Extraction Purification of Phlorotannins from Different Species of Marine Algae and Evaluation of their Anti-Oxidant Potential

Phlorotannins are derivatives of phloroglucinol present only in marine brown algae. There are different types of Phlorotannins which are present in different species varies with its amounts. Marine polyphenols are emerging therapeutic natural components and also plays major role in ACE-I inhibition, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) inhibition, Hyaluronidase inhibition, Tyrosinase inhibition, Bactericidal activity, Anti-HIV activity, Radioprotective effect, Anti-allergic effect. Extraction and purification of this compound is difficult due to its broad range of molecular size and its localization in organelle. Extraction was performed with five different solvents with increasing polarity for four different species. Characterization proves phlorotannins mostly bound with proteins and polysaccharides. The optimum phlorotannin soluble solvent ratio was identified by column chromatography. Anti-oxidant properties of crude extracts containing phlorotannins were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and Reducing power assay methods.