Preprint / Version 1

Mechanism of the antidiabetic action of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: a review

Authors

  • Arslan Shaukat Department of Physiology, Government College University - GCU, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
  • Arsalan Zaidi National Probiotic Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College - NIBGE-C, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
  • Haseeb Anwar Department of Physiology, Government College University - GCU, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
  • Nadeem Kizilbash Department Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

Keywords:

diabetes mellitus, Nigella sativa, antioxidant, thymoquinone, anti-glycemic, gut microbiota

Abstract

Introduction Long used in traditional medicine, Nigella sativa (NS; Ranunculaceae) has shown significant efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM) management by improving glucose tolerance, decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis, normalizing blood sugar and lipid imbalance, and stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells. In this review, the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of NS as a herbal diabetes medication are examined in depth, demonstrating how it counteracts oxidative stress and the onset and progression of DM. Methods This literature review drew on databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed and various gray literature sources using search terms like the etiology of diabetes, conventional versus herbal therapy, subclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, physiology, behavior, and clinical outcomes. Results The efficiency and safety of NS in diabetes, notably its thymoquinone (TQ) rich volatile oil, have drawn great attention from researchers in recent years; the specific therapeutic dose has eluded determination so far. TQ has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties but has not proved druggable. DM’s intimate link with oxidative stress, makes NS therapy relevant since it is a potent antioxidant that energizes the cell’s endogenous arsenal of antioxidant enzymes. NS attenuates insulin resistance, enhances insulin signaling, suppresses cyclooxygenase-2, upregulates insulin-like growth factor-1, and prevents endothelial dysfunction in DM. Conclusion The interaction of NS with mainstream drugs, gut microbiota, and probiotics opens new possibilities for innovative therapies. Despite its strong potential to treat DM, NS and TQ must be examined in more inclusive clinical studies targeting underrepresented patient populations. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, Nigella sativa, antioxidant, thymoquinone, anti-glycemic, gut microbiota

Author Biography

Arsalan Zaidi, National Probiotic Laboratory, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College - NIBGE-C, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences - PIEAS, Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan

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