Chemical Composition, in-vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anti-algal Activity of Lakshadweep Feather Star Spp. Comaster Schlegelii and Himerometra Robustipinna

Abstract

Crinoids are the least explored class of Echinoderms for their bioactivity. To date, no work has been done to evaluate the pharmacological potential of feather star spp. Comaster schlegelii (SRK1) and Himerometra robustipinna (SRK2). The extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against human pathogens, anti-diabetic potential of the extracts were screened by evaluating the ability of the extract to modulate the enzyme α-amylase, anti-algal and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined by various assays. Both the extracts showed significant antibacterial activity and also inhibited the growth of microalgae species. Himerometra robustipinna showed potent antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner than Comaster schlegelii. Both the extracts displayed a moderate inhibitory effect on α-amylase enzyme. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of fatty acids and sterols as the major bioactive compounds which might be attributed to the bioactivities. The results of the present study revealed that crinoids are an incredible source for bioactive compounds with wide pharmacological potential.

Fatty Acids of Echinoderms: Diversity, Current Applications and Future Opportunities

“…Interest in the chemistry of crinoid-derived natural product is increasing. Antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-algal activities have been reported for two feather star species, Comaster schlegelii and Himerometra robustipinna [ 12 ]. Being sessile animals, crinoids use chemical defense mechanisms including toxic chemical compounds to protect themselves from predators.…”

“…Many studies have reported that echinoderms show significant antidiabetic activity. The ethanolic extracts from the feather stars Comaster schlegelii and Himerometra robustipinna have a moderate inhibitory effect on the enzyme α-amylase [ 12 ]. Extracts from three echinoderms Astropecten irregularis , Luidia sarsi , and Ophiura albida could significantly inhibit amylase and glucosidase involved in the digestion of starch and the glucose production [ 5 ].…”

“…The ethanol extracts from the feather stars Comaster schlegelii and Himerometra robustipinna showed free radical scavenging activity, with the highest level of activity recorded from the latter species ( H. robustipinna ) [ 12 ]. Raj et al refer to the species Echinaster sepositus , Sphaerechinus granularis , and Arbacia lixula , as well as the sea cucumber Holothuria atra , which demonstrates free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant activity in animal models in vivo, as a potential source of antioxidant compounds [ 12 ]. Viscera of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa and the digestive tract and gonads of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis exhibit significant antioxidant activity [ 33 ].…”

“…A GC–MS analysis has detected the presence of FAs and sterols as the major bioactive compounds that may be attributed to the bioactivities. The study shows crinoids as a promising source of bioactive compounds with a high pharmacological potential [ 12 ].…”