This study evaluates, for the first time, the seasonal (winter and summer) and geographical (São Miguel⁻SMG and Santa Maria⁻SMA Islands) variability of Fucus spiralis (Fs) biochemical composition (dry weight basis) and antioxidant properties. Protein and carbohydrates presented higher values in Fs-SMGwinter, lipids, total dietary fiber, and energy value in Fs-SMAsummer, and ash and soluble dietary fiber/insoluble dietary fiber ratio in Fs-SMAwinter. The fatty acid (FA) profiles showed a lower SFA in Fs-SMGsummer, whereas MUFA and PUFA presented higher values in Fs-SMGsummer and Fs-SMGwinter, respectively. Excellent dietary ratios of n6/n3 PUFA and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic FA were found, with lower values in Fs-SMAwinter and higher in Fs-SMGsummer, respectively. The highest total phenolics was found in Fs-SMAsummer acetone:water extract and total flavonoids showed the higher value in Fs-SMGwinter methanol extract. The best free radical-scavenging activity was observed in the Fs-SMAwinter methanol (EC50 = 0.045 mg/mL) and acetone:water (EC50 = 0.059 mg/mL) extracts. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power showed the best results in Fs-SMAwinter methanol extract (EC50 = 0.016 mg/mL) and Fs-SMAsummer acetone:water extract (EC50 = 0.017 mg/mL). The best ferrous ion-chelating activity was found in Fs-SMGwinter acetone:water extract. Overall, results revealed that F. spiralis nutritional and functional bioactivity values have geographical and seasonal variations and that its regular consumption may add benefits to human health.
Keywords: antioxidant activities; brown algal phlorotannins; carbohydrates; dietary fiber; energy value; fatty acids profile; lipids; marine functional foods; phenolic and flavonoid contents; protein.