ICAR Research Data Repository for Knowledge Management

Kappaphycus alvarezzi, an edible seaweed from the west coast of India, was analyzed for its chemical
composition. It was found that K. alvarezziis rich in protein (16.24% w/w) and contains a high amount
of fiber (29.40% w/w) and carbohydrates (27.4% w/w). K. alvarezzishowed vitamin A activity of 865
Ìg retinal equivalents/100 g of sample. It contained a higher quantity of unsaturated fatty acids (44.50%
of the total), in which relative percentage of oleic acid was 11%, cis-heptadecanoic acid 13.50%,
and linoleic acid 2.3% and 37.0% of saturated fatty acids (mainly heptadecanoic acid). K. alvarezzi
was also found to be good source of minerals, viz 0.16% of calcium, 0.033% of iron, and 0.016% of
zinc, which are essential for various vital biological activities. Bioavailability of iron by in vitro methods
showed a higher efficiency in intestinal conditions than in stomach conditions. Ascorbic acid influenced
higher bioavailability of iron. Successive extracts of n-hexane, acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and
direct extractables of chloroform/methanol (1:1 and 2:1) were screened for antioxidant activity using
a ‚-carotene linoleic acid model system (B-CLAMS), DPPH (R,R-diphenyl-‚-picrylhydrazyl) model
system and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The chloroform/methanol (2:1) extract has shown
82.5% scavenging activity at 1000 ppm. Acetone fraction extracts at the 1000 ppm level showed
63.31% antioxidant activity in ‚-carotene linoleic acid system. The acetone extract showed 46.04%
scavenging activity at 1000 ppm concentration. In the case of hydroxyl radical scavenging activity,
all the extracts showed better activity at the concentrations of 25 and 50 ppm, where at the 50 ppm
level ethyl acetate extract showed 76.0%, acetone 75.12%, and hexane 71.15% activity, respectively.
Results of this study suggest the utility of K. alvarezzi (Eucheuma) for various nutritional products,
including antioxidant for use as health food or nutraceutical supplement.