Screening of Potential Bioactive Compounds in the Ethanolic Extract of Seaweed Acanthophora nayadiformis (Florideophyceae) Collected from the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Seaweeds are rich in bioactive and medicinal compounds. These natural compounds are known for their ability to combat various diseases and health disorders. The present study aimed to explore the biochemical profile and pharmacological properties of the red macroalga Acanthophora nayadiformis which was collected from Jeddah coast of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. The ethanolic extract of A. nayadiformis was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A diverse array of bioactive chemicals were found, including fatty acids, esters, alcohols, alkanes, terpenoids, and steroidal derivatives. The major ingredients were 12-Methyl-E,E-2,13-octadecadien-1-ol (16.74%), Octadecanal, 2-bromo- (8.56%), 17-Octadecynoic acid (5.83%), and 1-Heptatriacotanol (5.48%). The identified compounds are reported to exhibit significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anticancer effects. The predominance of PUFA derivatives and the detection of antimicrobial and cytoprotective agents in A. nayadiformis support its value as a natural source for pharmaceutical development. This research highlights the multifunctional bioactivity of seaweed extracts and their promise for future drug discovery and biotechnology applications.