Study on Anti-hyperglycaemic and Hypolipidemic activity of Nigella Sativa Seeds

To evaluate the anti hyperglycaemic and hypolipidemic activity of chloroform extract of seeds of Nigella sativa in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Alloxon induced (150 mg/kg in normal saline i.p) diabetic rats were given chloroform extract of seeds of Nigella sativa (400mg/kg, 800mg/kg, 1200mg/kg p.o n=6) or Vehicle (Tween 80 dispersion in distilled water) or standard drug Gliclazide(10mg/kg p.o) for 28 days. The blood samples were withdrawn by tail venepuncture technique and analyzed for blood glucose level by commercial glucometer with test strips. For evaluating immediate effects, blood samples were analyzed at 4^th, 6^th, 8^th and 24^th hrs. on the first day. For sub-acute study, samples were analyzed for blood glucose on 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th days. On 28^th day, after overnight fasting blood samples were withdrawn by cardiac puncture under anaesthesia (Diazepam 5mg/kg + Ketamine 40mg/kg) and lipid profile estimated.

The chloroform extract of seeds of Nigella sativa have statistically significant immediate antihyperglycaemic effects-maximum effect after 6 hrs. of administration. On daily administration, it produced sustained fall in elevated blood glucose levels. Both the immediate and sustained effects were maximum in the dose of 800mg/kg of the extract. The extract of seeds of Nigella sativa reduced the Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TGL) and increased the High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Thus restores the normal lipid profile.

It is concluded that single oral administration of chloroform extract of seeds of Nigella sativa decreases the blood glucose levels. Continuous use of the extract has significant and sustained anti hyperglycaemic activity in alloxon induced diabetic rats. It also has a favorable effect on restoring the normal lipid profile.