Evaluation of pharmacognostical, phytochemical and anti-microbial properties of Porphyra vietnamensis

Abstract

Objective: There is no detailed standardisation work reported for pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on alga. Thus, present communication attempts to evaluate the pharmacognostical, phytochemical and antimicrobial studies of red algae Porphyra vietnamensis, Bangiaceae family. Material and Methods: Extraction and isolation were performed to conduct preliminary phytochemical screening and various pharmacognostical studies on P. vietnamensis. Fatty acids and minerals were analysed using gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Antimicrobial potential of aqueous and alcoholic fractions was investigated using agar disc diffusion method. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening and pharmacognostical data confirmed the presence of the high amount of dietary fibre, Vitamin C, carbohydrate and lipid content. Fatty acid analysis confirms the presence of the high amount of methyl palmitate. Atomic absorption data revealed the presence of significant amount of Mg, S, Ca, P, Na and K. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts (200-300 μg/ml) was effective against all microbes whereas alcoholic extract was proved to be more effective then aqueous extract. Conclusion: This study revealed the specific identities for the commercially important red seaweed, Porphyra, which will be useful in identification and prevention of its adulteration. Furthermore anti-microbial elements present in this alga can be further investigated for the development of novel antibiotics