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Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Algae
Atef Mohamed Abo-Shady1, Saly Farouk Gheda1, Gehan Ahmed Ismail1
1Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2023
Summary
Algae contain bioactive compounds that show antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, inhibiting key enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. These natural compounds offer potential for developing new pharmaceutical treatments for diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health crisis, ranking as the third leading cause of death.
- Current antidiabetic medications have adverse effects, necessitating the search for safer alternatives.
- Algae are increasingly recognized for their diverse bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of algal bioactive substances in managing diabetes mellitus.
- To highlight the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of algae.
- To emphasize the pharmaceutical potential of algae for natural drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on algae's bioactive compounds.
- Analysis of research on algae's effects on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (e.g., alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase).
- Evaluation of in vivo studies demonstrating algae's impact on diabetic symptoms.
Main Results:
- Algae produce diverse secondary metabolites with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.
- Algal compounds effectively inhibit enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, crucial in glucose metabolism.
- In vivo studies confirm that algal bioactive components can alleviate diabetic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Algae represent a promising natural resource for developing novel antidiabetic and antioxidant agents.
- Further research and application of algal bioactive substances are crucial for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Algae-derived compounds offer a potential pathway for effective and safer diabetes management.
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