Search Results (30)

To investigate the effects of supplementing the diet with Caulerpa lentillifera on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei, a total number of 600 healthy shrimp, each having an average body weight of 2.45 ± 0.12 g, were allocated randomly into five experimental groups. These groups comprised a control group receiving a basal diet (Ctrl) and four treatment groups receiving the basal diet supplemented with varying concentrations of dried C. lentillifera powder: 2.5% (CL1), 5% (CL2), 7.5% (CL3), and 10% (CL4). Each group consisted of four replicates, with 30 shrimp per replicate. The experimental duration was 56 days. The findings demonstrated that supplementing the diet with 5–7.5% C. lentillifera enhanced growth performance and significantly increased the crude protein content in whole shrimp (p < 0.05). Based on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) metrics, the optimal inculusion range of C. lentillifera in L. vannamei feed was determined to be 5.25–7.15%. Simultaneously, there was a significant increase in the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and peroxidase (POD) enzymes in the hepatopancreas, accompanied by a substantial reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 5–7.5% C. lentillifera induced a numerical elevation of the relative expression levels of antioxidant and protein synthesis genes, although no statistically significant differences were detected among all groups (p > 0.05). Analyses of intestinal microbiota sequencing revealed that the addition of 5–7.5% C. lentillifera improved the intestinal microbiota’s composition and structural characteristics with a focus on metabolic pathways. In conclusion, the inclusion of dietary C. lentillifera positively influenced growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and the intestinal microbiota of L. vannamei. However, excessively high-dose dietary levels may have adverse effects on shrimp; thus, a dietary inclusion level of 5.25–7.15% C. lentillifera is recommended. Full article

Helicobacter pylori is a gastric pathogen implicated in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of an aqueous extract from Caulerpa lentillifera (sea grape), a farm-cultivated edible green seaweed collected from Krabi Province, Thailand. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) revealed that the extract was enriched in bioactive nucleosides and phenolic compounds. In vitro assays demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of H. pylori growth following exposure to sea grape extract. Furthermore, untargeted intracellular metabolomic profiling of H. pylori cells treated with the extract uncovered significant perturbations in central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, including pathways associated with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, one-carbon metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Pyrimidine biosynthesis was selectively upregulated, indicating a potential stress-induced shift toward nucleotide salvage and DNA repair. Of particular note, succinate levels were markedly reduced despite accumulation of other TCA intermediates, suggesting disruption of electron transport-linked respiration. These findings suggest that bioactive metabolites from C. lentillifera impair essential metabolic processes in H. pylori, highlighting its potential as a natural source of antimicrobial agents targeting bacterial physiology. Full article

Seaweeds represent a vital yet often understudied component of the diet and cultural heritage of many coastal communities globally. This study investigated seaweed consumption practices in coastal communities of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, through one-to-one interviews (n = 280) and focus group discussions (n = 7). The study revealed that nearly all (99%) of the population consumes seaweeds, with women comprising the majority of consumers who have done so since childhood (68% female vs. 32% male). These consumers were predominantly married (79%), within the 21–40 age group (53%), with families of 5–7 members (43%), practicing Islam (97%), and belonging to the Sama tribe (71%). A significant portion (48%) had resided in the area for 21–30 years, attained elementary to high school education (66%), and had a monthly income ranging from 1000 to 10,000 Philippine pesos (72%). Seaweed consumption was a family-wide practice (88%), including children, who typically started around 4–8 years old (61%), driven by perceived nutritional benefits (43%), preferred flavor (80%), affordability (19%), ease of preparation (33%), and cultural integration (23%). The primary edible seaweeds identified were Kappaphycus alvarezii (63%), K. striatus (58%), Kappaphycus spp. (47%), Eucheuma denticulatum (57%), Caulerpa lentillifera (64%), Caulerpa spp. (51%), C. cf. macrodisca ecad corynephora (45%), C. racemosa (30%), and Solieria robusta (49%), with less frequent consumption of K. malesianus (8%), Chaetomorpha crassa (3%), Gracilaria spp. (0.72%), and Hydroclathrus clathratus (0.36%). Specific plant parts were preferred for certain species, and preparation predominantly involved raw (75%) or cooked (77%) salads with spices, primarily prepared by mothers (72%). Consumers generally avoided seaweeds showing signs of ice-ice disease (95%), pale coloration (91%), or epiphyte infestation (84%). Consumption frequency was typically 1–3 times per week (45%), with knowledge largely passed down through generations (95%). Seaweed salads were primarily consumed as a viand (92%) at home (97%), with locals perceiving seaweed consumption as contributing to a healthy diet (40%) and overall well-being [e.g., aiding hunger (76%), improving digestion (20%), preventing obesity (14%), and aiding brain development (3%)]. The study’s findings emphasize the significant yet often overlooked role of seaweeds in the food systems and cultural heritage of Tawi-Tawi’s coastal communities. Future efforts should prioritize the sustainable management of wild resources, explore the cultivation of diverse edible species, and enhance nutritional awareness. Further research into traditional seaweed knowledge holds broader value. Full article

