“C-phycocyanin from cyanobacteria: a therapeutic journey from antioxidant defence to diabetes management and beyond”

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing global epidemic, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which accounts for 90% of cases. Despite the availability of various antidiabetic treatments, the long-term management of DM remains a challenge due to the side effects of conventional drugs and the disease’s progressive complications, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, atherosclerosis, and neuropathy. C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a bluish-green protein derived from cyanobacteria, seaweeds, and algae, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiglycation properties. Studies suggest that C-PC can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit key enzymes like α-amylase and β-glucosidase, and mitigate the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), all of which are central to DM pathogenesis. This review critically assesses the existing literature on C-PC’s role in diabetes management, focusing on its mechanisms of action and its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent. Our findings underscore the significance of C-PC as a promising alternative for DM treatment, and we highlight the need for further research to fully understand its therapeutic potential and application in clinical settings.