Valuable compounds in macroalgae extracts

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Paula B Andrade (Author) FFUP; Mariana Barbosa (Author) Other; Rui Pedro Matos (Author) Other; Graciliana Lopes (Author) Other; Juliana Vinholes (Author) Other; Teresa Mouga (Author) Other; Patricia Valentao (Author) FFUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: FOOD CHEMISTRY

Vol. 138

Pages: 1819-1828

ISSN: 0308-8146

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 63 Citations

Scopus - 111 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Agrarian Sciences > Other Agrarian Sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-005-0RC

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.081

Abstract (EN): Bioactive compounds present in ethanolic extracts from 18 macroalgae of the Portuguese coast were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), leading to the characterization of 14 compounds: proline, phloroglucinol, mannitol, 8 fatty acids and 3 sterols. A dose-dependent response against enzymes with biological significance (alpha-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) and free radicals (DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide and hydroxyl) was found, Phaeophyta being the most promising group. A PCA analysis was performed and allowed the establishment of a correlation between the algae chemical composition and the biological activity. Cystoseira tamariscifolia (Hudson) Papenfuss, Cystoseira nodicaulis (Withering) M. Roberts, Cystoseira usneoides (Linnaeus) M. Roberts and Fucus spiralis Linnaeus are among the most active species, which is in accordance with their higher contents in phloroglucinol, mannitol, oleic, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids, and fucosterol. The results point to the potential interest of the use of Phaeophyta species as food additives, due to their potent antiradical activities, and especially highlights the importance of F. spiralis in the food chain of Mediterranean countries. Moreover, the incorporation of the extracts of these species in food products, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical preparations for human health should also be instigated, since they can suppress hyperglycemia and inhibit cholinesterases.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10