Background:

Algae are a potential source of natural compounds with diverse biological activities. It has been reported that algae may contain hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic compounds, and are an alternative to diabetes mellitus controls, a disease with very high rates of prevalence and mortality in Mexico.

Goals:

The objective of this research was to determine the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of extracts from two algal species (Caulerpa sertularioides and Spyridia filamentosa) through a sub-chronic study in a murine model of experimental diabetes.

Methods:

The algal extracts were administrated by gavage during 30 days to diabetic mice (50 mg/kg/day), using saline isotonic solution and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) as controls. At the end of the experiment glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and liver transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) were measured.

Results:

It was observed that these two algal species have significant hypoglycemic effect, causing alterations in the lipid levels. The extracts did not show changes in transaminases nor other signs of toxicity.

Conclusions:

Both species represent an alternative as a source of new agents for controlling diabetes mellitus.