Phytochemical Profiling and Investigating of Anti-Diabetic Properties of Asparagopsis taxiformis Collected from the Bay of Bengal Bangladesh

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health issue due to its prevalence and catastrophic health effects. Synthetic hypoglycemic agents can treat diabetes, but they have side effects. Therefore, natural remedies for diabetes are now gaining popularity. Marine benthic algae are rich in phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds. Inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in-vitro and lower blood glucose levels in-vivo during fasting and postprandial testing imply seaweed extracts and their bioactive ingredients may treat diabetes. This study investigated the phytochemical properties of Asparagopsis taxiformis from the southern part of St. Martin Island in Bangladesh and examined the anti-diabetic activity of its 50% ethanolic extracts in-vitro and in-vivo. After establishing traditional phytochemical presence, total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated, and an in-vitro alpha-amylase inhibitory activity test was performed. In-vitro anti-diabetic investigation shows that 50% ethanolic extract of Asparagopsis taxiformis reduces diabetes less than acarbose. In-vivo anti-diabetic tests also showed similar results compared to the control group when their blood glucose level was measured. After 14 days of treatment with the 50% ethanolic extract of Asparagopsis taxiformis, the treated group of mice didn’t show any considerable lowering activity when their body weight, lipid profile, kidney function, and liver function (SGPT, SGOT) were compared to the control group. Though Asparagopsis taxiformis has manifold benefits, 50% ethanolic extract of this alga didn’t show any antidiabetic properties suggesting more studies in different solvents are required to evaluate the antidiabetic properties.