Porphyridium cruentum, known as red microalga, is able to produce extra-cellular polysaccharides (EPs) that have beneficial health effects. In this study, the effect of P. cruentum biomass and EPs with various doses was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats to determine their antihyperglycemic activity and its potential mechanism. The doses of biomass were 600, 1200 and 1800 mg/kg body weight (BW) while the doses of EPs were 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg BW. P. cruentum biomass and EPs could slightly reduce food intake in STZ-diabetic rats as compared with diabetic group. After a 14-day treatment, P. cruentum EPs could decrease blood glucose levels of STZ-induced diabetic rats while P. cruentum biomass at all doses could not. P. cruentum EPs was as effective as glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels of diabetic rats. In addition, P. cruentum EPs could significantly increase (p < 0.05) Langerhans islets areas, the number of β-cells and the height of intestinal villi. Treatment with 450 mg/kg BW of EPs resulted in the most effective antihyperglycemic activity. Thus, P. cruentum has the potential to resolve hyperglycemic and diabetic problems.
Keywords: Anti-diabetic activity; Biomass; Extra-cellular polysaccharide; In vivo study; Red microalga.
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