*2.3.1.4 Antidiabetic activity*

The administration of black cumin seed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for one month resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose, serum MDA, interleukin-6, and immunoglobulin A, G, and M, as well as a significant increase in endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, Glutathione-Stransferase, and catalase expression. Diabetes-induced elevations in tissue MDA and blood glucose were greatly reduced in rats treated with *N. sativa* extract and oil, as well as thymoquinone, and serum insulin and tissue SOD were dramatically enhanced. *N. sativa* and thymoquinone have been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetics and the preservation of -cells from oxidative stress [69].

A placebo was given to 99 diabetic patients in an experimental randomized controlled study, while two treatment groups received oral black seed oil. Black seed oil at 1.5 and 3 mL/day for 20 days resulted in significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin A1c and random blood sugar levels [70].
