Search Results (29)

The present study was conducted to demonstrate the effects of Codium fragile extract on methane production using in vitro and in vivo experiments. An in vitro batch experiment was conducted to evaluate different inclusion levels of Codium fragile extract (0, 0.25, and 0.5% of substrate dry matter). Methane production significantly decreased in the 0.5% treatment (p < 0.05), whereas dry matter digestibility and total volatile fatty acid concentration were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Based on the in vitro results, an in vivo feeding experiment was conducted using a 0.5% inclusion level of Codium fragile extract on Hanwoo steers. Methane emissions were significantly decreased by approximately 10% in steers fed Codium fragile extract (p < 0.05). In contrast, rumen fermentation characteristics, feed intake, average daily gain, and blood parameters were not significantly different between the treatments (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that a dietary additive with 0.5% Codium fragile extract effectively reduced methane emissions without negatively affecting rumen fermentation and growth performance in Hanwoo steers. Full article

For the first time in the bay of Annaba (Southern Mediterranean), we studied the spatiotemporal distribution of potentially toxic benthic dinoflagellates: Ostreopsis cf. ovata, Prorocentrum lima, Coolia monotis, and Amphidinium carterae, hosted by the dominant macrophytes Posidonia oceanica, Padina pavonica, Codium fragile, and Halopteris scoparia. Sampling of these macrophytes was conducted weekly during spring and summer as well as bi-weekly in autumn and winter, from October 2022 to November 2023, at contrasting sites within Annaba Bay. The measured environmental parameters included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, dissolved organic nitrogen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, dissolved organic phosphorus, silicate, and chlorophyll a. A proliferation of O. cf. ovata was recorded in July 2023, coinciding with a marked increase in temperature, with a maximum abundance exceeding 40 × 10³ cells g⁻¹ of fresh weight (FW) on H. scoparia and C. fragile. The maximum abundance of P. lima reached 8700 cells g⁻¹ FW on H. scoparia during July and August 2023. Coolia monotis exhibited a peak of 2800 cells g⁻¹ FW on H. scoparia. The abundance of A. carterae increased with temperature, reaching a maximum of 980 cells g⁻¹ FW on P. pavonica. The distribution of epiphytic dinoflagellates varied according to the macrophyte substrate. Overall, statistical analyses indicate that benthic dinoflagellate community structure is shaped by the combined effects of temperature, nutrient availability, and ecological niche differentiation, with temperature emerging as the dominant driver. This suggests that climate-driven increases in Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures are likely to extend the seasonal window of harmful benthic algal blooms, thereby enhancing ecological disturbances and potential risks to human health. This study provides the first assessment of BHAB dynamics along the Eastern Algerian coast, highlighting the role of ongoing regional warming in shaping future bloom patterns. Full article

The worldwide incidence of neurodegenerative diseases (ND), such as dementia, has increased, and neuroinflammation is considered a crucial factor in the development of ND. Codium fragile is considered ocean waste in many countries; however, some countries, including Korea, consume it as a food resource. In this study, a major low-molecular-weight component and chemical marker, uracil, was isolated from the aqueous extracts of C. fragile (AECF); additionally, its content was measured through HPLC quantitative analysis. AECF and uracil were examined for their anti-inflammatory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia and RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines under inflammation conditions. The results showed that AECF and uracil inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by suppressing the NF-κB pathway. Full article

Foliar application of biostimulants can be a valid option to reach the goal of sustainable intensification in agriculture, especially in extensive crops such as durum wheat. However, due to the wide range of active ingredients and their mixtures available in the market, the need to select the most efficient product in a specific growing environment is of dramatic importance to achieve remarkable results in yield and grain quality. To analyze the potential of different active ingredients, a field trial was performed in two consecutive growing seasons (2023 and 2024) under Mediterranean climatic conditions. A randomized block design with three replicates was used. Durum wheat cultivar “Iride” was treated with the following five foliar biostimulants in comparison with the untreated control (T0): seaweed and plant extracts (T1); micronized vaterite (T2); culture broth of Pseudomonas protegens (T3); humic and fulvic acids (T4); organic nitrogen fertilizer (N 5%) containing glycine betaine (T5). Biostimulant treatment was applied at the end of tillering and at heading. Root length, chlorophyll content, grain yield, yield components and grain quality were measured and subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. As compared to the control, seaweed and plant extracts as well as micronized vaterite showed the best results in terms of grain yield (29% and 24% increase, respectively), root length (120% and 77% increase, respectively) and grain protein content (one percentage point increase, from approx. 12% to 13%). The results from this study can help Mediterranean farmers and researchers to develop new fertilization protocols to reach the goals of the “Farm to Fork” European strategy. Full article

