Evaluation of antioxidant properties of marine microalga Chlorella marina (Butcher, 1952)

Abstract Objective To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of a Chlorella marina (Butcher, 1952). Methods Samples were tested for the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, deoxy ribose radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Results The methanolic extract was found to have high levels of phenolic (0.647±0.052 mg GAE/g), when compared to diethyl ether and hexane. The diethyl ether extract exhibited higher antioxidant potential as (0.816±0.366 mg AscAE/ g), higher percentage of deoxy ribose radical scavenging activity (0.399±0.004) and reducing power (2.814±0.014). Conclusions The phenolic compounds were not a major contributor to the antioxidant capacities of these microalgae. This was very different from many other plant species like fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. The microalgae could contain different antioxidant compounds from other plants.