Intervention of Natural Microalgal Bioactives on Type 2 Diabetes: Integrated Scientometric Mapping and Cellular Efficacy Studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a multifactorial health disorder associated with various complications. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and natural active substances. Currently, the research field in this area is on an upward trajectory, with major research hotspots focusing on pathogenesis, pharmacological activities, the gut microbiota, and lipid metabolism. Algae-derived natural active substances, namely astaxanthin, extracellular polysaccharide from Porphyridium cruentum (EPS-P), and β-carotene, all exhibit high antioxidant properties and safety, along with favorable hypoglycemic effects. Therefore, their therapeutic intervention effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus were evaluated through in vitro experiments. Compared with the model group, astaxanthin, β-carotene, and Porphyridium cruentum polysaccharide (EPS-P) improved various indicators by at least 24.17%, 7.7%, and 6.7%, respectively. All three substances could, to a certain extent, enhance glucose consumption, glycogen content, and pyruvate activity, as well as improve and restore the condition of IR-HepG2 cells. The order of intervention efficacy was astaxanthin, followed by β-carotene, and then Porphyridium cruentum polysaccharide (EPS-P). These findings provide a scientific basis for the biomedical applications of algae-derived natural products.