…”