A Sai Ramesh
Chara hydropitys reich an IUCN Red listed freshwater macro algae belong to the Characeae family is rich in nutrients and known for its folklore medicinal property. This species grows in heavy water thus making the body of Chara encrusted with calcium and magnesium carbonate which gains the common name Stonewort. The present study focuses on exploring the phytochemical abundance and bioactive potential. The algal sample collected from Poondi Lake, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu was made into fine powder after shade drying. Sequential solvent extraction was performed using the Soxhlet apparatus and the extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis followed by bioactivity studies including cytotoxic property. The antimicrobial study on C. hydropitys revealed the presence of antimicrobial property for its Hexane extract. However, the Ethanol extract of C. hydropitys showed significant flavonoid concentration and antioxidant properties. Similarly, the Ethanolic extract of the plant when assessed for in vitro cytotoxic property against Cardiomyocyte cell lines HL-1 and AC-16 revealed 83% and 76% of cell death respectively. The Ethanolic extract of C. hydropitys possessed promising bioactive property, which demands further investigation on this extract of Chara hydropitys for its active compounds that contribute towards therapeutic activity. This study also recommends a close monitoring to safe guard this IUCN red-listed macro alga by promoting the mass cultivation for its medicinal and commercial value.
