Exploring the Inhibitory Potential of Sodium Alginate Against Digestive Enzymes Linked to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are major health concerns worldwide, often managed with treatments that have significant limitations and side effects. This study examines the potential of sodium alginates, extracted from <i>Ecklonia radiata</i> and <i>Sargassum elegans</i>, to inhibit digestive enzymes involved in managing these conditions. We chemically characterized the sodium alginates and confirmed their structural integrity using FTIR, NMR, and TGA. The focus was on evaluating their ability to inhibit key digestive enzymes relevant to T2DM (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, sucrase, maltase) and obesity (pancreatic lipase). Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that these sodium alginates moderately inhibit α-glucosidase, maltase, and lipase by up to 43%, while showing limited effects on sucrase and α-amylase. In addition, the sodium alginates did not affect glucose uptake in human colorectal cells (HCT116), indicating they do not impact cellular glucose absorption. In summary, while the observed enzyme inhibition was moderate, the targeted inhibition of α-glucosidase, maltase, and lipase suggests that sodium alginates could be beneficial for managing postprandial hyperglycemia and lipid absorption in the context of T2DM and obesity.