Chemical Analysis and Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Bunium Persicum Seeds

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional use of Bunium persicum seeds are well known in urinary and digestive disorders. Limited studies in Iran and Pakistan revealed that supplementation of B .persicum seeds (1000 mg in capsules) to over-weight and obese patients with type 2 diabetic patients declined their fasting blood glucose, HOMA-insulin resistance and body mass index (1), needs further exploration.

Methodology:   The seeds of B. persicum were procured, authenticated and washed several times with tap water and dried under Sun-light. The crude powder  of dried seeds were extracted with 95 % ethanol. The ethanolic extract of the dried seeds was analyzed by GC-MS. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used as a model for determining blood glucose lowering activity in crude ethanolic extract of B. persicum. Skeletal muscle cell lines (L6 myc) were used for determining cytotoxicity of crude ethanolic extract of B.persicum seeds.

Result: The major five compounds identified in ethanolic extract of B .persicum seeds were  Cuminaldehyde, ɑ -pinene beta myrcen, 3-carene, benzenemethaneamine, dl-limonene,1,8-cineole, gamma–terpinene , alpha-thujone, camphene, alpha terpinene, and 1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1) –heptan-2-ol,p-menth-2-en-1-ol. The ethanolic extract when given to Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at 250 mg/kg showed significant lowering in fasting blood glucose profile.

Conclusion:  Crude powder of B.persicum seeds revealed 17 compounds whereas the major ones are five i.e. Cuminaldehyde, ɑ -pinene beta myrcen, 3-carene, benzenemethaneamine, and demonstrated significant blood glucose lowering activity diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin.