Sargassum is a genus of brown algae that causes a major impact to marine ecosystems. Although accumulation of this invasive seaweed is considered an environmental problem, Sargassum can also be resource of valuable molecules such as alginates. Alginates are polysaccharides extracted from the cell walls of brown seaweeds with multiple applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. In this study, we explored four different extraction protocols to isolate alginates from Sargassum from the archipelago of Guadeloupe. H-NMR, FTIR, and SEM were carried out to characterize isolated samples and describe their chemical and morphological properties. Antioxidant capacity of the isolated alginates was tested in the sample. FRAP assay showed free radical scavenging activity, and cell viability assay showed that alginates keep protective capacity against oxidative stress in cell cultures. In sum, the isolation methods used in this study are effective extractive methods to obtain alginates from Sargassum, which highlight this seaweed as a potential source of bioactive compounds that may be exploited for industrial and biomedical purposes.

The use of medicinal herbs is highly developed in Haiti. However, there is a significant lack of knowledge in the literature on medicinal plants and their uses. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of Haitian families for the prevention/treatment of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory diseases, as well as the mode of preparation and administration of the plants. Individuals were interviewed using the TRAMIL questionnaire as the information holder. The data obtained were analyzed by calculating 5 indices (relative frequency of citation, use value, the family use value, informant consensus factor, and fidelity level). The study surveyed 120 Haitians and collected 75 plants from 43 botanical families. The botanical family most used for all these preventions and remedies is the Lamiaceae. The highest ranked species with a relative frequency of citation value > 0.3. Infusion, decoction, and in the form of punch are the methods used for the remedies. The study found that the use of herbal remedies is still prevalent in the study area, and many of the commonly used plants have been scientifically validated. However, some plants, such as Samyda rosea Sims, lack sufficient research and are recommended for further investigation.