2.2.10. Antioxidant Activity

Excessive ROS formation can trigger oxidative stress, which causes cell damage and changes cell functions. Antioxidants are required to maintain a balance and prevent negative effects from excessive ROS formation. Based on the literature reviewed, macroalgae showed antioxidant activity, which can be useful for preventing excessive ROS formation. Fucosterol from *Sargassum fusiforme* exhibited antioxidant properties by downregulating serum transaminase activity in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Sequentially, sGOT and sGPT activity decreased by 25.57% and 63.16%, respectively. In addition, fucosterol treatment of CCl4-intoxicated rats also increased hepatic cytosolic SOD, catalase, and GSH-px [13]. Oktaviani et al. [56] reported that fucosterol from *Hizikia fusiformis* prolonged the lifespan of *Caenorhabditis elegans* (Nematoda). Based on these studies, fucosterols extracted from macroalgae are potential candidates for antioxidants that can be used in functional foods and medicines.
