The Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum Reduce Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum have been traditionally used for the treatment of obesity and several gastrointestinal diseases. We have recently demonstrated that the phytocomplex obtained from these algae (Gdue^™) controls postprandial glucose levels in a mouse model of steatohepatitis, a condition often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the effect of Gdue^™ on HOMA index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in overweight or obese subjects. Waist circumference decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment (112 ± 17 at t₀ vs 105 ± 13 cm after 6 months of treatment; p<0.0001). Both blood glucose and insulin levels were significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment with Gdue^™ (110 ± 15 at t₀ vs 98 ± 15 mg/dL after 6 months for glucose; p<0.0001; 22.6 ± 9.5 at t0 vs 17.8 ± 8.6 μU/mL after 6 months for insulin; p<0.05). Accordingly, HOMA index decreased significantly (6.103 ± 2.548 at t₀ vs 4.419 ± 2.382 after 6 months; p<0.01), suggesting an improvement of insulin sensitivity status. This phytocomplex represents a useful dietary supplement for controlling relevant metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as waist circumference, fasting insulin and glucose levels.