Comparing the Effects of Allicin and Thymoquinine on type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Nigella sativa (Black seed) and Allium sativum (garlic), are common dietary spices also traditionally used as a treatment for various diseases including diabetes mellitus. The antidiabetic activity of each individual spice is well documented.Purpose: This study aimed to compared the effect of the active ingredients of nigella sativa (Thymoquinone) and allium sativa (Allicin) on STZ induced type 1 diabetes in rats' model.Materials and Methods: Six equal sized groups of rats were used in this experiment. Five groups were injected with STZ to induce type 1 diabetes. Four groups received a daily dose of intraperitoneal injection of one of the following:  5mg/kg of Thymoquinone, 10mg/kg of Thymoquinone, 8mg/kg of Allicin, and 16 mg/kg of Allicin for four weeks. One STZ treated group was used as a positive control and the last non treated group was used as a negative control. At the end of the experimental period, the body weights, fasting glycose levels and insulin levels were tested and compared among these groups. Results: The results of the four treated groups were compared to the negative and positive control groups. The body weight for all four treated groups increased especially the group treated with 8mg/kg Allicin compared to the positive control group. FBG levels for all treated groups was also decreased. The group treated with 8mg/kg Allicin showed the best result where the FBS level were within the normal level by the end of the month. The group treated with 16mg/kg Allicin showed the best result for insulin level where it was restored by 79.26% compared to the control group. The other treated groups showed a very close results at the end of the month. The histology of pancreatic islets showed similar ameliorating effects in all of the four treated groups when compared to the positive control group. Conclusion:In conclusion, these experimental results indicate the use of Allicin showed the best impact on type 1 diabetes treatment.