Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as Potential Functional Food Ingredients for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Seaweed extracts matched or exceeded the enzyme-inhibiting activity of prescription drugs: Palmaria palmata peptides matched captopril for ACE-1 inhibition, and Alaria esculenta polyphenols outperformed both acarbose and orlistat for alpha-amylase and lipase inhibition.
Key Numbers
P. palmata peptides ACE-1 IC50: 94.29 mcg/mL (vs captopril 91.83). A. esculenta polyphenols alpha-amylase IC50: 147.04 (vs acarbose 185.67). A. esculenta lipase IC50: 106.21 (vs orlistat 139.74). U. lactuca polysaccharides alpha-amylase IC50: 168.06 (vs acarbose 185.67).
How They Did This
In vitro enzyme inhibitory assays for ACE-1, alpha-amylase, and lipase. Compared seaweed extracts (peptides, polyphenols, polysaccharides) to reference drugs. Proximate analysis of protein, fiber, and fatty acid content.
Why This Research Matters
Metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity) affects millions. Natural seaweed-derived alternatives could provide dietary approaches to managing these conditions with fewer side effects.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
In vitro assay only. Enzyme inhibition in a test tube does not guarantee in vivo efficacy. Bioavailability after oral consumption unknown. Seaweed composition varies by season and location.
Trust & Context
- Original Title:
- Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as Potential Functional Food Ingredients for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome.
- Published In:
- Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 14(2) (2025)
- Authors:
- Shannon, Emer, Hayes, Maria
- Database ID:
- RPEP-13543
Evidence Hierarchy
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-13543APA
Shannon, Emer; Hayes, Maria. (2025). Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as Potential Functional Food Ingredients for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome.. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020284
MLA
Shannon, Emer, et al. "Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as Potential Functional Food Ingredients for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome.." Foods (Basel, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020284
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as Pote..." RPEP-13543. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/shannon-2025-alaria-esculenta-ulva-lactuca
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.