Anethum graveolens Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Lipid Abnormality in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Using of herbs as complementary medications for treatment of diseases has been prevailed in the world. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Anethum supplementation on insulin sensitivity, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. This randomized-double blind- placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 diabetic patients in Tabriz, Iran from January to March 2012. Intervention group received 3.3 g/day powder of Anethum for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, Triglyceride (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were assessed by enzymatic colorimetric method at onset and at the end of study. Serum insulin level was determined by ELISA method and HOMA-IR as an index of insulin resistance calculated as fasting concentrations of blood glucose (mg/dL)xfasting insulin (μU/ml) / 405. Supplementation of type 2 diabetic patients with Anethum had beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and some lipid profiles. Further scientific efforts with large sample size needed to confirm these results.