Fucoidan Treatment Improves Diabetic Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia in Rodents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Fucoidan is a sulfated long-chain polysaccharide found mainly in sea cucumbers and brown algae. Studies suggest that fucoidan may play a role in treating various diseases, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of fucoidan isolated from brown algae on diabetic hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Methods: Two databases, PubMed and Embase, were searched to identify peer-reviewed articles written in English and published up to 30 June 2025. Studies reporting blood glucose and serum/plasma lipid levels of diabetic rodents treated with fucoidan or vehicle were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Forty-seven studies reported blood glucose levels. The pooled effect size for blood glucose levels was -2.26 (95% CI: -2.78 to -1.75), with substantial heterogeneity. Subsequent analyses showed that diabetic dyslipidemia was markedly improved in the fucoidan-treated group compared with the control. Conclusions: Fucoidan treatment could improve hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diabetic rodents.