LINUM USITATISSIMUM IS THE BEST GLUCOSE LOWERING PLANT AS COMPARED TO NIGELLA SATIVA, TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM AND THEIR MIXTURE

Abstract

In vitro anti-diabetic activities of Nigella sativa (Black seed) (NS), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (TF), Linum usitatissimum (Linseed) (LU) and Mixture of NS and TF were studied in their acidic extracts. For this purpose a spectrophotometric method using ortho-toluidine reagent was employed. Calibration curve method was applied to determine the glucose content of all seeds. Results of in vitro study revealed that all seeds have their own glucose content. Maximum glucose content was present in mixture of NS and TF while minimum content was of LU. The already present content of glucose, affects the hypoglycemic activity of seeds. The anti-diabetic activity of seeds and their mixture varied with glucose concentration in acidic medium. Although maximum anti-diabetic ability was shown by LU. Mixture of NS and TF showed moderate glucose absorbing ability in acidic medium.