Thymoquinone > Diabetes

Thymoquine & Diabetes

Research on thymoquinone, the active compound in black seed oil, has shown promising results in managing diabetes. Clinical trials and animal studies suggest that Nigella sativa (black seed) can improve glycemic control, reduce oxidative stress, and offer protective benefits for diabetic complications.

Key Findings
  • Glycemic Control: Several studies indicate that Nigella sativa significantly improves glycemic control. For instance, a placebo-controlled clinical trial found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus experienced better glycemic management and reduced oxidative stress when taking black seed supplements.
  • Reduction in Blood Glucose: In diabetic hamsters, thymoquinone reduced hepatic glucose production, which can help lower blood sugar levels. Another study in diabetic rats demonstrated that both methanolic extract and commercial oil of Nigella sativa reduced blood glucose levels and enhanced antioxidant capacity.
  • Protective Effects: Research highlights the protective role of Nigella sativa in diabetic nephropathy, showing improvements in kidney function among diabetic patients. Additionally, long-term supplementation with black seed oil positively influenced lipid levels, blood pressure, and heart rate in type 2 diabetic patients.
Studies at a Glance
  • Thymoquinone reduces hepatic glucose production (Fararh KM et al., 2005)
  • Improves glycemic control and reduces oxidative stress (Kaatabi H et al., 2015)
  • Reduces blood glucose and enhances antioxidant capacity in diabetic rats (Houcher Z et al., 2007)
  • Protective role in diabetic nephropathy (Ansari ZM et al., 2017)
  • Positive effects on lipid levels, blood pressure, and heart rate (Badar A et al., 2017)
  • Effective in reducing serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight (Qidwai W et al., 2009)
Dosage and Suggested Use

Dosages of Nigella sativa (NS) vary widely depending on the form ingested (seed or oil). Most clinical trials administering oral doses to adults have used between 500 mg to 3 grams or 5 mL of NS oil daily without significant adverse events. It’s crucial to consider the standardization of the preparation. If using NS oil standardized to 3% thymoquinone (more concentrated than most commercially available material), smaller doses should be effective.

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