Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Antioxidants are free radical scavengers and protect the body against oxidative damages. Today, seaweeds have attracted attention in researches on natural antioxidants. In the present study, antioxidant properties of red algae Gelidiella acerosa, were investigated.

Methods: Antioxidant properties of seaweed extract were investigated by three methods of DPPH free radical scavenging, reduction power, and metal chelating activity using methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-hexane solvents. Data analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA.

Results: The highest percentage of DPPH radical scavenging was for 1 mg/ml concentration of n-hexane extract with 71.7±6.1% and IC₅₀ value (1.7mg/ml). In reduction power assay, the concentration of 1mg/ml of ethyl acetate extract (0.6±0.0) was higher than other extracts. Metal chelating activity of methanol had the highest percentage in all concentrations, and in all three method, there was a direct relationship between extract concentration, radical inhibition power, and radical absorption.

Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the antioxidant properties of seaweed was efficient and can be the basis for further studies to find new pharmaceutical compounds for the treatment of many diseases, such as cancer. Also, after preclinical and clinical studies, the extract can be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.