Abstract
Author(s): R. Charu Deepika
Seaweeds are a fascinating and diverse group of organisms categorized under macro algae living in the earth's oceans. Seaweeds are classified into three major groups; the green algae (Chlorophyta), the brown algae (Phaeophyta) and the red algae (Rhodophyta). Seaweeds are placed into one of these groups based on their pigments and coloration. Among a huge array of seaweeds, the three selected seaweeds are Sargassum wightii, Gracilaria corticata and Kappaphycus alvarezii found in the coastal areas of Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu on the basis of their valuable commercial products alginate, agar and carrageenan respectively. The samples were investigated for the presence of phytochemicals like tannins and polyphenols using fodder collected after extraction of respective valuable products by employing different extraction methods. Retention of several phytochemicals to a greater extent gives a hope of using the waste from seaweed industry for obtaining value added compounds from seaweeds. The results of different tests in this study showed that these extracts and their bioactive components can be used as strong modulators on oxidative stress hence can be used for drug preparations while their phycocolloids for drug formulations. The selected biomass could be recommended for use in dietaries to combat protein energy for malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies due to proven nutritional elements and enlight upon intergrated aquaculture to emphasize on seaweed biofiltration in modern mariculture.