Determination of the Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidative Capacity in Red Algae Gracilaria bursa-pastoris

There is an increasing demand for natural antioxidant molecules in order to replace the synthetic additives in the food industry. Gracilaria bursa-pastoris (Gmelin) Silva was analyzed to determine its bioactive components including; the total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity (lipid and water-soluble), vitamins (A, E and C), total protein and total carbohydrate content. In addition, the bioactive components of Gracilaria bursa-pastoris were compared with some plants and seaweeds having antioxidant capacity. This study showed that Gracilaria bursa-pastoris contained a high total phenolic content, vitamin E, vitamin C and the antioxidant capacity. Gracilaria bursa-pastoris can be utilized as a source of natural antioxidant molecules and could be useful for food industry.