Effects of Nigella sativa Oil on Some Blood Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Forty one type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients, selected and registered in accordance with especially laid down criteria were studied for the effect of Nigella sativa oil. All patients consumed Nigella sativa oil for 40 d followed by a placebo for another 40 d. Fasting blood sample of each subject was collected on 0, 40th and 80th day of the study. Glucose, insulin, platelet count, total leukocyte count, ALT, AST and blood urea were analyzed using standard methods. SPSS version-12 was used for statistical analysis and all the phases were compared by paired sample test. A significant fall in fasting blood glucose and rise in insulin and AST levels was observed after treatment with Nigella sativa oil as compared to concurrent control levels. Glucose and insulin levels significantly reversed after the placebo administration. Platelet count, total leukocyte count, ALT and blood urea remained statistically unchanged after Nigella sativa oil treatment or placebo as compared to the baseline levels. It is concluded that Nigella sativa oil may play a role in management of type 2 diabetes with reasonable renal and hepatic safety.