Antioxidant Activity in Lawi-Lawi Sea Grapes (Caulerpa Racemosa) from Takalar Waters

Miftakhul Jannah Adam; M. Rachmat Kasmad; Wahyudin

Authors

Miftakhul Jannah Adam Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
M. Rachmat Kasmad Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Wahyudin Universitas Negeri Makassar Author

Keywords:

Caulerpa Racemosa; Sea Grapes; Antioxidant Activity; DPPH Assay; IC₅₀ value

Abstract

Sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa), locally known as lawi-lawi, represent an economically important marine resource in South Sulawesi with promising potential as a natural antioxidant source. Environmental variability among cultivation areas may influence the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites responsible for antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of C. racemosa ethanol extract collected from Takalar waters using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. This experimental laboratory research involved maceration extraction with 96% ethanol, followed by spectrophotometric measurement at 517 nm. Antioxidant activity was expressed as percentage inhibition and IC₅₀ value determined through linear regression analysis. The results demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in radical scavenging activity, with inhibition values rising progressively from low levels at 25 mg/mL to 42% at 400 mg/mL. The average IC₅₀ value obtained from triplicate testing was 419.00 µg/mL, indicating weak antioxidant activity according to standard classification criteria. Although categorized as weak, the extract consistently demonstrated measurable bioactivity, likely attributed to phenolic and flavonoid compounds known for their hydrogen-donating and metal-chelating mechanisms. Variations in antioxidant potency compared to other regional studies suggest ecological and methodological influences. These findings highlight the functional potential of Takalar sea grapes and support further optimization of extraction techniques to enhance bioactive compound recovery for nutraceutical and functional food applications.

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