Phytochemical Screening, Gc-Ms Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Marine Algae Obtained from Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Introduction: We have seen much research on novel compounds obtained from natural sources, but in the recent era, it's seen that there is tremendous scope for investigation on marine sources. In the past, due to a lack of technology, there was less knowledge about the treasure hidden in marine sources. Because of the latest technology, it's been an easy way of collecting marine sources and investigating them. Marine organisms are the source of highly bioactive secondary metabolites, which might help develop new pharmaceutical agents. Marine algae are classified into two main groups, i.e., microalgae and macroalgae. Microalgae include blue-green algae, bacillariophyte and dinoflagellates, whereas macroalgae, mostly known as seaweed, are divided into green, brown and red algae. Material and methods: For the present study, a green macroalga named spongomorpha indica has been selected, and it’s been investigated for its physico chemical parameters, phytochemical study, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activity. This investigation was performed to know whether this seaweed has the potential requirements for further research to see whether it's useful for healthcare. Results: The physicochemical parameters results obtained were in accordance with the who guidelines and the phytochemical tests revealed the presence of potent active constituents like alkaloids, steroids, tannins, flavonoids because of which the study was further extended to GCMS analysis where seven components were identified among which has the highest peak and has the highest molecular weight. And finally it was tested for antioxidant activity using four different models all the results showed best antioxidant activity, among which superoxide scavenging activity showed the best results. Conclusion: basing upon the results obtained it was proved that spongomorpha indica have potent active constituents which shows great antioxidant effect and hence the study is further proceeded to check target related activity so that it can produce best results in curing a particular disease.