Role of Cumin in Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with respect to its Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Property

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disturbances associated with carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and relative or absolute insulin depletion. Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to the increased lipid peroxidation and decreased total antioxidant capacity followed by development of chronic complications due to oxidative stress. Cumin is one of the medicinal herbs which are being studied for antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cumin on glycemic status, oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in patients with T2DM. Two hundred patients with T2DM were selected in the randomized control trial, of which 100 subjects were enrolled as the study group was given 500 mg of cumin powder in capsule form daily along with their antidiabetic drug medication (Metformin) for 3 months period while 100 subjects on medication of antidiabetic drug (Metformin) were selected as the control group. Fasting plasma glucose, serum levels of lipid peroxidation in the form of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured at baseline and also after a period of 3 months intervention period. The result showed a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose level (FPGL), serum MDA and significant rise in serum TAC in study group by the end of 3 months of cumin supplementation period. Supplement action of cumin leads to improve antidiabetic, antioxidant and decrease oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes patients and could be useful in the management of T2DM.