Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Seed Extract and its BioactiveCompound Thymoquinone on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

These preliminary findings demonstrate that the ethanol extract of <i>N. sativa</i> seeds and its active ingredient, thymoquinone have a protective effect against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The present study opens new vistas for the use of <i>N. sativa</i> and its bioactive compound, thymoquinone, regarding its clinical application as a new nontoxic antidiabetic agent for managing diabetes mellitus.