The nitrogen budget and the effects of varying densities of sea grape (Caulerpa lentillifera) on water quality and the growth performance of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in a polyculture system were evaluated. Four treatments were tested, each stocked with 20 fish (average weight: ~20 g; density: 2.66 kg/m³). Treatment 1 (control) contained no sea grapes, while treatments 2, 3, and 4 included 100, 200, and 400 g of sea grapes, corresponding to 0, 667 g/m³, 1333 g/m³, and 2666 g/m³, respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) reductions in total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity were observed with increasing sea grape density; however, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found among the three sea grape treatments. Higher sea grape densities increased nitrite (NO₂–N) and nitrate (NO₃–N) concentrations due to enhanced nitrification. Approximately 65% of the nitrogen input originated from feed, but only 47.78–48.96% was assimilated into fish biomass. Nitrogen losses included 1.17–1.46% via water exchange and final drainage, while 45.27–50.76% was likely retained in sediments, volatilized, or lost through denitrification. Sea grapes effectively absorbed total nitrogen (TN), demonstrating their potential as biofilters for improving water quality without compromising fish growth performance. The optimal density was 100 g of sea grapes per 2.66 kg/m³ of seabass biomass, offering a sustainable strategy to enhance productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, in companion animals pose a growing public health concern due to the close interactions between pets and humans. This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns and the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from healthy dogs in Thailand, as well as the potential of algal extracts obtained through ethanol extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis as alternative antimicrobial agents against these drug-resistant organisms. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 43 E. coli isolates from healthy dogs. ESBL production was confirmed using standard phenotypic methods, and resistance genes were detected by PCR. The algal extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against MDR isolates. Results: Among the 43 E. coli isolates, 67.44% were classified as MDR, with high resistance rates observed for ampicillin (79.07%), tetracycline (65.12%), and ciprofloxacin (62.79%), highlighting significant antimicrobial resistance concerns. Of the MDR isolates, 31.03% (9/29) were confirmed as ESBL producers. Gene analysis revealed bla_TEM as the most prevalent gene (53.49%), followed by bla_CTX-M (9.30%), while bla_SHV was detected in a single isolate resistant only to ampicillin and was absent in all MDR strains. Ethanol extracts of Haematococcus pluvialis and Caulerpa lentillifera demonstrated inhibitory effects against MDR E. coli. Conclusions: MDR and ESBL-producing E. coli are prevalent in healthy dogs, posing a potential public health risk. Algal extracts from H. pluvialis and C. lentillifera show promise as alternative antimicrobials. Further research is necessary to optimize their efficacy and investigate their in vivo applications, including clinical and environmental settings. Full article

The nutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid compositions of Caulerpa lentillifera from various aquaculture regions were assessed to analyze their nutritional characteristics and potential for aquaculture development. The nutrient composition of C. lentillifera was determined according to the standard national nutrient determination methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, and the following data were revealed. (1) The basic nutritional components of C. lentillifera were relatively more abundant in the three aquaculture areas in Guangdong Province. The crude protein content in C. lentillifera was measured at (8.70 ± 0.36)% and (18.57 ± 1.59)% for samples collected from the Dapeng and Daya areas, respectively. These values were significantly higher compared to those obtained from the Beihai, Dongshan, and Nha Trang regions (p < 0.05). Additionally, the crude lipid content of C. lentillifera from the Daya population was measured at (5.10 ± 1.59)%, which was significantly higher than that of samples from the Beihai, Dongshan, and Nha Trang areas (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total sugar contents in C. lentillifera were quantified as (32.50 ± 4.22)% and (32.87 ± 2.59)% for samples from the Daya and Shanwei regions, respectively. These values were significantly greater (p < 0.05) compared to those observed in the other four populations. (2) The total amino acid (TAA) content of C. lentillifera ranged from 7.05% to 12.37%, with notable concentrations of the fresh amino acids aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu). Significant variations in the TAA and essential amino acid (EAA) levels were observed among the cultivation regions (p < 0.05), with the Shanwei population exhibiting the highest TAA content of 12.37% and EAA content of 4.65%, surpassing all other populations except for Guangdong Province (p < 0.05). (3) The fatty acid composition analysis revealed that the total fatty acid (TFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) levels in the long-stemmed grape fern alga from Daya were 2.400% and 1.048%, respectively, and significantly greater than those in the other populations except for Dapeng (p < 0.05). These results imply that the nutritional quality of the Daya population of C. lentillifera is relatively high. C. lentillifera exhibits a palatable flavor profile, making it suitable for consumption and the development into high-quality seafood condiments, thereby contributing to the environmentally sustainable advancement of C. lentillifera aquaculture. Full article

The escalating impact of human activities has led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in marine environments, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems. As essential components of oceanic ecosystems, large seaweeds such as Caulerpa lentillifera play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This study investigated the effects of MPs and cadmium (Cd) on the growth, physiology, biochemistry, and Cd accumulation in C. lentillifera while elucidating the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. The results demonstrated that exposure to MPs alone significantly promoted the growth. In contrast, exposure to Cd either alone or in combination with MPs significantly suppressed growth by reducing stem and stolon length, bud count, weight gain, and specific growth rates. Combined exposure to MPs and Cd exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effect on growth. MPs had negligible impact while Cd exposure either alone or combined with MPs impaired antioxidant defenses and exacerbated oxidative damage; with combined exposure being the most detrimental. Analysis of Cd content revealed that MPs significantly increased Cd accumulation in algae intensifying its toxic effects. Gene expression analysis revealed that Cd exposure down-regulated key genes involved in photosynthesis, impairing both photosynthetic efficiency and energy conversion. The combined exposure of MPs and Cd further exacerbated these effects. In contrast, MPs alone activated the ribosome pathway, supporting ribosomal stability and protein synthesis. Additionally, both Cd exposure alone or in combination with MPs significantly reduced chlorophyll B and soluble sugar content, negatively impacting photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation. In summary, low concentrations of MPs promoted C. lentillifera growth, but the presence of Cd hindered it by disrupting photosynthesis and antioxidant mechanisms. Furthermore, the coexistence of MPs intensified the toxic effects of Cd. These findings enhance our understanding of how both MPs and Cd impact large seaweed ecosystems and provide crucial insights for assessing their ecological risks. Full article

In response to a global shift towards health-conscious and environmentally sustainable food choices, seaweed has emerged as a focus for researchers due to its large-scale cultivation potential and the development of bioactive substances. This research explores the potential anticancer properties of seaweed extracts, focusing on analyzing the impact of four common edible seaweeds in Taiwan on prostate cancer (PCa) cells’ activity. The study used bioassay-guided fractionation to extract Cl80 from various seaweeds with androgen receptor (AR)-inhibitory activity. Cl80 demonstrated effective suppression of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced AR activity in 103E cells and attenuated the growth and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein expression in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. Additionally, Cl80 exhibited differential effects on various PCa cell lines. Concentrations above 5 μg/mL significantly inhibited LNCaP cell proliferation, while 22Rv1 cells were more resistant to Cl80. PC-3 cell proliferation was inhibited at 5 μg/mL but not completely at 50 μg/mL. A clonogenic assay showed that at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL, the colony formation in LNCaP and PC-3 cells was significantly reduced, with a dose-dependent effect. Cl80 induced apoptosis in all PCa cell types, especially in LNCaP cells, with increased apoptotic cells observed at higher concentrations. Cl80 also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in a dose-dependent manner in all PCa cell lines. Furthermore, Cl80 suppressed the migration ability of PCa cells, with significant reductions observed in LNCaP, 22Rv1, and PC-3 cells at various concentrations. These compelling findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of C. lentillifera J.Agardh and its isolated compound Cl80 in the treatment of PCa. Full article

Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat, which in turn poses a significant risk to health. Bioactive compounds obtained from macroalgae have demonstrated their efficacy in combating obesity in various animal models. The green macroalgae Caulerpa lentillifera (CL) contains numerous active constituents. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to elucidate the beneficial anti-obesity effects of extracts derived from C. lentillifera using a Caenorhabditis elegans obesity model. The ethanol (CLET) and ethyl acetate (CLEA) extracts caused a significant decrease in fat consumption, reaching up to approximately 50–60%. Triglyceride levels in 50 mM glucose-fed worms were significantly reduced by approximately 200%. The GFP-labeled dhs-3, a marker for lipid droplets, exhibited a significant reduction in its level to approximately 30%. Furthermore, the level of intracellular ROS displayed a significant decrease of 18.26 to 23.91% in high-glucose-fed worms treated with CL extracts, while their lifespan remained unchanged. Additionally, the mRNA expression of genes associated with lipogenesis, such as sbp-1, showed a significant down-regulation following treatment with CL extracts. This finding was supported by a significant decrease (at 16.22–18.29%) in GFP-labeled sbp-1 gene expression. These results suggest that C. lentillifera extracts may facilitate a reduction in total fat accumulation induced by glucose through sbp-1 pathways. In summary, this study highlights the anti-obesity potential of compounds derived from C. lentillifera extracts in a C. elegans model of obesity, mediated by the suppression of lipogenesis pathways. Full article

Caulerpa lentillifera is a type of green macroalga that is commonly consumed as fresh seaweed, particularly in Southeast Asia. The effects of different salt types and concentrations on C. lentillifera during brine processing were investigated using table, sea and flower salt at 10–30% levels. The colour and texture of C. lentillifera varied across different treatments. After storage in brine for 12 weeks, lightness (L*) decreased, greenness (a*) decreased and yellowness (b*) increased while firmness increased in all treatments compared to fresh algae. The nutritional composition did not change significantly over time. To ensure the safety and quality of seaweed for consumption, the optimal salt level for brine processing should not exceed 30% table salt. The morphology and elements contained in different types of salt were also observed, and the microbiological safety of seaweed was evaluated. The popularity of Caulerpa macroalgae is rapidly increasing among consumers, leading to a growing demand for ready-to-eat Caulerpa products. However, food safety and security standards must be maintained. Full article

This study introduced a D-optimal design mixture to assess the physicochemical properties of a hydrocolloid-based functional food fortified with C. lentillifera. The combination incorporated vital jelly constituents, including extract (10–15%), sweeteners (20–29%), gelling agents (k-carrageenan and locust bean gum (LBG)), and preservatives (0–0.05%). The dependent variables were pH, Total Soluble Solid (TSS) value, and moisture content (MS). By employing the D-optimal design approach, a quadratic polynomial model was developed, demonstrating strong correlations with the experimental data with coefficient determinations (R²) of 0.9941, 0.9907, and 0.9989 for pH, TSS, and MS, respectively. Based on the D-optimal design, the study identified the optimum combination of significant factors with a desirability of 0.917, comprising 14.35% extract, 23.00% sucrose, 21.70% fructose, 26.00% k-carrageenan, 13.00% LBG, 1.95% CaCl₂, and 0% methylparaben. The percentage of residual standard error (RSE) was less than 5%, indicating the reliability of the developed model. Furthermore, color analysis revealed significant differences among the jellies (p < 0.05). HPLC analysis demonstrated that the total sugar content in the fortified jellies was 28% lower compared to commercial jelly. Meanwhile, the bitterness level according to e-tongue showed a reduction of up to 90.5% when compared to the extract. These findings provide a valuable benchmark for the development of functional food products, ensuring their quality, safety, and extended shelf-life. Full article

Green algae are natural bioresources that have excellent bioactive potential, partly due to sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) which are still rarely explored for their biological activities. There is currently an urgent need for studies exploring the anticancer biological activity of SPs extracted from two Indonesian ulvophyte green algae: the sulfated polysaccharide of Caulerpa racemosa (SPCr) and the sulfated polysaccharide of Caulerpa lentillifera (SPCl). The method of isolating SPs and their assessment of biological activities in this study were based on previous and similar studies. The highest yield sulfate/total sugar ratio was presented by SPCr than that of SPCl. Overall, SPCr exhibits a strong antioxidant activity, as indicated by smaller EC₅₀ values obtained from a series of antioxidant activity assays compared to the EC₅₀ values of Trolox (control). As an anti-obesity and antidiabetic, the overall EC₅₀ value of both SPs was close to the EC₅₀ of the positive control (orlistat and acarbose). Even more interesting was that SPCl displayed wide-ranging anticancer effects on colorectal, hepatoma, breast cancer cell lines, and leukemia. Finally, this study reveals new insights in that SPs from two Indonesian green algae have the potential to be promising nutraceuticals as novel antioxidative actors, and to be able to fight obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. Full article

