Biological evaluation of Undaria pinnatifida as antioxidative agent in silico and in vitro

Undaria pinnatifida is a type of marine algae which is edible seaweed and is largely used in Japan and Korean countries. This brown seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals and various kinds of macro and trace elements. It is a source of many potent pharmacological compounds used in obesity management. The present study is aimed at phytochemical screening and assessing antioxidant activity of different dissolvable concentrates (methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate) of Undaria pinnatifida. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of significant auxiliary metabolites, for example, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins in solvent extracts of Undaria pinnatifida. In silico analysis showed the binding capacity of glutathione and catalase with fucoxanthin. The comparative assessment of antioxidant activity (DPPH Method) of extracts indicated highest scavenging activity in the ethyl acetate extract of Undaria pinnatifida which is equivalent to standard ascorbic acid. The presence of potent phytochemicals and demonstration of antioxidant activity paves the way for further testing its efficacy as a nutraceutical for treatment of various chronic disorders such as diabetes, obesity etc.