Vegetation and Biochemical contents of Caulerpa racemosa from Red Sea Coast at Hurghada-Egypt

Abstract

Caulerpa racemosa strain from Red Sea Coast (Hurghada, Egypt) was identified by its morphological characteristics. The suitable trophic status of saline water and sand sediment at the study site resulted in the massive growth of Caulerpa racemosa. Biochemical analysis of C. racemosa revealed high/moderate/lowprotein content (22.65 mg/g dry wt), relatively low soluble carbohydrate content (30.67 mg/g dry wt) but high insoluble carbohydrate content (200.47 mg/g dry wt), high/moderate/low lipid content (11.47 mg/g dry wt) and high content of K, Na, Ca and P (5.3, 43.23, 8.7 and 11.4 mg/g dry wt, respectively). Caulerpa racemosa contained the heavy metals Fe, Co, Cu, and Cd at concentrations of 0.43, 1.1, 0.6 and 1.3 mg/g dry wt, respectively. The qualitative analysis of natural products indicated that Caulerpa racemosa contains alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols and quinones.