The Antidiabetic Potential of Phlorotannins from Brown Seaweeds: A Review of Mechanisms, Evidence, and Translational Challenges
S. Neenu
PG and Research Department of Zoology, Nirmala College for Women, Red Fields, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 018, India.
G.S. Mary Fabiola *
PG and Research Department of Zoology, Nirmala College for Women, Red Fields, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 018, India.
G. Roseline Jebapriya
Marine Planktonology & Aquaculture Lab, Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620 024, India.
P. Santhanam
Marine Planktonology & Aquaculture Lab, Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620 024, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This review article focuses on the phlorotannins, a bioactive compound found in Brown seaweeds (Phaeophyceae) in managing diabetes. Phlorotannins are marine polyphenols that exert antidiabetic effects by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, stimulating glucose transport, and enhancing insulin signaling pathways. In vitro studies demonstrate their capacity to decrease postprandial glucose spikes by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Further, in vivo experiments in diabetic animal models support their effectiveness in decreasing blood glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity, and shielding pancreatic β-cells, which are prone to oxidative damage. Initial clinical trials in human subjects also show encouraging results, such as better glycemic control and insulin secretion. However, despite promising preclinical data, clinical translation is primarily hindered by low systemic bioavailability, structural intricacies, and the requirement for well-defined extraction processes. Overcoming these challenges through sophisticated formulation processes and large-scale randomized controlled trials may open the door for phlorotannin-based antidiabetic drugs.
Keywords: Brown seaweed, phlorotannins, antidiabetic, preclinical studies, clinical trials, drug development challenges