Algal Pigments and Diabetes

Abstract

The health condition of elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, or, in simple terms, diabetes, has disastrously affected millions of people worldwide, causing a significant strain on the healthcare system. It is a chronic metabolic condition mainly due to decreased insulin synthesis or utilization. Algae are known for their extraordinary chemical diversity and have been discovered to be rich in several pigments. These compounds contribute to the functional properties of algae, one of which is their antidiabetic nature. These pigments are bioactive compounds that can be used as natural compounds in developing novel therapeutic approaches to treating diabetes. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins are some of the examples of algal pigments that exert various biological functions. For instance, a carotenoid called fucoxanthin found in brown algae can accelerate glucose uptake into the skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes while creating an environment to enhance insulin sensitivity. Thus, it can be used as a promising treatment for diabetes. Moreover, several algal-derived pigments have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which can prevent diabetes-related problems. This chapter is dedicated to algal pigments and their potential to control diabetes, with a comprehensive discussion uncovering multiple curative approaches.