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This review aims to gather and summarize up-to-date information on the potential health benefits of Nigella sativa (NS) on diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications from different animal models, clinical trials and in vitro studies. DM is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders resulting from chronic hyperglycaemia due to problems in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It affects people regardless of age, gender and race. The main consequence of DM development is the metabolic dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. Current treatments for DM include pharmacological therapy, insulin and diabetic therapy targeting β cells. Some of these therapeutic approaches are promising; however, their safety and effectiveness remain elusive. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used and proven effective against diseases. These plants are believed to be effective and benefit physiological and pathological processes, as they can be used to prevent, reduce or treat multiple diseases. Nigella sativa Linn. is an annual indigenous herbaceous plant belonging to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family. NS exhibits multifactorial activities; it could ameliorate oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic and insulinotropic effects and inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. Thus, this review demonstrates the therapeutic potential of NS that could be used as a complement or adjuvant for the management of DM and its complications. However, future research should be able to replicate and fill in the gaps of the study conducted to introduce NS safely to patients with DM.

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Background & Aims: Undernutrition has a detrimental effect on health, especially in elderly individuals.Early detection of malnutrition and malnutrition risk allows for timely prevention and initiation of the necessary nutritional support. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly residents at the old folk home in Selangor, Malaysia. Materials and methods: A total of 46 Klang valley nursing facility residents were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. The Mini Nutritional AssessmentShort Form (MNA-SF), 24-hour food recall, Food frequency questionnaire, Habitual physical activity, 24- hours physical activity recall, and anthropometric measurements were used to assess malnutrition by a trained healthcare professional. Results: Of the 46 participants, 41% had adequate nutrition, 11% had malnutrition, and 48% had malnutrition risk. According to BMI, 6.7% of the population was underweight, 35.6% were overweight, 11.1% were obese, and 46.7% were normal weight. The energy consumption was 2453.9(±421.6) kcal for female residents and 2248.2(±536.5) kcal for male residents, which was higher than the Recommended Nutrient consumption (RNI). Contrary to the cereals and grains category, it was determined that enough fruits and vegetables were consumed, as advised by the Food Pyramid. Consumption of milk and dairy products was higher than suggested by the Food Pyramid. Among older adults who are sedentary and inactive, results showed a higher incidence of malnutrition than those who were at risk for it. The amount of daily energy consumed surpassed the RNI, and the elderly did not consume enough of the food groups as advised by the Food Pyramid.