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Polysaccharide-Protein Complex from Sargassum fusiforme: Fractionation, Characterization, and Hypoglycemic Activity.
Cuifang Wang1, Chaoyang Chen1, Sinan Chen1
1College of Oceanology and Food Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 9, 2026
Summary
A novel polysaccharide-protein complex from brown seaweed demonstrates significant hypoglycemic activity by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase. This seaweed extract effectively improves glucose uptake and synthesis in insulin-resistant cells.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The search for natural hypoglycemic agents is ongoing.
- Seaweed polysaccharides are known for their diverse bioactivities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a polysaccharide-protein complex (SFPr-PS3A) from *Sargassum fusiforme*.
- To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of SFPr-PS3A.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of SFPr-PS3A.
- Chemical analysis including methylation and NMR spectroscopy.
- In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assay.
- Assessment of SFPr-PS3A in an insulin-resistant HepG2 cell model.
Main Results:
- SFPr-PS3A showed potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 5.23 μg/mL).
- The protein component was crucial for bioactivity.
- The polysaccharide backbone structure was elucidated.
- SFPr-PS3A enhanced glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in IR HepG2 cells, upregulating Akt and GLUT2.
- The complex remained stable after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
Conclusions:
- SFPr-PS3A is a promising hypoglycemic agent derived from *Sargassum fusiforme*.
- Its activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of its polysaccharide and protein components.
- SFPr-PS3A holds potential for managing hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
Keywords:
S. fusiformeinsulin resistancepolysaccharide–protein complexstructural characterizationα-glucosidase inhibitory activityMore Related Videos
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