Comparison of Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antipyretic Properties of Selected Red algae - Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen) J V Lamouroux., Gracilaria dura (C Agardh) J Agardh. and Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex Silva

Marine natural products from seaweeds have been the focus of research for novel products of pharmacological interest. Bioactivities of the phytochemicals derived from marine algae are important ingredients in many products, such as cosmetics and drugs for treating cancer and other lifestyle disorders. In this context, the aim of the present study is to compare the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic properties of the purified terpenoids from the selected red algae Hypnea musciformis, Gracilaria dura and Kappaphycus alvarezii. Initially, the acute toxicity of the purified terpenoid extract was analyzed and was greater than 4000 mg/kg bw. In vitro BSA denaturation assay revealed significant % inhibition as compared to control. In the carrageenan induced paw edema, the purified terpenoids extract of H. musciformis exhibited remarkable soothing activity with 68.8% percentage of inhibition, which was comparable with that of indomethacin. Meanwhile G. dura and K. alvarezii showed 53 and 50% of inhibition respectively. Analgesic activity was determined by hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing test. In the hot plate test, terpenoids extract of H. musciformis and G. dura significantly increased the hot-plate latency as compared to normal saline, which reflects their analgesic efficacy. In the writhing test, terpenoid extracts from H. musciformis, G. dura and K. alvarezii inhibited the writhing response induced by acetic acid in a concentration dependent manner that suggests its varied mode of inhibition of stretching episodes. Lastly, the antipyretic activity was analyzed. Terpenoid extracts from H. musciformis, G. dura and K. alvarezii revealed a significant (P < 0.01) antipyretic activity up to 180 min. In summary, the study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of terpenoids extracts from H. musciformis, G. dura and K. alvarezii on experimental models, suggesting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of peripheral painful and inflammatory pathologies.

Phytochemical, HPLC and FTIR Analysis of Methanolic Extract from Gracilaria dura (C Agardh) J Agardh.

Marine algae are known to contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds. They are also rich in novel biomolecules and can be explored for the development of drugs to combat lifestyle diseases like cancer, diabetes etc. Red algae are known for their nutraceutical and functional importance. But there are a lot of limitations regarding their availability and in estimating which algal fractions are biologically active. Similarly, the mode of digestion of such compounds in human body is not yet properly traced. In this juncture, the present study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the red alga, Gracilaria dura. Methanolic extract of G. dura showed the presence of reducing sugar, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and terpenoids. Further, the HPLC analysis was attempted to fractionate the polyphenolics. Various phenolic acids such as of gallic acid, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, hydroxybenzoic, phloroglucinol, catechol and cinnamic acid were identified. Subsequently, the methanolic solvent extract of G. dura was subjected to fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of the functional groups. The results based on the spectral data of FTIR revealed the presence of aliphatic constituents containing alkanes, ketones, alkyl halides, hydroxyl groups etc. Thus, the observed finding envisages that methanolic extract of G. dura contained potential bioactive compounds which can be used for analysing the various biological activities. Keywords: Gracilaria dura, Phytochemical, Methanolic extract, HPLC, FTIR