This study investigated the effect of Codium fragile (WCF) water extract in reducing allergic inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice. Mice were sensitized to OVA + aluminum hydroxide, administered WCF for one week, and exposed to 1% aerosolized OVA. As a result, WCF intake reduced the OVA-induced increase in CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, the T helper type 2 (Th2)/T helper type 1 (Th1) cell ratio, and inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and lymphocytes. Furthermore, WCF reduced Th2 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, and IL-33 and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β in lung tissues. A histological analysis showed that WCF intake decreases OVA-induced pulmonary inflammation, bronchial wall thickness, and mucus score and increases pulmonary alveolar area. Moreover, WCF inhibited the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad pathway, and apoptosis-related proteins in lung tissues that OVA excessively activated. The oleamide (9-octadecenamide) content, representing a physiologically active component of WCF, was analyzed and validated using a high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) system. These results demonstrate that WCF may serve as a potential preventive agent for respiratory dysfunction such as allergic asthma by suppressing NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad pathways. Full article

Background and Objectives: Persistent exposure to airborne fine dust (FD) particles contributing to air pollution has been linked to various human health issues, including respiratory inflammation, allergies, and skin diseases. We aimed to identify potential seaweed anti-inflammatory bioactive reagents and determine their effects on systemic inflammatory responses induced by FD particles. Materials and Methods: While exploring anti-inflammatory bioactive reagents, we purified compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects from the seaweed extracts of Ecklonia cava, Ecklonia stolonifera, and Codium fragile. Structural analyses of the purified compounds siphonaxanthin (Sx), fucoxanthin (Fx), dieckol (Dk), and phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A) were performed using NMR and LC-MS/MS. Results: Notably, these compounds, especially PFF-A, showed significant protective effects against FD-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Further investigation of inflammatory-associated signaling demonstrated that PFF-A inhibited IL-1β expression by modulating the NF-κB/MAPK signal pathway in FD-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, gene profiling revealed the early activation of various signature genes involved in the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines using gene profiling. Treatment with PFF-A markedly reduced the expression levels of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis-related genes and even elevated the Bmp gene families. Conclusions: These results suggested that PFF-A is a potential natural therapeutic candidate for managing FD-induced inflammatory response. Full article

Codium fragile (CF) contains various bioactive compounds, but its high salt content (39.8%) makes its use as a functional food challenging. Here, we aimed to optimize the desalination process and verify changes in functionality based on variations in salt and total phenolic contents. To optimize the CF immersion conditions for the lowest salt content and monitor the total phenolic content, a response surface methodology was used. The optimal immersion conditions were as follows: X₁ (immersion temperature) = 42.8 °C; X₂ (immersion time) = 1.0 h. An inverse correlation was noted between salt content and total phenolic content. Among the post-desalination processes, desalination with centrifugal dehydration (CD) significantly reduced salt content. CD ethanol extract (CD-E) induced the longest sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test in ethanol extracts. Moreover, 1000 mg/kg CD-E had a significant effect on non-rapid eye movement sleep but did not affect delta activity. These findings highlight the potential of industrializing CF as a functional food through desalination and its promise as a natural aid for sleep promotion. Full article

Due to their richness in organic substances and nutrients, seaweed (macroalgae) harbor a large number of epiphytic bacteria on their surfaces. These bacteria interact with their host in multiple complex ways, in particular, by producing chemical compounds. The released metabolites may have biological properties beneficial for applications in both industry and medicine. In this study, we assess the diversity of culturable bacterial community of the invasive alga Codium fragile ssp. fragile with the aim to identify key groups within this epiphytic community. Seaweed samples were collected from the Northern Tunisian coast. A total of fifty bacteria were isolated in pure culture. These bacterial strains were identified by amplification of the ribosomal intergenic transcribed spacer between the 16S and the 23S rRNA genes (ITS-PCR) and by 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial activity, biochemical, and antibiotic resistance profile characterization were determined for the isolates. Isolated strains were tested for their antimicrobial potential against human and fish bacterial pathogens and the yeast Candida albicans, using the in vitro drop method. About 37% of isolated strains possess antibacterial activity with a variable antimicrobial spectrum. Ba1 (closely related to Pseudoalteromonas spiralis), Ba12 (closely related to Enterococcus faecium), and Bw4 (closely related to Pseudoalteromonas sp.) exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The isolated strain Ba4, closely related to Serratia marcescens, demonstrated the most potent activity against pathogens. The susceptibility of these strains to 12 commonly used antibiotics was investigated. Majority of the isolates were resistant to oxacillin, cefoxitin, tobramycin, and nitrofurantoin. Ba7 and Ba10, closely related to the Vibrio anguillarum strains, had the highest multidrug resistance profiles. The enzymes most commonly produced by the isolated strains were amylase, lecithinase, and agarase. Moreover, nine isolates produced disintegration zones around their colonies on agar plates with agarolitic index, ranging from 0.60 to 2.38. This investigation highlighted that Codium fragile ssp. fragile possesses an important diversity of epiphytic bacteria on its surface that could be cultivated in high biomass and may be considered for biotechnological application and as sources of antimicrobial drugs. Full article

