Hypoglycaemic effects of caraway seeds and its oil in rats

Hypoglycaemic effects of caraway seeds, and the aqueous extract, petroleum ether extract and methanolic extract of the defatted marc were studied on normoglycaemic as well as hyperglycaemic rats. Further the effect of caraway seeds was also studied on serum insulin level. A significant decrease in blood glucose with corresponding increase in insulin was observed with 3 g/kg of the seeds powder in normoglycaemic rats. It also improved glucose tolerance of the animal by increasing insulin secretion response to glucose load. The aqueous and methanolic extracts did not show any effect. The dose dependent decrease in blood glucose was observed with petroleum ether extract (caraway seed oil) in normoglycaemic rats. Moreover, the oil also improved glucose tolerance in the animal. The effects were similar to those observed with tolbutamide (0.5 g/kg) but of longer duration. It is suggested that the hypoglycaemic effect of caraway seeds is through pancreas and the active principle is in oily fraction only.