Seaweeds: A potential source of antibiotics?

MANILA, Philippines - A species of seaweed found in the waters of Panay Island could be a source of antibiotics against bacteria that affect humans and fish, according to scientists from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

Crude extracts from Ulva pertusa Kjellman “showed potent antibacterial activity” against Staphylococcus aureus, according to a study done by Rolando Pakingking Jr. and Dan Joseph Logronio of SEAFDEC’s aquaculture department.

S. aureus can cause a range of illnesses ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.

The results of the study were presented in a poster exhibited at the National Research Council of the Philippines’ yearly general membership assembly last  March 13.

The seaweed extract was also found to be potent against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila and A. sobria, “bacteria implicated in serious mortalities in marine and freshwater species,” Pakingking and Logronio said.

The two scientists noted that the “intensification of fish mariculture in Southeast Asia led to the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases” and the need to establish “novel therapeutic and prophylactic approaches” to create a sustainable fish farming system.

They focused on seaweeds since these marine plants are able to produce “a variety of secondary metabolites with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity.”

With the results of the study, Pakingking and Logronio said “other species of Panay seaweeds which are potential sources of bioactive compounds should therefore be investigated for natural antibiotics.”