Comparison of aniseeds and coriander seeds for antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities

AIM: In the present study, it was aimed to investigate and to compare the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds in type 2 diabetics as aniseeds and coriander seeds are rich in antioxidants and beneficial phytochemicals. METHODS: The antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aniseeds and coriander seeds were assessed in vivo by the administration of aniseed and coriander seed powder (5g/day) respectively to the selected two groups of type 2 diabetes patients for 60 days followed by the estimation of a no. of biochemical parameters viz. fasting glucose, lipid profile, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress as shown by increased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and increased activity of catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes, decreased serum beta carotene, vitamin A, E and C observed in diabetics were countered by aniseeds and coriander seeds in the respective treated groups. In addition, decreased activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme i.e. glutathione-S-tranferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were significantly improved in the treated-diabetics. CONCLUSION: Both the seeds significantly influenced almost all the parameters without any detrimental effects by virtue of a number of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals present in the seeds having therapeutic effects. The antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities exhibited by the seeds are a result of the synergistic action of the bioactive compounds present in the seeds.