Abstract

Gelidiella acerosa (Forsskal) is a genus of red algae with high economic value found in sub tidal areas in many parts of India and other countries. The phytochemicals and antioxidant studies were carried out using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. Preliminary phytochemical screening of Gelidiella acerosa revealed the presence of various bioactive components like alkaloids, flavanoids, steroids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, resins, carbohydrates and tannins. All the three extracts of Gelidiella acerosa were also evaluated for the in-vitro DPPH free radical scavenging activity and the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanolic extract of the Gelidiella acerosa were found to exhibit 32.77%, 50.71% and 68.42% free radical scavenging activity as compared to the highest percentage free radical scavenging activity of ascorbic acid (standard) 76.55%. The result of the present study concluded that antioxidant activity due to the presence of significant amount of phenolic compounds which are the major contributors of antioxidant activity. The finding of this study suggests that the studied plant is a potential source of natural antioxidant that could have great importance as therapeutic agents in preventing or slowing the progress of oxidative stress related degenerative diseases.

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