Pharmacoinformatics and ex vivo studies of carotenoids from green algae Caulerpa racemosa as functional biomolecules to modulate type-2 diabetes markers

The escalating prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2D) necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches. Carotenoids, natural pigments with potent antioxidant properties, have garnered attention for their role in modulating metabolic pathways associated with T2D. This study investigates the potential of carotenoids derived from the green algae Caulerpa racemosa as functional biomolecules for T2D management. Utilizing pharmacoinformatics, we identified potential drug targets and predicted interactions between carotenoids and key proteins involved in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The carotenoid extract (CrE) was prepared through maceration, and its composition was analyzed using UHPLC-ESI/HRMS/MSn. Bioactivity prediction and network pharmacology analyses were conducted to assess the therapeutic potential of identified compounds. Molecular docking simulations revealed favorable binding-free energies of CrE carotenoids with proteins such as MAPK3, AKT1, and PPARG, suggesting their role in regulating lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. In vitro studies on 3T3-L1 mouse cells demonstrated that CrE and its individual compounds (Astaxanthin and Canthaxanthin) significantly reduced cell viability, comparable to the antidiabetic drug pioglitazone. These findings underscore the potential of C. racemosa carotenoids as antidiabetic agents, offering a novel approach to T2D management through natural bioactive compounds.