Characterization and antiproliferative activity of fucoidan from Turbinaria decurren on ethanol-induced hepatic stellate cells

Introduction: Turbinaria decurren is a brown seaweed species containing fucoidan, a natural sulfated polysaccharide, which has a wide variety of biological activities. Its biological activities have been shown in many studies, including on liver fibrosis model. This study was aimed to characterize fucoidan contents from Turbinaria decurren, taken from the coast of South Lampung, and prove its antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity, and cytotoxicity. Methods: Extraction of Turbinaria decurren was performed using 3 different methods; maceration in ethanol, aquadest and aquadest+CaCl₂. The extracts obtained were characterized for their sulphate and carbohydrate (as fucose) contents. Their antioxidant activity were tested using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl- hydrate) free radical assay and their cytotoxicity were tested in LX2 cells. Extracts with the highest sulphate content and antioxidant acitivity were tested on its anti-proliferative activity on ethanol-induced hepatic stellate cells. Results: Out of the three extracts, the optimum result was obtained from extraction using aquadest+CaCl₂, with fucose content of 88.86%, sulphate 15.83% and antioxidant activity with the lowest IC50 26.16 μg/mL. The anti-proliferative testing showed a very potent anti-proliferative activity in all of the concentrations tested. Conclusion: Extracts of Turbinaria decurren containing fucoidan have antioxidant activity and potent antiproliferative activity on ethanol-induced hepatic stellate cells, which can be further developed for treatments in alcoholic liver diseases.