Phytochemical Screening and antioxidant activity of Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Microalgae are rich sources of structurally novel and biologically active metabolites. Primary and secondary metabolites produced by these organisms which have drawn interest of the pharmaceutical industries. In this regard, the study aimed to screening of phytochemical compounds and evaluate the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of Chlorella vulgaris. The antioxidant activity of C. vulgaris was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical scavenging method, reducing power assay and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols in all tested solvents which exhibited several biological activities. Among the different solvents, acetone extract exhibited the highest scavenging activity with (50.81%). Also, showed reducing power activity estimated with 1.95 mg AAE/g DW and antioxidant capacity recorded 2.58 mg AAE/g DW. In addition, considerable amount of the total phenolic has been detected in acetone extract recording 3.17 mg GAE/g DW. The results revealed that there is a strong correlation between the antioxidant activity assays and the phenolic content of Chlorella vulgaris. Thus, the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris in dietary supplements will be effective mediator in scavenging free radicals as it contains wide variety of bioactive compounds.