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Thymoquinone with Metformin Decreases Fasting, Post Prandial Glucose, and HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Shoukath M Ali1, Paul Chen1, Saifuddin Sheikh1

  • 1Jina Pharmaceuticals Inc., Libertyville, IL, USA.

Drug Research
|March 8, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Thymoquinone (TQ) combined with metformin significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels in diabetic mice and patients. This combination therapy shows promise for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus more effectively than metformin alone.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Endocrinology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Metabolic Diseases Research

Background:

  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern requiring effective antihyperglycemic agents.
  • Metformin is a first-line treatment, but additional therapies are often needed.
  • Thymoquinone (TQ), a compound from Nigella sativa, has shown potential biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of Thymoquinone (TQ) in a diabetic mouse model.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of TQ in combination with metformin in patients with T2DM.

Main Methods:

  • Diabetic mice were treated with TQ (50 mg/kg) and metformin daily for 21 days.
  • A 90-day randomized, 3-arm study in 60 T2DM patients evaluated TQ (50 mg or 100 mg) with metformin (1000 mg) versus metformin alone.
  • Blood glucose, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Combination therapy of TQ and metformin significantly reduced blood glucose in diabetic mice compared to metformin alone.
  • In T2DM patients, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels decreased in all groups, with greater reductions observed in the TQ-treated groups (50 mg and 100 mg TQ).
  • Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels showed a more significant reduction in patients receiving TQ in combination with metformin.

Conclusions:

  • Thymoquinone (50 mg and 100 mg) in combination with metformin (1000 mg) demonstrated improved antihyperglycemic effects in T2DM patients.
  • The combination therapy resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c and blood glucose levels compared to metformin monotherapy.
  • TQ shows potential as an adjunct therapy for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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