Abstract:
Marine algae are a valuable source of natural compounds with diverse biological
activities, representing significant potential for the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Among
them, Asparagopsis armata, an invasive red alga, is generating increasing interest due to its
ability to produce bioactive molecules with promising antifungal and antioxidant properties.
In this study, extracts of Asparagopsis armata were obtained by maceration using three
different solvents: methanol, dichloromethane, and acetone, with the highest yield obtained
using methanol. The polyphenol and flavonoid content of the extracts was determined using
spectrophotometric methods, The dichloromethane extract showed the highest concentration of
total polyphenols (3.843 mg/g), while the acetone extract exhibited the highest flavonoid
content (0.113 mg/g).
To evaluate antioxidant activity, DPPH and FRAP assays were conducted. The acetone
extract showed the best DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, with an IC50 value of 0.2919
mg/ml, whereas the dichloromethane extract exhibited the highest reducing power according to
the FRAP test. These results were compared with those of standard antioxidants such as Trolox,
and vitamins C and E.
Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro against Candida albicans AM16 using disk
and well diffusion methods. The dichloromethane extract showed the strongest inhibition, with
inhibition zones of 12.66 mm (disk method) and 45 mm (well method), depending on the
volumes and concentrations tested. The acetone extract showed moderate activity, while the
methanolic extract revealed no inhibition. Positive controls (fluconazole, cycloheximide) were
used for comparison.
