Study of Hypoglycaemic Activity ofCuminum nigrumSeeds in Normal and Alloxan Diabetic Rabbits

Abstract

Blood glucose and total lipid levels of normal and alloxantreated diabetic rabbits were determined after oral administration of various doses of the Cuminum nigrum L. seeds and their extracts in water and methanol. From the data obtained, it is concluded that the oral administration of 1,2, 3 and 4 g/kg of C. nigrum seeds produces a significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in diabetic rabbits. The water and methanol extracts also decreased the blood glucose level in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. However, the total blood lipids were not influenced by this substance in either normal or diabetic rabbits. The acute toxicity studies carried out on rabbits could not reveal any adverse or side effects of this folk medicine at the dosages tested. It is suggested that the C. nigrum seeds contain one or more hypoglycaemic principles which can significantly reduce the blood glucose but not total lipids level in normal rabbits and in those with alloxan-induced diabetes.

Amelioration of Alloxan Induced Diabetes mellitus and Oxidative Stress in Rats by Oil of <i>Eruca sativa</i> Seeds

“…These changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the liver. These results are in accordance with those of other investigations using different seed oils [13,14]. It is suggested that the active principles from plant sources might act by several mechanisms such as stimulating insulin secretion, increasing repair/proliferation of ß-cells, enhancing the effect of insulin and adrenaline and increasing the antioxidative capability [14,15].…”

Hypoglycaemic Potential of Mangifera indica Leaves in Rats

“…Horn (1956) reported that for screening purposes compounds with LD 50 greater than 3 to 5 gm/kg per os should be assumed relatively non-toxic. Likewise, other antihyperglycaemic plants viz., Euphorbia prostata, Fumaria parviflora (Akhtar et al, 1984), and Cuminum nigrum (Akhtar and Ali, 1985) have been found non-toxic at higher doses i.e. 6 and 8 gm/kg b.wt., respectively.…”

Hypoglycaemic activity of Spathodea campanulata stem bark decoction in mice

“…Furthermore, doses of 4 to 10 g/kg are regularly mentioned as hypoglycaemic screening doses in different species. Akhtar and Ali (1985) tested up to 8 g/kg of Cuminum nigrum in rabbits. Isolation of active principles will enable the study of dose related effects.…”