Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from black cumin seeds, is renowned for its potent anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. Due to the stability challenges of TQ, it has predominantly been utilized in oil formulations. This study aimed to enhance the stability of TQ and investigate...

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Main Authors: Jongkyu Kim, Yoon-Seok Chun, Namkyu Yoon, Byungkwon Kim, Kiin Choi, Sae-Kwang Ku, Namju Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Antioxidants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/2/174
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author Jongkyu Kim
Yoon-Seok Chun
Namkyu Yoon
Byungkwon Kim
Kiin Choi
Sae-Kwang Ku
Namju Lee
author_facet Jongkyu Kim
Yoon-Seok Chun
Namkyu Yoon
Byungkwon Kim
Kiin Choi
Sae-Kwang Ku
Namju Lee
author_sort Jongkyu Kim
collection DOAJ
description Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from black cumin seeds, is renowned for its potent anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. Due to the stability challenges of TQ, it has predominantly been utilized in oil formulations. This study aimed to enhance the stability of TQ and investigated the impact of consuming insoluble fiber from black cumin seeds on restoring antioxidant function compromised by diabetes and improving hyperglycemia management. We evaluated the restorative effects of a 35-day administration of black cumin seed extract (BCS) on antioxidant function impaired by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, alongside structural and functional alterations in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. The results demonstrated significant improvements in organ weight, particularly in pancreatic tissue. Moreover, BCS administration markedly suppressed the expression of key genes associated with pancreatic dysfunction and damage, including caspase-3, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Through oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), BCS was found to effectively regulate chronic hyperglycemia and exhibit potential for managing acute hyperglycemia. These findings suggest that BCS not only addresses both glycemic and non-glycemic complications of diabetes but also offers a safe, long-term solution. Consequently, BCS emerges as a promising therapeutic agent for hyperglycemia management, including in prediabetic stages.
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spelling doaj-art-2eed018cb8664ebaa2e507150da7c66a2025-08-20T03:11:18ZengMDPI AGAntioxidants2076-39212025-01-0114217410.3390/antiox14020174Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic RatsJongkyu Kim0Yoon-Seok Chun1Namkyu Yoon2Byungkwon Kim3Kiin Choi4Sae-Kwang Ku5Namju Lee6AriBnC Co., Ltd., Yongin 16914, Republic of KoreaAriBnC Co., Ltd., Yongin 16914, Republic of KoreaAriBnC Co., Ltd., Yongin 16914, Republic of KoreaAriBnC Co., Ltd., Yongin 16914, Republic of KoreaAriBnC Co., Ltd., Yongin 16914, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Anatomy and Histology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of KoreaIntergrative Medicine Innovation Center, Wonkwang University, 460 Iksan-daero, Sindong, Iksan 54538, Republic of KoreaThymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from black cumin seeds, is renowned for its potent anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. Due to the stability challenges of TQ, it has predominantly been utilized in oil formulations. This study aimed to enhance the stability of TQ and investigated the impact of consuming insoluble fiber from black cumin seeds on restoring antioxidant function compromised by diabetes and improving hyperglycemia management. We evaluated the restorative effects of a 35-day administration of black cumin seed extract (BCS) on antioxidant function impaired by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, alongside structural and functional alterations in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. The results demonstrated significant improvements in organ weight, particularly in pancreatic tissue. Moreover, BCS administration markedly suppressed the expression of key genes associated with pancreatic dysfunction and damage, including caspase-3, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Through oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), BCS was found to effectively regulate chronic hyperglycemia and exhibit potential for managing acute hyperglycemia. These findings suggest that BCS not only addresses both glycemic and non-glycemic complications of diabetes but also offers a safe, long-term solution. Consequently, BCS emerges as a promising therapeutic agent for hyperglycemia management, including in prediabetic stages.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/2/174thymoquinone (TQ)black cumin seed extract (BCS)antioxidant functionstreptozotocin-induced diabeteshyperglycemia management
spellingShingle Jongkyu Kim
Yoon-Seok Chun
Namkyu Yoon
Byungkwon Kim
Kiin Choi
Sae-Kwang Ku
Namju Lee
Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Antioxidants
thymoquinone (TQ)
black cumin seed extract (BCS)
antioxidant function
streptozotocin-induced diabetes
hyperglycemia management
title Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
title_full Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
title_fullStr Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
title_short Effects of Black Cumin Seed Extract on Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation and Hypoglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
title_sort effects of black cumin seed extract on pancreatic islet β cell proliferation and hypoglycemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
topic thymoquinone (TQ)
black cumin seed extract (BCS)
antioxidant function
streptozotocin-induced diabetes
hyperglycemia management
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/2/174
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