Pharmacognostic Standardization and Phycochemical Evaluation of Green Seaweed Codium Flabellatum

Abstract

Codium flabellatum, a green seaweed belonging to the Codiaceae family, is renowned for its therapeutic effects, which may be attributed to the number of bioactive compounds it contains. Pharmacognostic standardization and phytochemical evaluation establish the identification of a specific plant and are valuable for authentication and the prevention of adulteration and substitution. In the current study, pharmacognostic studies were conducted through microscopic and macroscopic observations, and three different extracts (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) of Codium flabellatum were subjected to preliminary phytochemical tests for carbohydrates, lipids, tannins, flavonoids, gelatin, and proteins; a physiochemical test was also performed according to WHO guidelines. Macroscopic study showed that Codium flabellatum was green in color, with a thallus 25–30 cm in height and 1–3 cm in width, with a finger-like projection and a spherical air bladder. Microscopic evaluation revealed clavate utricles, 190–260 µm broad, cylindrical in shape, and 750–850 µm long when young, with one or two long hairs just below their tips. Gametangia were found laterally on the utricles, 300–400 µm in length and 100–175 µm in width. The different extracts revealed that all classes of compounds were present. Physiochemical tests showed that the highest extractive values were for chloroform and methanol at 96% and 80.95%, respectively. The moisture and ash content were 94.55% and 84.15%, respectively. This study of Codium flabellatum will contribute to authenticating its identity and will also help to evaluate its nutritional potential.