Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Periphyton is the aggregation of micro-floral communities on the surface of submerged objects in the aquatic system. It is an excellent source of nutrients, including functional food carotenoids. The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of carotenoids obtained from sustainable aquatic resource periphyton.
Materials and Methods: Periphytons were grown on PVC pipes and subjected to carotenoid extraction. β-carotene and neoxanthin were identified through UPLC analysis. The carotenoid extract was tested for its anti-inflammatory activity in croton oil-induced inflamed zebrafish and was later treated with the carotenoid extract. Inflammatory markers like total protein (TP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) in both control and test group animals were measured.
Results: Inflammatory markers like TP, MPO, and NO in both control and test group animals were varied significantly (P<0.01) between the experimental animal group at subsequent time intervals and treatment with the carotenoid extract.
Conclusion: The results are indicative of the anti-inflammatory nature of periphytic carotenoids and their nutritional significance in managing inflammatory conditions in humans. Further studies are required to decipher the specific mechanism of periphytic carotenoid action to understand its therapeutic potential in a broader perspective.