Chemical composition and biological activity of the brackish-water green alga Cladophora rivularis (L.) Hoek

Abstract

The chemical composition of the brackish-water green alga Cladophora rivularis was investigated. Seven sterols were identified and the stereochemistry of the most common forms was established. Thirty-eight and 21 compounds were identified in the volatile and polar fractions, respectively. The main lipid classes were isolated and their fatty acid compositions established. The antibacterial, antimycotic and cytotoxic activities of the extracts were investigated. Comparisons were made with previously investigated marine and freshwater Cladophora species. Results obtained give information on the effect of salinity on algal metabolism.