Soni ANDRIAWAN, Hany HANDAJANI, Ahmad Shobrun JAMIL
Journal of Research in Pharmacy - 2026;30(2):367-380
This study explored the potential of Skeletonema costatum, antihyperglycemic as well as antihypercholesterolemic, in hypercholesterolemic and diabetic mice models and compared the effects of S. costatum in infusion (SCI) as well as powder (SCP) forms at two concentrations (being 2.5% and 5%) with standard treatments like glibenclamide for diabetes and simvastatin for hypercholesterolemia, with a no-treatment control. Across 21 days, SCP demonstrated meaningful and sustained reductions in blood glucose and cholesterol levels. The 2.5% SCP dose did better than the 5% dose, while SCI showed temporary effects, including initial drops followed by increases in glucose and cholesterol amounts, probably from quick metabolism. The SCP is in fact more effective given that it digests at a slower rate and steadily releases omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, also bioactive peptides, helping with improvement of insulin sensitivity, reduction in oxidative stress, including regulation of fat metabolism. Simvastatin did show a most pronounced cholesterol-lowering effect. This confirmed its efficacy as for a standard therapy. S. costatum, and SCP in particular, has potential for use as a natural alternative or as complementary therapy when it comes to diabetes and hypercholesterolemia management, the study highlights. Future investigations in humans should optimize dosing, explore synergistic effects with treatments, and evaluate long-term safety and potential.
