Abstract
Particulate matter is a major contribution of air pollution and detrimental to human health. The in vitro antioxidant activities of a brown seaweed, Sargassum horneri ethanol extract (SHE) against particulate matter-induced oxidative stress were investigated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) scavenging activity, superoxide anion (O(2) (·-)) inhibition, hydroxyl radical ( (·) OH) scavenging activity, reducing power, and the metal ion-chelating effect. All in vitro antioxidant activities were increased as the concentration of SHE increased (0-1000 μg/mL). When treated with particulate matter at 0-1000 μg/mL, the DPPH free radical, and H(2)O(2) scavenging activities, reducing power, and metal ion-chelating abilities of SHE were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). These results indicate that Sargassum horneri, which is a rich source of bioactive compounds, can be used as a natural source of antioxidants in the food industries.