Ethanobotanical Databases as shown in (Table 1). In the present
study the active compounds isolated from the ethanol extract of
P. gymnospora were Squalene, Lupeol Acetate, Betulin and Taraxasterol.
Among the bioactive compounds identified, Squalene is reported to
have antibacterial activity. Other compounds do not have antibacterial
activity as per Dr. Duke's database. Based on the data obtained from
the database, Squalene is responsible for controlling Pseudomonas infection
in fish. Kelly (1999) reported that Squalene which is a natural organic
compound originally obtained from plant sources and primarily
from vegetable oil, can be used to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride
level in animals and humans.
5. Conclusion
Algae are rich sources of bioactive molecules having medicinal and
nutritive values. Assessment of fish health and production efficacy of
cultured fishes depends on the use of plant extracts as an alternative
remedy for treatment of diseases. In addition to being environment
friendly, it also prevents the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
The evaluation of antibacterial activity of plant extracts and their bioactive
compounds which act against specific pathogenic organisms is a
novel method of treating viral and bacterial infections.
Acknowledgment
The authors are thankful to the Department of Science and Technology
(DST SERB)—(No.SB/FT/LS-326/2012) for funding this work and also to
VIT University, Vellore for providing the facility to carry out the work.