This study explores the potential of producing bioethanol from seaweed biomass and reusing the residues as antioxidant compounds. Various types of seaweed, including red (Gelidium amansii, Gloiopeltis furcata, Pyropia tenera), brown (Saccharina japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Ascophyllum nodosum), and green species (Ulva intestinalis, Ulva prolifera, Codium fragile), were pretreated with dilute acid and enzymes and subsequently processed to produce bioethanol with Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741. Ethanol production followed the utilization of sugars, resulting in the highest yields from red algae > brown algae > green algae due to their high carbohydrate content. The residual biomass was extracted with water, ethanol, or methanol to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Among the nine seaweeds, the A. nodosum bioethanol residue extract (BRE) showed the highest antioxidant activity regarding the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition of H₂O₂-treated RAW 264.7 cells. These by-products can be valorized, contributing to a more sustainable and economically viable biorefinery process. This dual approach not only enhances the utilization of marine resources but also supports the development of high-value bioproducts. Full article

A prompt seed germination and emergence coupled with an excellent seedling vigor are highly desired features to ensure perfect crop establishment and subsequent vegetative growth. Seed dressing with pesticides represents the most common technology for enhancing seed performance after sowing, while little is known about biostimulant seed dressing. This practice could play a fundamental role in developing new sustainable starter fertilization for cereals. The enhancement of germination and seedling vigor of durum wheat seeds (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) was the main target of this research. The experiment took place in a germination cabinet under controlled environmental conditions, settled at the constant temperature of 10 °C and under dark conditions for 8 days. The different seed dressings, sprayed on the seeds, were composed by a combination of a fungicide and different biostimulants. Coleoptile and root length, as well as biomass, were significantly increased by the different biostimulants, compared to the control. As for germination traits, seeds treated with Codium fragile and Opuntia ficus-indica extracts, containing phytohormones and different nutrients, showed a final germination (96%) significantly higher than the one obtained with the control treatment (86%). These results show that treating seeds with a suitable dressing solution can greatly improve the germination features and seedling vigor of durum wheat. This can help the crop to withstand future stresses, especially in early stages, and possibly increase the grain yield with a reduction in agrochemicals. However, the combination of the substances used in the present study rarely showed a synergistic effect on the tested variable. Full article

This study examined the effects of an extract of the green algae Codium fragile (hereafter referred to as CFE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. As the administration of CFE increased, the proliferation of Akkermansia muciniphila, which is a key player in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders, also increased. After CFE administration for 10 weeks, acetic acid was identified as the major metabolite in mouse cecum and β-glucuronidase activity in mouse fecesdecreased. Further, CFE significantly alleviated the acute intestinal injury induced by DSS administration, including DAI score, colon length, and histological score. The experimental group also displayed indications of significantly lower neutrophil activity and inflammation. In conclusion, the protective effect of CFE against DSS colitis suggests its clinical use by IBD patients. Full article

Soil salinization is a critical environmental problem in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an algae-based biostimulant on germination and seedling vigour of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.), under different saline conditions (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). The experiment was carried out under controlled-environment conditions. Seeds were sprayed with a solution containing a combination of fungicide and different concentrations of Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot algae (0%_w/v, 10%_w/v, 20%_w/v, and 30%_w/v). All experimental units were placed in a germination cabinet. The effect of the seaweed extract (SWE) on seed germination and seedling performance under salinity stress was evaluated over a period of 8 days. Coleoptile length and biomass were found to be significantly and positively affected by the application of different SWE doses as compared to the control treatment (0% algae). As for germination traits, seeds treated with SWE showed a final germination (from 82% to 88%), under severe saline conditions, significantly higher than that observed in the control treatment (61%). Our findings indicate that the appropriate dose of biostimulant can markedly improve the germination and the seedlings vigour of durum wheat seeds under saline conditions. Additional studies will be needed to understand the mechanism of action of this biostimulant and its effectiveness in longer studies under field conditions. Full article

