Seaweed is a great source of biologically active metabolites which could prove interesting in cosmeceutical applications. In this study, seven Icelandic seaweed species (Ascophyllum nodosum, Alaria esculenta, Laminaria hyperborea, Digital Laminaria, Saccharina latissima, Palmaria palmata, and Schizymenia jonssonii) were screened for total polyphenol content, antioxidant properties, and inhibition of skin-degrading enzymes. Antioxidant assays included DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), reducing power, and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). In most assays, A. nodosum extracts were the most active. A. nodosum extracts also showed the strongest inhibition of the skin-degrading enzymes elastase and collagenase at low concentrations, demonstrating its skin-protective qualities. To further investigate the activity, A. nodosum was subsequently extracted with solvents with increasing polarity into seven different extracts. Compared to other extracts, the extracts obtained by extraction with acetone and methanol showed the highest activity in all assays. Extracts obtained with room-temperature water and 85 °C water also demonstrated moderate to high activities. The outcomes of this study support the potential utilization of the brown seaweed A. nodosum as a source of natural ingredients in cosmeceuticals.
Tag: Polyphenols
Ascophyllum nodosum contains many valuable compounds, including polyphenols, peptides, and carotenoids that have been shown to exhibit biological activities. These compounds are not a priority ingredient in seaweed meal products for the current users. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the chemical and bioactive characteristics of A. nodosum as affected by seasonal variation and evaluate the potential benefits of alternative processing and the utilization of side streams for product development. The analysis of raw materials, press liquid, and press cake from alternative processing and the commercial seaweed meal at different harvesting periods indicated that the chemical composition is linked to the reproductive state of the algae. Phenolic content and ORAC activity increased following the seaweed's fertile period, making alternative processing more promising in July and October compared to June. Several valuable ingredients were obtained in the press liquid, including polyphenols, which can be used in the development of new high-value bioactive products. The suggested alternative processing does not have a negative effect on the composition and quality of the current seaweed meal products. Hence, the extraction of valuable ingredients from the fresh biomass during the processing of seaweed meal could be a feasible option to increase the value and sustainability of seaweed processing.
Contact
Rósa Jónsdóttir
Research Group Leader
rosa.jonsdottir@matis.is
Ecological impact on bioactive chemicals in brown seaweeds and their utilization
The aim of the project was to investigate the effects of environmental factors on the amount and bioactivity of polyphenols and polysaccharides in seaweed and kelp. The aim was to increase knowledge of the ecology and chemistry of these species for more efficient isolation of biological substances, their further analysis and utilization for bioactivity measurements. Samples of seaweed, marine core, pimples and claw seaweed were taken at three locations in the country; in the northern part of Reykjanes, in Breiðafjörður and Eskifjörður, a total of six times a year, from March to June, in August and October. A method was developed to isolate fucoidan and laminaran polysaccharides from bubble seaweed and claw seaweed. Total polyphenols were measured in all samples but bioactivity in selected samples. In addition, heavy metals and iodine were measured in selected samples. The amount of polyphenols was high in smallpox and seaweed, but low in marine nuclei and gillnets. Antioxidant activity, measured as ORAC and in the cellular system, was high in the samples containing high levels of polyphenols. Seaweed and seaweed showed anti-inflammatory activity. The results of the project significantly increase knowledge in the field of utilization of seaweed and kelp. They are useful in the development of seaweed processing for human consumption that is currently underway.
The aim of the project was to study the effect of environmental factors on polyphenols and polysaccharides in seaweed. Thereby be able to better recognize the ecology and chemistry of these species for more efficient isolation of the biochemical, their further analysis and utilization in bioactive measurements. Samples of Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta, Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus were collected at three different locations, Reykjanes, Breiðafjörður and Eskifjörður, from March to October, in total six times. Method to isolate fucoidan and laminaran polysaccharides was developed. Total polyphenol content (TPC) was measured in all samples and bioactivity in selected samples. In addition, contaminants and iodine were analyzed in selected samples. The TPC was high in F. vesiculosus and A. nodosum but rather low in A. esculenta and S. latissima. The antioxidant acitivty, measured as ORAC value and in cells, was high in samples containing high amount of TPC. F. vesiculosus and A. esculenta had anti-inflammatory properties. The results of the project have increased the knowledge about the utilization of seaweed in Iceland substantially.
Report closed until 31.12.2017
View report
Contact
Rósa Jónsdóttir
Research Group Leader
rosa.jonsdottir@matis.is
Fæðubótarefni úr íslensk þangi / Functional ingredients from Icelandic seaweed
The aim of the study was to develop the processing of dietary supplements from Icelandic seaweed by maximizing the extraction and purification process of biomaterials and measuring their bioactivity. Seaweed was collected monthly for one year and the chemical content and bioactivity were measured in test tubes and in cell systems. The processing of polyphenols was scaled up and the shelf life was studied. The seasonal fluctuation in vitamin C content was very clear and peaked during the summer. There was also a large difference in the amount of iodine, which was much higher during the winter compared to samples taken during the summer. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols was very high, both measured as ORAC and DPPH and in cells. The results of studies in the angiogenesis model strongly indicate the anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenols from seaweed. Fucoxanthin levels were on average lowest in the summer but highest in the winter, although the difference was not significant. Seaweed fucoxanthin collected in January and July measured 90% and 80% antioxidant activity in cells. The results of this project strongly show that it is a good idea to process bioactive substances from seaweed into dietary supplements.
The aim of the project was to develop functional ingredients from brown seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) for use in nutraceutical and functional foods by optimizing extraction of bioactive compounds and characterizing their properties to demonstrate possible health benefits. Fucus vesiculosus was collected monthly for one year for chemical characterization and to study bioactivity using in ‐ vitro chemical and cellular tests. The polyphenol extraction process was scaled up and shelf life of the extract studied. The seasonal variation in vitamin ‐ C content was clear reaching maximum level during the summer. A large difference was seen in the iodine content which was much higher in the winter compared to the summer. The antioxidant activity of the polyphenols was high, measured as ORAC and DPPH and in cell models. The dendritic cell (DC) model showed indications of anti ‐ inflammatory effect of polyphenols. The amount of fucoxanthin was on average lowest in the summer but highest in the winter. Cellular antioxidant activity of fucoxanthin samples from January and July was 90% and 80%, respectively. The results of this project indicate that it is feasible to produce functional ingredients from Icelandic seaweed.
Report closed until 01.01.2015