What is Irish moss?
• Irish moss refers to a drink derived from the “Irish Moss”( Chondrus crispus,and Girgatina stellata ) species. • Local small scale producers of Irish moss rely on several species of algae (Gracilaria sp. and Euchema sp) as raw material.This was confirmed by a collector of Irish Moss at the sample site. • Gracilaria is grown commercially in the island of St.Lucia,where it is called Sea Moss. • The drink has a local folklore reputation as an aphrodisiac and energy enhancer • The Aim of this project was to identify the chemical components of Irish Moss and identify biologically active compounds by cross referencing our results with the literature • Sample consisted of Gracilaria sp. • Gracilaria • Height of Gracilaria sp. can range from short (10cm, stiff, heavily branched) to long (60m, slender) • Phycocolloid (long chain polysaccharide) produced by Gracilaria sp. is agar or agaroid in nature • Used in food and pharmaceuticals in East Asia. • Gracilaria sp. are a good source of vitamin
