Exploring the Potential of Skeletonema costatum, natural shrimp feed as an Antihyperglycemic and Antihypercholesterolemic Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus in Mice

This study explores the antihyperglycemic and antihypercholesterolemic potential of Skeletonema costatum, a marine microalga, in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic mice models. The study compared the effects of S. costatum in infusion (SCI) and powder (SCP) forms at two concentrations (2.5% and 5%) with standard treatments, including glibenclamide for diabetes and simvastatin for hypercholesterolemia, as well as a no-treatment control. Over 21 days, SCP demonstrated significant and sustained reductions in both blood glucose and cholesterol levels, with the 2.5% SCP dose outperforming the 5% dose. SCI showed transient effects, with initial reductions in glucose and cholesterol levels followed by rebounds, likely due to the rapid metabolism of bioactive compounds. The powdered form's superior efficacy is attributed to its slower digestion and gradual release of omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and bioactive peptides, which improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and regulate lipid metabolism. Simvastatin showed the most pronounced cholesterol-lowering effect, confirming its efficacy as a standard therapy. The study underscores the potential of S. costatum, particularly SCP, as a natural alternative or complementary therapy for managing diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Future investigations should optimize dosing, explore its synergistic effects with conventional treatments, and evaluate its long-term safety and therapeutic potential in humans.