Evaluation of the Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of Semipurified Fractions from the Mediterranean Brown Algae, Dictyopteris membranacea

Dictyopteris membranacea, a species of Mediterranean brown algae, is believed to have potential pharmacological and nutritional applications. However, such potentials only make sense when devoid of any adverse health consequences. The present study should be seen in this context. It aimed at evaluating the genotoxicity and cytoxicity of its organic extract (F(0)) and semi purified fractions (F(4), F(5), and F(6)). Extracts were tested using the bacterial Vitotox(®) test and micronucleus assay in different concentrations (from 1.25 μg/mL up to 100 μg/mL, depending on the test and the extract). Applied concentrations were based on a preliminary dose-finding test with the neutral red uptake assay. The results show that all extracts were not genotoxic in the presence or absence of a rat metabolic enzyme fraction (S9). This is encouraging and justifies further investigations on the therapeutic and other values of this algae. SUMMARY: Dictyopteris membranacea extracts and some of their semi purified fractions have important antibacterial properties. The organic extract (F(0)) and semi purified fractions (F(4), F(5), and F(6)) were not genotoxic according to the bacterial Vitotox test. They were also not genotoxic according to the micronucleus test in human C3A cells. Applied concentrations were based on the in-vitro neutral red uptake (NRU) test.