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1- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
2- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran ,fuziekhani@yahoo.com
3- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
2- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran ,
3- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
Abstract: (490 Views)
Background & Objective: Diabetes mellitus remains a global health challenge associated with oxidative stress and impaired insulin signaling. Natural compounds with dual antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory potential are of great interest as complementary therapeutic agents. Spirulina platensis, a blue-green microalga rich in proteins, polyphenols, and phycocyanin, has been reported to exhibit diverse bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of Spirulina platensis extract, focusing on its enzymatic inhibition and modulation of insulin gene expression in pancreatic βbetaβ-cells.
Materials & Methods: Ethanolic extracts of Spirulina platensis were assessed for free-radical scavenging activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. The inhibitory activity against αalphaα-amylase, αalphaα-glucosidase, and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Cytotoxicity and insulin secretion were analyzed in RIN-5F pancreatic βbetaβ-cells, followed by qPCR assessment of INS I, INS II, IRS-I, IRS-II, and IRS-III gene expression.
Results: The extract displayed strong, dose-dependent antioxidant activity (p≤0.05p le 0.05p≤0.05) and significant inhibition of αalphaα-amylase, αalphaα-glucosidase, and PTP1B. No cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations below 100 μmuμg/mL. Treatment with 20–60 μmuμg/mL enhanced insulin secretion and markedly upregulated insulin-related gene expression in βbetaβ-cells.
Conclusion: Spirulina platensis demonstrates potent in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic effects through enzymatic inhibition and the stimulation of insulin gene expression. These findings highlight Spirulina as a promising natural candidate for the development of safe, plant-based antidiabetic agents.
Materials & Methods: Ethanolic extracts of Spirulina platensis were assessed for free-radical scavenging activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. The inhibitory activity against αalphaα-amylase, αalphaα-glucosidase, and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Cytotoxicity and insulin secretion were analyzed in RIN-5F pancreatic βbetaβ-cells, followed by qPCR assessment of INS I, INS II, IRS-I, IRS-II, and IRS-III gene expression.
Results: The extract displayed strong, dose-dependent antioxidant activity (p≤0.05p le 0.05p≤0.05) and significant inhibition of αalphaα-amylase, αalphaα-glucosidase, and PTP1B. No cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations below 100 μmuμg/mL. Treatment with 20–60 μmuμg/mL enhanced insulin secretion and markedly upregulated insulin-related gene expression in βbetaβ-cells.
Conclusion: Spirulina platensis demonstrates potent in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic effects through enzymatic inhibition and the stimulation of insulin gene expression. These findings highlight Spirulina as a promising natural candidate for the development of safe, plant-based antidiabetic agents.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Pharmacology
Received: 2025/11/4 | Accepted: 2026/08/17
Received: 2025/11/4 | Accepted: 2026/08/17
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