In order to evaluate estrogenic compounds in brown algae, an in vitro test system for the verification of estrogenic activity was applied. Fractions from ethanol extracts of each brown alga were prepared by a systematic fractionation procedure with solvents such as H2O, hexane, butanol and methanol. Aqueous fractions of brown algae showed the highest estrogenic activities. Estrogenic activities of 500 μg/ml aqueous fractions of Undaria pinnatifida and Laminaria japonica showed almost the same

more »

... rength as that of 10 -7 M standard solution (17β-estradiol). Furthermore, estrogenic activities of 500 μg/ml aqueous fractions of Ecklonia stolonifera and Porphyra suborbiculate represented higher activities than that of 10 -8 M 17β-estradiol. These observations suggest that aqueous fractions of all these brown algae are expected to possess estrogenic compounds and could be developed as estrogenic agents for postmenopausal disorder.