Phenolic Compounds in Brown Algae. I. The Presence of Reducing Compounds in Ascophyllum nodosum (L.)Le Jol.

Marine algae synthesize secondary metabolites such as polyphenols that function as defense and protection mechanisms. Among brown algae, Fucales and Dictyotales (Phaeophyceae) contain the highest levels of phenolic compounds, mainly phlorotannins, that play multiple roles. Four temperate brown algae (Cystoseira amentacea, Cystoseira compressa, Dictyopteris polypodioides and Padina pavonica) were studied for total phenolic contents. Total phenolic content was determined colorimetrically with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Significant differences in total phenolic content were observed between leathery and sheetlike algae and also within each morphological group. Among the four species, the sheet-like alga D. polypodioides, living in the upper infralittoral zone, showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds. These results are in agreement with the hypothesis that total phenolic content in temperate brown algae is influenced by a combination of several factors, such as growth form, depth, and exposition to solar radiation.

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The influence of brown algae alginates on phenolic compounds capability of ultraviolet radiation absorption in vitro

Brazilian Journal of Oceanography ◽

10.1590/s1679-87592007000200007 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 55 (2) ◽

pp. 145-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Leonardo Tavares Salgado ◽

Rodrigo Tomazetto ◽

Leonardo Paes Cinelli ◽

Marcos Farina ◽

Gilberto Menezes Amado Filho

Keyword(s):

Phenolic Compounds ◽

Ultraviolet Radiation ◽

Brown Algae ◽

Absorption Capacity ◽

Uv Absorption ◽

Radiation Absorption ◽

Electromagnetic Spectrum ◽

Cell Wall Polysaccharides ◽

Physiological Processes

Brown algae phenolic compounds (PC) are secondary metabolites that participate in many biological processes, such as ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection, polyspermy blocking and trace metals bounding. Recently, PC has also been studied due to possible interactions with cell wall polysaccharides. However, there are few evidences of these interactions and their influence in physiological processes. The interactions between PC from the brown alga Padina gymnospora and alginates and the influence of these interactions on the UV absorption properties of PC were investigated in this work. Chromatography and spectrophotometry techniques were used to isolate, characterize and determine UV absorption capacity of studied compounds. Even after the P. gymnospora polysaccharide extraction and isolating methods, the PC was maintained linked to the alginate. The interaction of alginates with PC did not cause modifications on absorbance pattern of electromagnetic spectrum (UV-VIS-IR). The UV absorbance capability of PC linked to alginate was maintained for a longer period of time if compared with the purified PC. The obtained results reveal the strong linkage between PC and alginates and that these linkages preserve the UV absorption capability of PC along time.

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The Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Phlorotannins from the Edible Brown Algae, Ecklonia sp. and Eisenia sp

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x211060924 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. 1934578X2110609

Author(s):

Yoshimasa Sugiura ◽

Hirotaka Katsuzaki ◽

Kunio Imai ◽

Hideomi Amano

Keyword(s):

Phenolic Compounds ◽

Brown Algae ◽

Brown Alga ◽

Research Groups ◽

Terrestrial Plants ◽

Large Numbers ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Because the number of people suffering from allergies has significantly increased, improved ways of treating these conditions by medical, pharmaceutical, and dietary means are required. Large numbers of studies on allergy have been conducted, and many anti-allergic compounds have been found. Phenolic compounds from terrestrial plants, including catechins and flavonoids, possess anti-allergic properties. Although polyphenols are present in some brown algae, their anti-allergic activities were not studied in detail before the 1990s. The focus was on the algal polyphenols, collectively called phlorotannins (eg., eckol, 6,6′-bieckol, 8,8′-bieckol, dieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A), and research was conducted to clarify their anti-allergic activities. This review summarizes the anti-allergic effects of phlorotannins isolated from the brown alga, Eisenia nipponica, and related reports by other research groups.

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