Comparison of edible brown algae extracts for the inhibition of intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzymes involved in glucose release from the diet

Bioactivities of Sargassum elegans, Bryopsis myosuroides, Callophyllis variegata seaweeds on diabetes and obesity-related biochemical parameters: A comparative in vitro study

Diabesity' is the occurrence of diabetes in the presence of obesity. Numerous reports have shown that seaweeds possess beneficial biological activities. This study assessed the effects of three seaweeds Bryopsis myosuroides (green), Callophyllis variegata (red), and Sargassum elegans (brown), on diabetes and obesity-related parameters in vitro. The antioxidant potential, carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, and glucose uptake activities of ethanolic and sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) rich extracts were evaluated. The SP-rich or ethanolic extracts of S. elegans showed the greater inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 46.6 ± 1.00 g/mL), hydroxyl radical (OH) (IC50 353.70 ± 2.01 μg/mL), and nitric oxide (NO) (IC50 407.5 ± 0.95 μg/mL) compared to other seaweeds. Moreover, the SP-rich extract of S. elegans exhibited higher inhibition of α- glucosidase (IC50 123.8 ± 1.69 μg/mL), whereas B. myosuroides SP-rich extract had better α-amylase (IC50 55.7 ± 0.98 μg/mL) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities (IC50 481.1 ± 0.9 μg/mL) compared to other seaweeds. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS) was used to identify the compounds present in the seaweed extracts. These include Taxifolin, Amentoflavone-7,4',4″'-Trimethyl Ether, Chrysophenol, and Glucotropaeolin, which have been previously reported to possess biological activities beneficial to human health. Although all three seaweeds evaluated in this study demonstrated antioxidant, digesting enzyme inhibitory and glucose uptake activity to different extents, S. elegans (brown) depicted the highest activity in most assays compared to the other seaweeds. However, further research is required to assess the effects of these seaweed extracts on diabetes and obesity via ex vivo and in vivo experimental animal models.

Recent Developments in 1,2,3-Triazole Based α-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Design Strategies, Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Insights

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and most prevalent metabolic disorder affecting 422 million the people worldwide and causing life-threatening associated conditions including disorders of kidney, heart, and nervous system as well as leg amputation and retinopathy. Steadily rising cases from the last few decades suggest the failure of currently available drugs in containment of this disease. α-Glucosidase is a potential target for effectively tackling this disease and attracting significant interest from medicinal chemists around the globe. Besides having a set of side effects, currently available α-glucosidase inhibitors (carbohydrate mimics) offer better tolerability, safety, and synergistic pharmacological outcomes with other antidiabetic drugs therefore medicinal chemists have working extensively over last three decades for developing alternative α-glucosidase inhibitors. The 1,2,3-Triazole nucleus is energetically used by various research groups around the globe for the development of α-glucosidase inhibitors posing it as an optimum scaffold in the field of antidiabetic drug development. This review is a systematic analysis of α-glucosidase inhibitors developed by employing 1,2,3-triazole scaffold with special focus on design strategies, structure-activity relationships, and mechanism of inhibitory effect. This article will act as lantern for medicinal chemists in developing of potent, safer, and effective α-glucosidase inhibitors with desired properties and improved therapeutic efficacy.

Exploring the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Lavandula officinalis essential oil: In vitro and in silico insights

Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide, providing a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Lavandula officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, has been recognized for its multifaceted pharmacological activities. In this current investigation, our primary objective was to scrutinize the in vitro inhibitory potential of L. officinalis essential oil (LOEO) against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with the aim of understanding its antidiabetic effects. Additionally, the assay encompassed tyrosinase and lipoxygenase (LOX) to assess its anti-inflammatory attributes. Unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms of these activities prompted an in-silico study. The purpose was to establish correlations between in-vitro observations and computational insights derived from molecular docking, which forecasts the interaction of LOEO molecules with their respective targets, alongside ADMET prediction. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allow to identify eighteen compounds, with the dominance of L-camphor (43.12 %), 1,8-cineole (34.27 %) and borneol (8.60 %) in LOEO. The antidiabetic evaluation revealed that LOEO exhibited noteworthy inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, displaying IC50 values of 3.14 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 2.07 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. The subsequent in-silico study highlighted the particularly strong binding affinity of (E)-Farnesene, with a binding score of -7.4 kcal/mol for alpha-glucosidase, while Germacrene D displayed the highest affinity among the ligands (-7.9 kcal/mol) for the alpha-amylase target. Furthermore, the investigation into in vitro anti-inflammatory activity unveiled LOEO efficacy against tyrosinase (IC50 = 42.74 μg/mL) and LOX (IC50 = 11.58 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The in-silico analysis echoed these findings, indicating α-Cadinene's notable binding affinity of 6 kcal/mol with tyrosinase and α-Cedrene's binding score of -6.5 kcal/mol for LOX. Impressively, for both COX-1 and COX-2, α-Cedrene exhibited significant binding affinities of -7.6 and -7.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The convergence between the in vitro and in silico outcomes underscores the potential of LOEO and its constituent compounds as potent inhibitors targeting both diabetes and the inflammatory processes.

