Abstract:
The current investigation was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of some
seaweed extract commonly found in the coastal area of Karachi, Pakistan. Eight different
species of seaweeds were used in the present study including two members of chlorophycota
(Chaetomorpha antennina and Codium iyengarii), four members of phaeophycota
(Colpomenia sinousa, Iyengaria stellata, Padina tetrastromatica and Stoechospermum
marginatum) and two members of rhodophycota (Gracilaria corticata and Sloeiria robusta).
Antimicrobial assessment of these extracts was performed by disc diffusion method against
common human pathogens including gram negative bacterium (Escherichia coli), gram
positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal strain (Candida albicans). The
experimental results reveal that the extract and colorant yield percentage were maximum in
red seaweed, mediocre with brown seaweed and least in green seaweeds samples. The extract
form Iyengaria stellata was highly effective against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and
Staphylococcus aureus. The present finding reveals that the tested seaweed extracts were
highly active against fungal strain than bacteria. The utilization of these seaweed extract
could be used a promising source of pharmaceutical agent.
