Potential health benefits of Nigella sativa on diabetes mellitus and its complications: A review from laboratory studies to clinical trials

Abstract

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.

Anti-diabetic effect of a combination of black seed (Nigella sativa) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum), a two-step study from bench to bed

“…In addition to its direct effects, NS may enhance the effectiveness of anti-diabetic drugs and exert a synergistic effect, thereby improving blood glucose management. Furthermore, the combination of NS with effective herbal drugs may reduce the required dosage and potential toxicity, leading to improved overall health outcomes for patients [31].…”

“…The impact of aldehyde compounds of CC on glycemic status is primarily attributable. The presence of these compounds can inhibit alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase, resulting in decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glucose uptake [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]. Furthermore, CC can stimulate insulin secretion by increasing calcium influx and influencing nesfatin-1 [36].…”

A Review of the Potential Health Benefits of Nigella sativa on Obesity and Its Associated Complications

“…Numerous studies have NS potential therapeutic effects in diseases such as diabetes mellitus [ 30 , 31 ], cancer [ 32 , 33 ] and neuroprotective activity [ 34 ]; and gastroprotective activity [ 35 ], cardioprotective activity [ 36 , 37 ], anti-dyslipidaemia and anti-obesity activity [ 38 ], to name a few. In addition, NS has anti-inflammatory activity, inhibits proinflammatory cytokines and eosinophils in rheumatoid arthritis [ 39 ] and responds well to the treatment of psoriasis [ 40 ].…”