Research Article

Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts

Volume: 16 Number: 3 September 30, 2025
TR EN

Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the antioxidant activities, total oxidant/antioxidant status, and phenolic profiles of commercial Spirulina and Undaria extracts obtained with solvents of different polarity. Methods: Extracts were prepared using hexane, ethanol, and water. Antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and metal chelation assays. Total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and phenolic aldehyde contents were quantified spectrophotometrically. Phenolic identities and profiles were analyzed using LC–MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode with authentic standards. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured using commercial kits. Results: Spirulina ethanol and hexane extracts exhibited the strongest radical-scavenging and chelating activities, with lower IC₅₀ values in DPPH and ABTS assays compared with Undaria. Spirulina consistently showed higher TAS and lower OSI, indicating a more favorable oxidative balance. Phenolic profiling revealed vanillin, vanillic acid, and gentisic acid as dominant in Spirulina, whereas Undaria was richer in high-molecular-weight phlorotannins but yielded lower TPC and TFC values. Solvent polarity strongly influenced outcomes: ethanol and hexane extracts provided higher phenolic content and stronger antioxidant activity than water. Conclusion: Spirulina extracts demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and phenolic diversity compared to Undaria, challenging the perception that brown algae always dominate in polyphenol content. By integrating classical assays with oxidative stress indices, this study highlights Spirulina’s potential as a more effective source of functional antioxidants.

Keywords

References

  1. Leyane TS, Jere SW, and Houreld NN. Oxidative Stress in Ageing and Chronic Degenerative Pathologies: Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(13):7273.
  2. Wu R, Feng J, Yang Y, et al. Significance of Serum Total Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0170003.
  3. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, and Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(8):118-26.
  4. Arslan NP, Albayrak S, Budak-Savas A, et al. Algal and Fungal Antioxidants Alleviate Oxidative Stress-Induced Reproductive Defects. Food Sci Nutr. 2025;13(5):e70301.
  5. Shoham S, Pintel N, and Avni D. Oxidative Stress, Gut Bacteria, and Microalgae: A Holistic Approach to Manage Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025;14(6):697.
  6. Stunda-Zujeva A, Berele M, Lece A, and Šķesters A. Comparison of antioxidant activity in various spirulina containing products and factors affecting it. Scientific Reports. 2023;13(1):4529.
  7. Karkos PD, Leong SC, Karkos CD, Sivaji N, and Assimakopoulos DA. Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:531053.
  8. Machado H, Machado JP, Alves C, et al. Exploring the Pharmacological Landscape of Undaria pinnatifida: Insights into Neuroprotective Actions and Bioactive Constituents. Nutraceuticals. 2025;5(3):20.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

September 22, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 28, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 3

APA
Keskinkaya, H. B. (2025). Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts. Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory, 16(3), 610-619. https://doi.org/10.18663/tjcl.1789353
AMA
1.Keskinkaya HB. Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts. TJCL. 2025;16(3):610-619. doi:10.18663/tjcl.1789353
Chicago
Keskinkaya, Hatice Banu. 2025. “Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts”. Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory 16 (3): 610-19. https://doi.org/10.18663/tjcl.1789353.
EndNote
Keskinkaya HB (September 1, 2025) Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts. Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory 16 3 610–619.
IEEE
[1]H. B. Keskinkaya, “Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts”, TJCL, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 610–619, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.18663/tjcl.1789353.
ISNAD
Keskinkaya, Hatice Banu. “Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts”. Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory 16/3 (September 1, 2025): 610-619. https://doi.org/10.18663/tjcl.1789353.
JAMA
1.Keskinkaya HB. Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts. TJCL. 2025;16:610–619.
MLA
Keskinkaya, Hatice Banu. “Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts”. Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory, vol. 16, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 610-9, doi:10.18663/tjcl.1789353.
Vancouver
1.Hatice Banu Keskinkaya. Oxidative Stress Index, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Composition of Commercial Spirulina and Undaria Extracts. TJCL. 2025 Sep. 1;16(3):610-9. doi:10.18663/tjcl.1789353