This study investigated the ameliorating effect of the aqueous extract of Codium fragile on PM_2.5-induced pulmonary dysfunction. The major compounds of Codium fragile were identified as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleamide using GC/MS² and hexadecanamide, oleamide, and 13-docosenamide using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS^E. Codium fragile improved pulmonary antioxidant system deficit by regulating SOD activities and reducing GSH levels and MDA contents. It suppressed pulmonary mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating ROS contents and mitochondrial membrane potential levels. It regulated the inflammatory protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-JNK, p-NF-κB, iNOS, Caspase-1, TNF-α, and IL-1β. In addition, it improved the apoptotic protein expression of BCl-2, BAX, and Caspase-3 and attenuated the fibrous protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad-2, p-Smad-3, MMP-1, and MMP-2. In conclusion, this study suggests that Codium fragile might be a potential material for functional food or pharmaceuticals to improve lung damage by regulating oxidative stress inflammation, cytotoxicity, and fibrosis via the TLR/TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Full article

This study was conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction improvement effect of aqueous extract of Codium fragile (AECF) by regulating the imbalance of the gut–brain axis in chronic particulate matter (PM)_2.5-exposed mice. The physiological compounds of AECF were identified as hexadecanamide, oleamide, octadecanamide, stearidonic acid, and linolenic acid by the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC Q-TOF MS^E) analysis. To evaluate the effect of PM_2.5 on the antioxidant system, superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents, reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured in colon and brain tissues. AECF significantly ameliorated the imbalance of the antioxidant systems. Also, AECF improved intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the abundance of the gut microbiome, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contents, and tight junction protein expression against PM_2.5-induced damage. In addition, AECF prevented PM_2.5-induced inflammatory and apoptotic expression via the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) pathway in colon and brain tissues. Additionally, AECF enhanced the mitochondrial function, including the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in brain tissues. Furthermore, AECF regulated the cholinergic system, such as acetylcholine (ACh) contents, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and protein expression levels of AChE and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in brain tissues. To evaluate the effect of cognitive dysfunction caused by PM_2.5-induced intestinal dysfunction, behavior tests such as Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests were performed. From the results of the behavior tests, AECF ameliorated spatial learning and memory, short-term memory, and long-term learning and memory function. This study confirmed that AECF reduced PM_2.5-induced cognitive dysfunction by regulating gut microbiome and inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function by enhancing the gut–brain axis. Based on these results, this study suggests that AECF, which contains fatty acid amides, might be a potential material for ameliorating PM_2.5-induced cognitive dysfunction via gut–brain axis improvement. Full article

Macroalgae exhibit beneficial bioactivities for human health. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant and anticancer potential of 14 macroalgae species’ extracts, namely, Gigartina pistillata, Gigartina teedei, Gracilaria gracilis, Gracilaria sp., Gracilaria bursa pastoris, Colpomenia sinuosa, Cystoseira amentacea, Cystoseira barbata, Cystoseira compressa, Sargassum vulgare, Padina pavonica, Codium fragile, Ulva intestinalis, and Ulva rigida, from the Aegean Sea, Greece. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS^•+, ^•OH, and O₂^•− radicals’ scavenging assays, reducing power (RP), and protection from ROO^•-induced DNA plasmid damage assays. Moreover, macroalgae extracts’ total polyphenol contents (TPCs) were assessed. Extracts’ inhibition against liver HepG2 cancer cell growth was assessed using the XTT assay. The results showed that G. teedei extract’s IC₅₀ was the lowest in DPPH (0.31 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS^•+ (0.02 ± 0.001 mg/mL), ^•OH (0.10 ± 0.007 mg/mL), O₂^•− (0.05 ± 0.003 mg/mL), and DNA plasmid breakage (0.038 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and exhibited the highest RP (RP_0.5AU 0.24 ± 0.019 mg/mL) and TPC (12.53 ± 0.88 mg GAE/g dw). There was also a significant correlation between antioxidant activity and TPC. P. pavonica (IC₅₀ 0.93 ± 0.006 mg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibition against HepG2 cell growth. Conclusively, some of the tested extracts exhibited significant chemopreventive properties, and so they may be used for food products. Full article