Title : Therapeutic potential of sulphated polysaccharides from Gracilaria tenuistipitata: Impact on liver fibrosis in mice
Abstract:
Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) derived from marine algae have garnered increasing attention for their promising therapeutic properties. This study investigates the bioactivity of SPs extracted from Gracilaria tenuistipitata, a red alga, with a focus on their antifibrotic effects. A modified hot water extraction method was employed, yielding a significantly higher SP content (27.77%) compared to that reported for other algal species. Chemical composition, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, HPLC, and GC-MS confirmed the presence of characteristic sulfate and carbohydrate moieties, validating the structural integrity of the SPs. Acute oral toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice demonstrated no adverse effects at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, indicating a favorable safety profile. The SPs exhibited pronounced antifibrotic activity in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl?)-induced murine model of liver fibrosis. Administration of SPs significantly alleviated liver damage, as evidenced by histopathological improvement (HE staining) and favorable modulation of liver function biomarkers (ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin). These results underscore the therapeutic potential of G. tenuistipitata SPs, particularly in the treatment of liver fibrosis, supporting further research into their development for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