Marine algae have excellent bioresource properties with potential nutritional and bioactive therapeutic benefits, but studies regarding Caulerpa lentillifera are limited. This study aims to explore the metabolites profile and the antioxidant, anticancer, anti-obesity, and in vitro cytotoxicity properties of fractionated ethanolic extract of C. lentillifera using two maceration and soxhlet extraction methods. Dried simplicia of C. lentillifera was mashed and extracted in ethanol solvent, concentrated and evaporated, then sequentially partitioned with equal volumes of ethyl acetate and n-Hexane. Six samples were used in this study, consisting of ME (Maceration—Ethanol), MEA (Maceration—Ethyl Acetate), MH (Maceration—n-Hexane), SE (Soxhletation—Ethanol), SEA (Soxhletation—Ethyl Acetate), and SH (Soxhletation—n-Hexane). Non-targeted metabolomic profiling was determined using LC-HRMS, while antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anticancer cytotoxicity were determined using DPPH and ABTS, lipase inhibition, and MTT assay, respectively. This study demonstrates that C. lentillifera has several functional metabolites, antioxidant capacity (EC₅₀ MH is very close to EC₅₀ of Trolox), as well as anti-obesity properties (EC₅₀ MH < EC₅₀ orlistat, an inhibitor of lipid hydrolyzing enzymes), which are useful as precursors for new therapeutic approaches in improving obesity-related diseases. More interestingly, ME, MH, and SE are novel bioresource agents for anticancer drugs, especially for hepatoma, breast, colorectal, and leukemia cancers. Finally, C. lentillifera can be a nutraceutical with great therapeutic benefits. Full article

Biological invasion is the successful spread and establishment of a species in a novel environment that adversely affects the biodiversity, ecology, and economy. Both invasive and non-invasive species of the Caulerpa genus secrete more than thirty different secondary metabolites. Caulerpin is one of the most common secondary metabolites in genus Caulerpa. In this study, caulerpin found in invasive Caulerpa cylindracea and non-invasive Caulerpa lentillifera extracts were analyzed, quantified, and compared using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the first time. The anticancer activities of caulerpin against HCT-116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were also tested. Caulerpin levels were found higher in the invasive form (108.83 ± 5.07 µg mL⁻¹ and 96.49 ± 4.54 µg mL⁻¹). Furthermore, caulerpin isolated from invasive Caulerpa decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values were found between 119 and 179 µM), inhibited invasion-migration, and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. In comparison, no cytotoxic effects on the normal cell lines (HDF and NIH-3T3) were observed. In conclusion, HPTLC is a quick and novel method to investigate the caulerpin levels found in Caulerpa extracts, and this paper proposes an alternative utilization method for invasive C. cylindracea due to significant caulerpin content compared to non-invasive C. lentillifera. Full article

In the gastric mucosa, chronic inflammation due to Helicobacter pylori infection promotes gastrocarcinogenesis. Polysaccharides of Caulerpa lentillifera are well-characterized by broad antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory potentials. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the low molecular sulfate polysaccharides of C. lentillifera (CLCP) exhibit any anti-adhesive activity against H. pylori. After a hot water extraction and purification process, two purified polysaccharide fractions (CLCP-1 and CLCP2) were studied based on structural characterization and bioactivity determination. The results implied that except for the molar ratio, CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 contain high sulfate, mannose, galactose, xylose, glucose levels, and low protein levels. The molecular weight and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) assays confirmed that CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 are sulfate polysaccharides with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 963.15 and 648.42 kDa, respectively. In addition, CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against H. pylori. CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 could significantly promote macrophage proliferation and decrease the production of nitric oxide (NO) through downregulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Meanwhile, CLCP-1 and CLCP-2 in this study showed efficiently protected gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells against H. pylori with the inhibition of the IL-8/NF-κB axis. These findings suggested the effect of Caulerpa lentillifera polysaccharides on H. pylori adhesion, a potential supply of nutrients for eradication therapy through the reduction of cell count and inflammation. Full article