Hypoglycemic potential of Sargassum spp. A review of bioactive compounds for diabetes management

Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing global health challenge, and the side effects of current pharmacotherapies have intensified the search for safer anti-hyperglycemic options. Brown seaweeds of the genus Sargassum contain diverse bioactive constituents with promising glucose-lowering activity. This review systematically evaluates the hypoglycemic effects of Sargassum bioactive compounds by analyzing studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2014–2024; OSF registration ID osf-registration-2yp8v-v1). Sixteen pre-clinical investigations that met predefined criteria were appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and their data were coded and synthesized qualitatively in NVivo. Extracts from eleven Sargassum species lowered fasting or post-prandial glucose, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and improved lipid profiles in rodent models. Key constituents—polyphenols, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and polyunsaturated fatty acids—acted by inhibiting α-glucosidase/α-amylase, promoting GLUT4 translocation, and attenuating oxidative stress signaling. No meta-analysis was feasible because of heterogeneity in study design, and the evidence remains limited to animal models, underscoring the need for well-designed human trials and dose-response studies before pharmaceutical or nutraceutical translation.