Investigation of important biochemical compounds from selected freshwater macroalgae and their role in agriculture

Abstract Background Freshwater macroalgae possess a number of important secondary metabolites. They are an unexplored source medicinal compounds. In this study, three freshwater macroalgae— Chara vulgaris , Cladophora glomerata and Spirogyra crassa —were collected from the river Swat Kabul in Charsadda district Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. To assess role agriculture, various experiments were performed on their extracts. Methanolic extract first analyzed through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for presence The methanol based extracts tested antibacterial, insecticidal, cytotoxic phytotoxic activities. Results Initially, algae dried, crushed treated with extraction GC–MS results contained several long chain fatty acids other related long-chain hydrocarbons, such as alkanes alkenes. Several benzene derivatives also detected during course investigation. these compounds have established roles treatment human ailments can be supplied to farm animals. For example, phenylephrine is decongestant, dilates pupils, increases blood pressure helps relieving hemorrhoids. Hexahydropseudoionone has uses perfumes cosmetics. essential oils methanolic that utilized industrial products. Bioassays showed algal extracts—especially sp. extract—contain moderate maximum bioactivity. Conclusions Macroalgae metabolites properties. These used biopesticides, plant growth enhancers, remedies diseases animals control weeds. further explored isolation purification useful biochemical Graphical