Anti-inflammatory Effect of Red Macroalgae Bulung Sangu (Gracilaria sp.) Extract in UVB-Irradiated Mice.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Bulung Sangu, like many other macroalgae, is a source of beneficial phytochemical for health. This study was aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of bulung sangu ethanol extract cream.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The compounds of bulung sangu ethanol extract were identified by using gas chromatography. The antioxidant activity of the extract was examined by the DPPH assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was analyzed in vivo against ultraviolet B (UVB) induction through variables of epidermal thickening and epidermal erosion scores.

RESULTS

Our results showed that bulung sangu ethanol extract contained 18 compounds, in which, 11 compounds considered active as antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory. Cream extract in both concentrations showed scavenging for more than 50%, with a concentration of 10% cream extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to 5%. The in vivo assay showed a reduction of epidermal thickness and epidermal erosion in the application of both concentrations. The concentration of 10% cream extract showed higher reduction compared to 5% with results produced resembling normal.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that bulung sangu displayed a potential source for being developed for the health and medicine aspect, especially for various activities supported by antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.