Polyphenolic Compounds And Antioxidant Activity Of Algerian Spirulina

Abstract

This study investigated Spirulina collected in Oran Algeria. Spirulina, a blue-green microalga and one of the oldest life forms on the planet, serves as a food source for fish, marine mammals, and humans. It grows naturally in alkaline, mineral-rich lakes in hot, sunny, tropical areas.Phenolic compounds were extracted from the Spirulina using three different organic solvents through a 48-hour cold extraction. Samples of each extract were then prepared alongside laboratory standard solutions for analysis via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). This analysis identified eight phenolic compounds.The antioxidant activity of the extract was then assessed using a DPPH assay, and its inhibition rate was compared to standard antioxidants. Results showed that Spirulina has strong activity against free radicals, as evidenced by its lower IC₅₀ values relative to the standard antioxidants.