Twice daily oral administration of Palmaria palmata protein hydrolysate reduces food intake in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, improving glycaemic control and lipid profiles

This study investigated the antihyperglycaemic effectiveness of an oral Palmaria palmata protein hydrolysate (PPPH), versus metformin, upon metabolic control in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Mice were administered PPPH (50 mg/kg bodyweight) or metformin (200 mg/kg bodyweight) by oral gavage twice-daily for 18 days. Blood glucose and plasma insulin were measured every third day. PPPH caused a significant reduction in blood glucose (p < 0.001) and a significant increase in plasma insulin (p < 0.001) versus STZtreated saline controls. PPPH treatment reduced energy intake (p < 0.05), bodyweight (p < 0.01) and total plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (p < 0.01) after 18 days. Terminal oral glucose tolerance (Day 18, p < 0.05), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), HbA1C (p < 0.01), plasma cholesterol (p < 0.01) and plasma triglycerides (p < 0.05) were significantly improved versus STZ-treated saline controls. All groups showed significant increases in pancreatic islet area, β-cell area, and β:α cell ratio. PPPH demonstrated potent antidiabetic potential in vivo through reduced food intake and improved beta-cell function.