Abstract

The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of an aqueous extract of Odontella aurita (O. aurita) on oxidative-stress and inflammation. The antioxidant effects of the extract were determined throughout the inhibition of human neutrophil granulocytes generating oxygen free radicals and their by-products superoxide anion (O₂^°-) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl).  The extract was assessed for its effects on inflammation as a potential reducer of cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase activities. It was found that Odontella aurita is antioxidative as inhibitor of O₂^°- and HOCl   productions. Moreover, the extract showed an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) with a Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity of 3.55 nM comparable to that of Chlorella (3.16 nM) and Spirulina (3.60 nM). As far as anti-inflammatory activity is concerned, O. aurita inhibits the releasing of 12 HHTr marker of cyclo-oxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2) and 13 HODE marker of lipoxygenase (15 LOX 1). Based on above, Odontella aurita could be a potential candidate for healthy nutraceutical.

Keywords: Odontella aurita; Antioxidative; Anti-inflammatory; Nutrition; Chlorella; Spirulina; Blue algae