Spirulina Platensis Microalgae as High Protein-Based Products for Diabetes Treatment

ABSTRACT

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a protein-rich source because it contains approximately 60% protein. Therefore, it has positive impacts on human health, including anti-diabetes. The potential of Spirulina platensis as an anti-diabetic agent has been investigated in-vitro and in-vivo. Its extract is capable of inhibiting amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP IV enzymes in a range of medium activities. Furthermore, spirulina at 250 mg/Kg body weight (BW) in mice can reduce blood glucose levels with similar outcomes to the positive controls (pioglitazone and glibenclamide). Protein groups (Phycocyanin), isolated peptides, and flavonoid groups such as Pinocembrin, Acacetin, and others have been predicted to be responsible for lowering glucose levels. In the market, several commercial products have been sold. Many commercial products have been sold in the market. However, these products are food supplements because a clinical study has not yet been undertaken to confirm their potency and safety. According to this analysis, there is a significant chance to produce anti-diabetic medications from spirulina sources in the future.

KEYWORDS:

• Spirulina platensis
• antidiabetes
• phycocyanin
• acacetin
• pinocembrin

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful for the matching fund program 2022 regarding all funding given to complete the cultivation of Spirulina platensis microalgae using the thin-layer cultivation (TLC) system.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).