An Analysis of the Nutritional and Health Values ofCaulerpa racemosa(Forsskal) andUlva fasciata(Delile)-Two Chlorophyta Collected from the Philippines

Polysaccharides, lipids and amino acid profiles were investigated to understand the nutritional value ofCaulerpa racemosaandUlvafasciatafrom the Philippines. The results revealed that both species contain high amounts of proteins (8.8-19.9% forC. racemosaand 8.0-11.1% forU.fasciata). The portions of the total amino acids that were essential amino acids (EAAs) (45.28 +/- 0.12% forC. racemosaand 42.17 +/- 0.12% forU. fasciata) out were comparable to FAO/WHO requirements. Leucine, valine, isoleucine, and lysine are the dominant EAAs inC. racemosa, while leucine, valine, lysine, and phenylalanine are those inU. fasciata. The fatty acid profiles are dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids inC. racemosa(56.2%), while saturated fatty acids (72.1%) are dominant inU. fasciata. High C18/C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios were recorded in both species. Mineral contents for both seaweeds were within levels considered safe for functional foods. Total pigment content ofC. racemosa(140.84 mg/g dw) was almost 20 times higher than that ofU. fasciata(7.54 mg/g dw). Hot water extract (HWE) fromC. racemosashowed in vitro antiherpetic activity without cytotoxicity. Nutritional characteristics confirmed thatC. racemosacould be potentially used as a nutritious and functional food items for human consumption.