A Promising Anti-Inflammatory Agent of Green Macroalgae Ulva lactuca Ethyl Acetate Extract

The existence of bioactive components in plants, including phenolics and flavonoids, is commonly linked to enhanced antioxidant activity, which helps defend the body against oxidative stress and suppress inflammation. The green macroalgae Ulva lactuca is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties due to its secondary metabolites. This research aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and free radical scavenging capacity of Ulva lactuca sourced from Sumbawa, along with its total phenolic and flavonoid content. Ulva lactuca samples were collected from Lakey Beach, Sumbawa, Indonesia, and underwent maceration with ethyl acetate solvent. The levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. Free radical scavenging was assessed through the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) method, while the anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in mice. Statistical analysis involved ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The findings indicated that the TPC, TFC, and IC50 values of Ulva lactuca ethyl acetate extract (ULEE) were 17.222±0.397 mg GAE/g, 12.000±0.403 mg QE/g, and 156.103±4,075 ppm, respectively. The ULEE, at dosages of 85, 175, and 350 mg/kg BW, produced significant reductions in paw edema in mice (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that ULEE is a promising anti-inflammatory agent, potentially attributed to its antioxidant properties and other bioactive constituents.