Antibacterial and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Red Algae and Green Algae: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36733/medicamento.v12i2.12677Keywords:
antibacterial activity, green algae, red algae, tyrosinase inhibitionAbstract
Background: Bacterial infections and skin hyperpigmentation have been major health concerns due to increasing antibiotic resistance and the limitations of synthetic whitening agents.
Objective: This study aimed to review the antibacterial and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of red algae (Eucheuma cottonii) and green algae (Ulva sp.).
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Ten original research articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. The antibacterial activity was evaluated based on inhibition zone diameter, while tyrosinase inhibition was assessed using IC₅₀ values.
Results: The results showed that Ulva sp. exhibited stronger antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones up to >20 mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio harveyi, categorized as strong to very strong. In contrast, E. cottonii demonstrated weaker activity, with inhibition zones generally <10 mm even at higher concentrations, except when methanol extracts were used, which showed stronger inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Regarding tyrosinase inhibition, E. cottonii and Ulva sp. both showed moderate activity, with an IC₅₀ value for E. cottonii of 234 µg/mL and Ulva sp. amounting to 127.74 µg/mL. Based on the IC₅₀ value, Ulva sp. showed stronger tyrosinase inhibitory activity than E. cottonii.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that Ulva sp. more effective as a natural antibacterial agent while also having better potential for tyrosinase inhibitory activity than E. cottonii. The potential of these two algae provides a scientific basis for the development of multifunctional natural bioactive compounds for safer and more sustainable dermatological applications.
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