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The toxicity of polycavernoside E and its structurally related macrolides, akunolides A, B, and C, was evaluated in mice. These compounds were recently isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Okeania sp. collected in Okinawa, Japan. The minimal toxicity of polycavernoside E was estimated as 0.81 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, whereas those of akunolides A-C were >13 mg/kg. Owing to the considerable toxicity of polycavernoside E, the occurrence of this cyanobacterium should be considered in seaweed production environments., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Since the recent discover of seven UV-absorbing pigments (UVP), isolated from various marine organisms and identified as a series of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), that are reputed to absorb in wavelengths ranging from 310 to 365 nm, spanning both UV-B and UV-A (320-400nm) portions of the solar spectrum (mycosporine-glycine, shinorine, porphyra-334, palythine, asterina-330, palythinol, usujirene and palythene). We have made up our mind to select one cyanobacterium (Aphanothece sacrum), admitted as cosmetic ingredient, apt to increase its amount of mycosporine-2-glycine, a natural sunscreen factor among the most efficient in nature, when undergoes to chemical stresses. Material and Methods: In two group of volunteers was used a gel made up with 2 g of Aphanotece sacrum powder in 1.5% karaya gum aqueous solution was prepared and gel with 2 g of Aphanotece sacrum powder following the above mentioned method in 1.5% karaya gum aqueous dispersion. Was evaluate the capacity of the cyanobacterium to protect skin from UVB rays under long exposure to artificial sun. Results: The cosmetic that reveals a SPF equivalent to 56 is able to minimize at all the chances of burning. Phototype I may be protected exclusively by inorganic powerds (titanium dioxide, barium sulphate, kaolin etc.), and thanks to the application of gel two it is possible to have a minimal tanning. Conclusion: We have tried to treat chemically the cyanobacterium (easily available on the market, as in Japan it is considered a common foodstuff) and let it be an exceptional sunscreen, able to protect even phototype I and albinoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]