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Hypoglycemic activity of several seaweed extracts
1Departamento de Farmacologia, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Seaweed extracts show hypoglycemic activity. Polysaccharides and proteins from Himanthalia elongata significantly reduced blood glucose in normal and diabetic rabbits, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Seaweed is a rich source of bioactive compounds.
- Hypoglycemic agents are crucial for diabetes management.
- Marine natural products offer therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypoglycemic and triglyceridemic effects of various seaweed extracts.
- To evaluate the efficacy of polysaccharides and proteins from specific seaweeds.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of ethanol extracts from Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccorhiza polyschides, and Fucus vesiculosus to normal rabbits.
- Intravenous administration of crude polysaccharides and protein solutions from Himanthalia elongata and Codium tomentosum.
- Monitoring of glycemia and triglyceridemia levels.
Main Results:
- Himanthalia elongata polysaccharides and proteins significantly reduced blood glucose levels post-intravenous administration.
- A dose of 5 mg/kg crude polysaccharide lowered glycemia by ~18% in normal rabbits and ~50% in alloxan-diabetic rabbits.
- Protein solutions from H. elongata reduced glycemia by ~30% in diabetic rabbits.
Conclusions:
- Himanthalia elongata polysaccharides and proteins exhibit significant hypoglycemic activity.
- These seaweed-derived compounds show promise as natural agents for managing hyperglycemia.
- Further research into marine-derived hypoglycemic agents is warranted.