Attenuation of inflammation by marine algae Turbinaria ornata in cotton pellet induced granuloma mediated by fucoidan like sulphated polysaccharide.

Turbinaria ornata, a commonly found marine brown algae along the Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential and the bioactive compound present in it was characterized. Cotton pellet induced granuloma model in rats was used to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of Turbinaria ornata (ATO) (30, 100 and 300mg/kg, p.o) which was compared with dexamethasone (0.1mg/kg, p.o) a standard anti-inflammatory agent. Granuloma weight, haematological parameters and plasma markers (LDH, GPT, and CRP) were estimated. Further, the levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, GPx, GSH, LPO, and Nitrite) and inflammatory markers (Cathepsin D and MPO) in the hepatic tissue were measured. ATO decreased the granuloma weight dose dependently. ATO significantly reversed the levels of biochemical and inflammatory markers in comparison to the vehicle treated rats. The active constituent, fucoidan (sulphated polysaccharide) from the aqueous extract was fractionated and characterized using GCMS. The sulphated polysaccharide (TSP) from ATO confirms the presence of sulphates and sugars. The present findings suggest ATO to be a potent inhibitor of both proliferative and exudative phases of inflammation possibly mediated by the sulphated polysaccharides which might inhibit the action of COX-2 enzyme analogous to dexamethasone.