Cited by 32Seaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsNatural Antidiabetic Agents StudiesAlgal biology and biofuel production

Therapeutic Potentials of Microalgae and Their Bioactive Compounds on Diabetes Mellitus

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Tamel Selvan, Kartthigeen, Goon, Jo Aan, Makpol, Suzana, Tan, Jen Kit·2023·Marine Drugs

Abstract

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.

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Crossref · 10.3390/md21090462

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  • Microalgae-derived supplements can enhance insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid metabolism, and lower systemic inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

    “A recent systematic review concluded that microalgae-derived supplements can enhance insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid metabolism, and lower systemic inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes [71].”

    From Microalgae Bioactives for Functional Food Innovation and Health Promotion (2025) · cites this paper as [71]

    The Introduction says some microalgae compounds may improve insulin sensitivity, and §2.3 (Human Studies) reports improved lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. The anti-inflammatory findings cited here are principally from animal studies (§2.2); §2.3 says human trials are few and limited to patients with type 2 diabetes. The paper therefore does not establish all three effects in people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and the cited work is a review rather than an identified systematic review. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Authors
Tamel Selvan, K., Goon, J. A., Makpol, S., & Tan, J. K.
Affiliations
  • Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Ya’acob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
  • National University of Malaysia (MY)
Corresponding author
Tan, Jen Kit
Venue
Marine Drugs
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2023-08-23
Volume
21
Issue
9
Pages
462
ISSN
1660-3397 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4386141674
Cited by
32
References
251
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 1
FWCI
0.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Marine Drugs (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia with the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2018/SKK08/UKM/03/1, FF-2023-133)
  • Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (FRGS/1/2018/SKK08/UKM/03/1, FF-2023-133)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Natural Antidiabetic Agents Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
Keywords
microalgae, diabetes mellitus, bioactive compounds, insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, antioxidant activity, pancreatic beta-cell protection, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, hyperglycemia
MeSH terms
Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antioxidants, Biological Products, Diabetes Mellitus, Humans, Hypoglycemic Agents, Insulin Resistance, Oxidative Stress, Dietary Supplements, Microalgae

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