Antioxidant properties and fatty acid analysis in Gracilaria fisheri

Red seaweeds (Gracilaria fisheri) are widely distributed in the east Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It contains 94% saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic acid and 6% of odd number fatty acid (C17) from the total unsaturated fatty acids. A free radical scavenging activity test with 1,1 dipheny1-2 picrylhydrazl (DPPH) was used to evaluate the anti-oxidative properties of Gracilaria fisheri. The tests showed positive result with about 78% of inhibition as compared to 96% inhibition by ascorbic acid. This seaweed species can be used as an alternative food source for animal feeding with complete nutritional properties.