Evaluation of Metformin and Nigella Sativa in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Hypothyroidism: A Hormonal and Biochemical Study in Male Rats

Abstract

Diabetes and hypothyroidism are common hormonal disorders that negatively affect metabolic function. The relationship between the two diseases is reciprocal, meaning that people with one are more likely to develop the other. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of metformin and black seed (Nigella sativa) in the treatment of male rats with type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. The experiment was designed with 120 male Wistar rats (weighing 200-250 grams) divided to 6 groups (20 rats per group). The first groups were control group (G1), receiving no treatment other than normal saline. The remaining five groups underwent induction of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a single intraperitoneal dose of alloxan, and symptoms of diabetes were observed 72 hours after the alloxan injection. Following diabetes induction, the second group received no treatment. The third group was treated with metformin, the fourth with black seed extract, and the fifth with a combination of metformin and black seed extract, all administered once daily for 30 days. The sixth group was unique in its treatment duration. After induction of type 2 diabetes mellitus and observation of clinical signs confirming diabetes 72 hours later, hypothyroidism was induced through oral administration of carbimazole for 28–30 days. After conducting hormonal tests and confirming hypothyroidism in addition to clinical signs, they were treated with metformin and black seed extract together for thirty days. The hormonal and biochemical indicators were measured, including thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH), fasting blood glucose levels and body weight. The measurements showed that the combined administration of metformin and black seed extract, as well as treatment with each alone, significantly regulated thyroid hormone levels and significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels and improve body weight compared to the (G1) and untreated type 2 diabetes group(G2). The results demonstrate that the combined administration of metformin and black seed extract has a significant effect on enhancing metabolic and hormonal indicators in diabetic and hypothyroid rats.