Algae are an important raw material for the bio-based economy due to
their unique content of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to
evaluate simple applicable extraction methods of the brown
seaweed Sargassum swarttzii and identify some of its bioactive
phytocomponents using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry of the
most effective extract. Serial concentrations from the three
different S. swartzii extracts; autoclaved water extract (SAWE), ethanolic
extract (SEE) and cold water extract (SCWE ) were compared for their
effect on seed germination of two economic crops in Egypt; fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The total
carbohydrates, protein and lipid contents were estimated for the algal
biomass; in addition, the total phenolics, total flavonoids and total
antioxidant activity were evaluated. The results proved that the SCWE
enhanced seed germination of both plants by 5.9% in fenugreek and barely,
respectively. The SCWE improved the seedling length by 59.3% at 20%
SCWE and 41.6% at the concentration of 40% SCWE in fenugreek and
barely, respectively. Moreover, the bioactive compounds and the total
antioxidant activity increased significantly in the SCWE over the SAWE
and SEE. On top of the 32 bioactive phytocomponents detected by the GCMS of SCWE were palmitic acid, alpha-ionone, oleic acid, triacetin and
lucenin-2. Thus, SCWE could be a promising alternative to harmful
synthetic antioxidants and biofertilizers. |