Evaluating the Potential of Plukenetia volubilis Linneo (Sacha Inchi) in Alleviating Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Mini Review

Plukenetia volubilis Linneo or Sacha Inchi (SI), a traditional natural remedy indigenous to Peru and Brazil, has garnered global attention due to its exceptional nutritional composition. Its protective effects against various non-communicable diseases, notably cardiovascular disease (CVD), have become a subject of interest in recent research. This comprehensive review summarizes the existing evidence from 15 relevant articles concerning the impact of SI on common CVD risk factors, including dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The relevant articles were derived from comprehensive searches on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using predefined criteria and keywords related to the topic. Overall, SI demonstrated positive effects in attenuating dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The multifaceted mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of SI against these CVD risk factors are primarily attributed to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. While preclinical studies dominate the current scientific literature on SI, there are limited clinical trials to corroborate these findings. Therefore, future well-designed, large-scale randomized clinical trials are highly recommended to establish the efficacy of SI and determine its optimal dosage, potential drug and food interactions, and practical integration into preventive strategies and dietary interventions for the high-risk populations.

Cochayuyo (Durvillaea incurvata) Extracts: Their Impact on Starch Breakdown and Antioxidant Activity in Pasta during In Vitro Digestion

Seaweeds, notably cochayuyo (Durvillaea incurvata), are recognized for their rich macro- and micronutrient content, along with their inhibitory effects on the α-glucosidase enzyme. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this inhibition in actual starchy food products under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. This study utilized freeze-dried cochayuyo, extracted using hot pressurized liquid extraction with 50% ethanol at 120 °C and 1500 psi. The inhibition mechanism of α-glucosidase was determined, and the polyphenol composition of the extract was analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. This study further evaluated the extract's impact on starch digestibility, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity in pasta (noodles) as representative starchy food under gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicate that the α-glucosidase inhibition mechanism is of mixed type. Phenolic compounds, primarily tetraphloroethol, could contribute to this anti-enzymatic activity. The extract was observed to decrease starch digestibility, indicated by a lower rate constant (0.0158 vs. 0.0261 min-1) and digested starch at an infinite time (77.4 vs. 80.5 g/100 g). A significant increase (~1200 vs. ~390 µmol TROLOX/100 g) in antioxidant activity was also noted during digestion when the extract was used. Thus, this study suggests that the cochayuyo extract can reduce starch digestion and enhance antioxidant capacity under gastrointestinal conditions.

Algae-Derived Natural Products in Diabetes and Its Complications-Current Advances and Future Prospects

Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Natural products and their derivatives have emerged as promising candidates for diabetes management due to their diverse compositions and pharmacological effects. Algae, in particular, have garnered attention for their potential as a source of bioactive compounds with anti-diabetic properties. This review offers a comprehensive overview of algae-derived natural products for diabetes management, highlighting recent developments and future prospects. It underscores the pivotal role of natural products in diabetes care and delves into the diversity of algae, their bioactive constituents, and underlying mechanisms of efficacy. Noteworthy algal derivatives with substantial potential are briefly elucidated, along with their specific contributions to addressing distinct aspects of diabetes. The challenges and limitations inherent in utilizing algae for therapeutic interventions are examined, accompanied by strategic recommendations for optimizing their effectiveness. By addressing these considerations, this review aims to chart a course for future research in refining algae-based approaches. Leveraging the multifaceted pharmacological activities and chemical components of algae holds significant promise in the pursuit of novel antidiabetic treatments. Through continued research and the fine-tuning of algae-based interventions, the global diabetes burden could be mitigated, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.

Effects of an Extract of the Brown Seaweed Ascophylum nodosum on Postprandial Glycaemic Control in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study

The effects of the consumption of an extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (BSW) on postprandial glucose and insulin responses to white bread were investigated in an acute, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, crossover, controlled trial in healthy, normoglycemic subjects. Sixteen subjects were administered either control white bread (50 g total digestible carbohydrates) or white bread with 500 mg or 1000 mg of BSW extract. Biochemical parameters were measured in venous blood over 3 h. Significant inter-individual variation in the glycaemic response to white bread was observed. Analysis of the responses of all subjects to either 500 mg or 1000 mg of BSW extract versus control revealed no significant effects of treatments. The variation in response to the control was used to classify individuals into glycaemic responders and non-responders. In the sub-cohort of 10 subjects with peak glucose levels after white bread above 1 mmol/L, we observed a significant decrease in maximum levels of plasma glucose after the intervention meal with 1000 mg of extract compared with the control. No adverse effects were reported. Further work is warranted to define all factors that determine "responders" to the effects of brown seaweed extracts and identify the cohort that would benefit the most from their consumption.

