Nigella Sativa's Effect on Biochemical as well as Anthropometric Parameters in Diabetic Rats on High Fat Diet

Abstract

Objective: Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds and its crude extract or essential oils have been widely used traditionally for nutritional and medicinal applications in Asian countries. Its effects on diabetics with high fat diet consumption have not been adequately studied. This study was undertaken to study its effects on body weight, abdominal girth, lipid profile and plasma glucose levels in diabetic high fat diet fed rats. Materials and Methods : Streptozotocin induced male Wistar rats were fed high fat diet [5130 kcal] for 4 weeks after which they were given vehicle, Nigella sativa ethanolic extract (300mg/kg), Nigella sativa ethanolic extract (600 mg) or metformin (100 mg). Lipid profile, blood glucose, body weight & abdominal girth were measured. Results: Nigella sativa ethanolic extract (600 mg) caused significant reduction in blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and non HDL cholesterol comparable to metformin. Conclusion : Nigella sativa shows anti-hyperglycemic effects and improvement in lipid profile in diabetic high fat diet fed rats which is comparable to metformin. Further studies are required to advocate its use in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemias. Keywords: Nigella sativa, diabetes mellitus, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, high fat