Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 12, 2012
Therapeutic Potentials of Microalgae and Their Bioactive Compounds on Diabetes Mellitus
Kartthigeen Tamel Selvan1, Jo Aan Goon1, Suzana Makpol1
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Ya'acob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia.
None:
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. Oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. There has been a growing interest in applying natural products to improve metabolic derangements without the side effects of anti-diabetic drugs. Microalgae biomass or extract and their bioactive compounds have been applied as nutraceuticals or additives in food products and health supplements. Several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of microalgae and their bioactive compounds in improving insulin sensitivity attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pancreatic β-cell protective properties. However, a review summarizing the progression in this topic is lacking despite the increasing number of studies reporting their anti-diabetic potential. In this review, we gathered the findings from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies to discuss the effects of microalgae and their bioactive compounds on diabetes mellitus and the mechanisms involved. Additionally, we discuss the limitations and future perspectives of developing microalgae-based compounds as a health supplement for diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, microalgae-based supplementation has the potential to improve diabetes mellitus and be applied in more clinical studies in the future.
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