Anti-Steatotic Effects of Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Gracilaria vermiculophylla Algae Extracts in AML-12 Hepatocytes

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common chronic liver alteration whose prevalence is increasing in Western countries. Microalgae and macroalgae have attracted great interest due to the high content in bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on health. The aim of the present study is to assess the potential interest of extracts rich in proteins obtained from the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis gaditana and the macroalga Gracilaria vermiculophylla in the prevention of lipid accumulation in AML-12 hepatocytes. Toxicity was not observed at any of the tested doses. Both microalgae and the macroalga were effective in preventing triglyceride accumulation, with Nannochloropsis gaditana being the most effective one. Although the three algae extracts were able to increase different catabolic pathways involved in triglyceride metabolism, the mechanisms underlying the anti-steatotic effect were different in each algae extract. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Gracilaria vermiculophylla extracts are able to partially prevent the accumulation of triglycerides induced by palmitic acid in cultured hepatocytes, a model used to mimic the steatosis induced in liver by dietary patterns rich in saturated fat.

Characterization of Plocamium telfairiae Extract-Functionalized Au Nanostructures and Their Anti-Adipogenic Activity through PLD1

Here, Au nanostructure (AuNS) biosynthesis was mediated through ethanolic extract of Plocamium telfairiae (PT) without the use of stabilizers or surfactants. PT-functionalized AuNSs (PT-AuNSs) were analyzed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Stable monodisperse PT-AuNSs were synthesized, with a mean size of 15.36 ± 0.10 nm and zeta potential of −35.85 ± 1.36 mV. Moreover, biosynthetic AuNPs with a face-centered structure of PT-AuNS exhibited crystalline characteristics. In addition, many functional groups playing important roles in the biological reduction of PT extracts were adsorbed on the surface of PT-AuNSs. Furthermore, the effects of PT-AuNSs on adipogenesis in immature adipocytes were investigated. PT-AuNSs reduced morphological changes, lowered triglyceride content, and increased lipid accumulation by approximately 78.6% in immature adipocytes compared with the values in mature adipocytes (MDI-induced). PT-AuNS suppressed lipid accumulation by downregulating the transcript and protein expression of C/EBPα, PPARγ, SREBP 1, FAS, and aP2. Finally, PT-AuNS induced the transcript and protein expression of UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC1a, thereby increasing mitochondrial biogenesis in mature adipocytes and effectively inducing brown adipogenesis. In this study, the biosynthesized PT-AuNS was used as a potential therapeutic candidate because it conferred a potent anti-lipogenic effect. As a result, it can be used in various scientific fields such as medicine and the environment.

Seaweed Exhibits Therapeutic Properties against Chronic Diseases: An Overview

Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are known for producing potentially bioactive substances that exhibit a wide range of nutritional, therapeutic, and nutraceutical properties. These compounds can be applied to treat chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Several studies have shown that consumption of seaweeds in Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea, has been correlated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases. In this study, we conducted a review of published papers on seaweed consumption and chronic diseases. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method for this study. We identified and screened research articles published between 2000 and 2021. We used PubMed and ScienceDirect databases and identified 107 articles. This systematic review discusses the potential use of bioactive compounds of seaweed to treat chronic diseases and identifies gaps where further research in this field is needed. In this review, the therapeutic and nutraceutical properties of seaweed for the treatment of chronic diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis were discussed. We concluded that further study on the identification of bioactive compounds of seaweed, and further study at a clinical level, are needed.

Citrus Flavanone Narirutin, In Vitro and In Silico Mechanistic Antidiabetic Potential

Citrus fruits and juices have been studied extensively for their potential involvement in the prevention of various diseases. Flavanones, the characteristic polyphenols of citrus species, are the primarily compounds responsible for these studied health benefits. Using in silico and in vitro methods, we are exploring the possible antidiabetic action of narirutin, a flavanone family member. The goal of the in silico research was to anticipate how narirutin would interact with eight distinct receptors implicated in diabetes control and complications, namely, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1), aldose reductase (AldR), glycogen phosphorylase (GP), alpha-amylase (AAM), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), alpha-glucosidase (AGL), while the in vitro study looked into narirutin’s possible inhibitory impact on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The results indicate that the studied citrus flavanone interacted remarkably with most of the receptors and had an excellent inhibitory activity during the in vitro tests suggesting its potent role among the different constituent of the citrus compounds in the management of diabetes and also its complications.