Cumin
Cumin/Drug Interactions:
Analgesics, narcoticAnalgesics, narcotic: In animals, cumin has been shown to weaken morphine tolerance and dependence (5), and the essential oil reduced the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (107). AntibioticsAntibiotics: In animals, cumin enhanced the bioavailability of rifampicin, a drug used to treat tuberculosis, and produced an enhancement of rifampicin levels in rat plasma (7). In vitro, cumin possessed significant antibacterial properties, especially against Heliobacter pylori (70; 83; 6; 8; 9; 39). Antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been shown (12). Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In vitro, cumin inhibited arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation (20). AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: Based on in vitro study, extracellular application of the fruit essential oil of cumin decreased the frequency of spontaneous activity induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (50). The duration of the action potential was increased, the amplitude and peak were decreased, and the firing rate was inhibited. Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In a review, a limited number of studies reported cumin seeds as having hypoglycemic effects (56). The researchers attributed the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects to flavonoids present in cumin, most likely through potentiation of insulin secretion. Based on animal study using diabetic models, cumin (42) or a methanolic extract of cumin (41) resulted in a reduction in blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, and improved serum insulin content when compared to diabetic control rats. In healthy rabbits, cumin decreased the area under the glucose tolerance curve and the hyperglycemic peak during an oral glucose tolerance test (81). AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, cumin has shown antifungal activities against several soilborne phytopathogenic fungi, including Verticillium dahliae, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria mali (13). Antifungal effects of essential oil of cumin have also been shown against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Candida blanki, Candida cylindracea, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vitro (19). Other lab study has also demonstrated antifungal effects of cumin against aflatoxin (17), cumin oil against Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus IMI 120920 and Aspergillus fumigatus (16), and cumin hydrosols against Aspergillus parasiticus (15). Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: Based on in vitro study, the crude extract of cumin had anti-inflammatory activity determined by inhibition of trypsin, [beta]-glucuronidase and conjugated diene formation (21).Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: Animal data have suggested that cumin may decrease lipid levels in alcohol-induced and thermally oxidized oil-induced hepatotoxicity (55; 71). Decreased serum cholesterol has been observed in ovariectomized rats given a methanolic extract of cumin (54), and in diabetic rats given cumin (42). In diabetic rats, cumin was also found to decrease triglycerides (42). Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Based on animal study, cumin decreased levels of beta-glucuronidase in animals with elevated levels due to treatment with the carcinogen 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) (40). Histopathological studies also showed lesser infiltration into the submucosa, fewer papillae, and lesser changes in the cytoplasm of the cells in the colon. In mice, cumin seeds decreased neoplasia and hepatomas induced by carcinogenic agents (35). Based on animal study in a cancer model, cumin reduced the number of stomach tumors and the incidence of cervical carcinoma (37). Cytochrome P450 inhibitorsCytochrome P450 inhibitors: Based on animal study in a cancer model, cumin increased levels of cytochrome P450 (37); however, in separate animal study, cumin essential oil had a lack of an effect on cytochrome P450 activity (108). Drugs used for osteoporosisDrugs used for osteoporosis: Based on animal study, the methanolic extract of cumin inhibited ovariectomy-induced bone loss (61). Urinary calcium excretion was reduced, and bone calcium and mechanical strength was increased. Scanning electron microscope results showed greater bone and ash densities and improved microarchitecture of bones vs. rats not given cumin. Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In animal study, a spice mix containing cumin, as well as coriander, turmeric, red chili, and black pepper, enhanced the activities of pancreatic lipase, chymotrypsin, and amylase when consumed during the diet (47). There was also a stimulation of bile flow and bile acid secretion. The effects of cumin alone, however, are unclear. An aqueous extract of cumin infused into the stomach of rats increased acid secretion in injured stomachs (82). Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: Based on in vitro study, cumin had estrogenic effects, based on MCF-7 cells transfected with estrogen receptor and lucerifase reporter constructs (78). The estrogenic activity of cumin has also been investigated in rats (79). Further details are lacking. Cumin frequently contains genistein, which is a phytoestrogen (80). Immunomodulatory agentsImmunomodulatory agents: Based on animal study, cumin stimulated cyclosporine-A and restraint stress-induced immune suppression (57). In normal and cyclosporine-induced animals, cumin stimulated the T cell count (CD4 and CD8) and expression of Th1 cytokines. OpioidsOpioids: In animals, cumin has been shown to weaken morphine tolerance and dependence (5), and the essential oil reduced the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (107). Cumin/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animals, cumin has been shown to weaken analgesic (narcotic) tolerance and dependence (5). AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, cumin possessed significant antibacterial properties, especially against Heliobacter pylori (70; 83; 6; 8; 9; 39). Antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been shown (12). Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In vitro, cumin inhibited arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation (20). AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: Based on in vitro study, extracellular application of the fruit essential oil of cumin decreased the frequency of spontaneous activity induced by an anticonvulsant (50). The duration of the action potential was increased, the amplitude and peak were decreased, and the firing rate was inhibited. AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, cumin has shown antifungal activities against several soilborne phytopathogenic fungi, including Verticillium dahliae, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria mali (13). Antifungal effects of essential oil of cumin has also been shown against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Candida blanki, Candida cylindracea, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vitro (19). Other lab study has also demonstrated antifungal effects of cumin against aflatoxin (17), cumin oil against Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus IMI 120920 and Aspergillus fumigatus (16), and cumin hydrosols against Aspergillus parasiticus (15). Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: Based on in vitro study, the crude extract of cumin had anti-inflammatory activity determined by inhibition of trypsin, [beta]-glucuronidase, and conjugated diene formation (21).AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Animal data have suggested that cumin may decrease lipid levels in alcohol-induced and thermally oxidized oil-induced hepatotoxicity (55; 71). Decreased serum cholesterol has been observed in ovariectomized rats given a methanolic extract of cumin (54), and in diabetic rats given cumin (42). In diabetic rats, cumin was also found to decrease triglycerides (42). AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Based on animal study, cumin decreased levels of beta-glucuronidase in animals with elevated levels due to treatment with the carcinogen 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) (40). Histopathological studies also showed lesser infiltration into the submucosa, fewer papillae, and lesser changes in the cytoplasm of the cells in the colon. In mice, cumin seeds decreased neoplasia and hepatomas induced by carcinogenic agents (35). Based on animal study in a cancer model, cumin reduced the number of stomach tumors and the incidence of cervical carcinoma (37). AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In vitro, cumin contained compounds with significant antioxidant activities that affected the scavenging of free radicals (69; 3; 22; 21; 30; 24; 29). In animal study, cumin reversed metabolic trends associated with alcohol; these trends included lipid peroxidation, increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, and free fatty acids (FFA) in the liver, decreased levels of glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E in the liver and kidney, and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver (31). Cytochrome P450 inhibitorsCytochrome P450 inhibitors: Based on animal study in a cancer model, cumin increased levels of cytochrome P450 (37); however, in separate animal study, cumin essential oil had a lack of an effect on cytochrome P450 activity (108). Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: In animal study, a spice mix containing cumin, as well as coriander, turmeric, red chili, and black pepper, enhanced the activities of pancreatic lipase, chymotrypsin, and amylase when consumed during the diet (47). There was also a stimulation of bile flow and bile acid secretion. The effects of cumin alone, however, are unclear. An aqueous extract of cumin infused into the stomach of rats increased acid secretion in injured stomachs (82). Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: Based on in vitro study, cumin had estrogenic effects, based on MCF-7 cells transfected with estrogen receptor and lucerifase reporter constructs (78). The estrogenic activity of cumin has also been investigated in rats (79). Further details are lacking. Cumin frequently contains genistein, which is a phytoestrogen (80). HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In a review, a limited number of studies reported cumin seeds as having hypoglycemic effects (56). The researchers attributed the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects to flavonoids present in cumin, most likely through potentiation of insulin secretion. Based on animal study using diabetic models, cumin (42) or a methanolic extract of cumin (41) resulted in a reduction in blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, and improved serum insulin content when compared to diabetic control rats. In healthy rabbits, cumin decreased the area under the glucose tolerance curve and the hyperglycemic peak during an oral glucose tolerance test (81). In animal study, a combination of essential oils from various spices, including fenugreek, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, etc., decreased circulating glucose levels (45). Immunomodulatory herbs and supplementsImmunomodulatory herbs and supplements: Based on animal study, cumin stimulated cyclosporine A and restraint stress-induced immune suppression (57). In normal and cyclosporine-induced animals, cumin stimulated the T cell count (CD4 and CD8) and expression of Th1 cytokines. InsecticidesInsecticides: Cumin essential oil was effective against larvae of Lycoriella ingenua (58). Various constituents of cumin, including cuminaldehyde, were potentially effective. Essential of oil cumin also had insecticidal effects against the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (60). Effects included reduced oviposition potential, egg hatching rate, pupal formation, and emergence of adults of F(1) progeny. IronIron: Based on animal study, a cumin beverage extract increased iron absorption (109). Osteoporosis herbs and supplementsOsteoporosis herbs and supplements: Based on animal study, the methanolic extract of cumin inhibited ovariectomy-induced bone loss (61). Urinary calcium excretion was reduced and bone calcium, and mechanical strength was increased. Scanning electron microscope results showed greater bone and ash densities and improved microarchitecture of bones vs. rats not given cumin. Cumin/Food Interactions:
ProteinProtein: Based on animal study, addition of spices, including cumin, had a lack of an effect on protein digestibility of sorghum or chickpea (110). Cumin/Lab Interactions:
Advanced glycated end productsAdvanced glycated end products: Based on animal and in vitro study using a diabetic model, a methanolic extract of cumin resulted in a reduction in the formation of advanced glycated end products (AGE) (41; 41). Antioxidant statusAntioxidant status: In animal study, cumin reversed metabolic trends associated with alcohol; these trends included lipid peroxidation, increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, and free fatty acids (FFA) in the liver, decreased levels of glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E in the liver and kidney, and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver (31).Blood glucoseBlood glucose: Based on animal study using diabetic models, cumin (42) or a methanolic extract of cumin (41) resulted in a reduction in blood glucose. In healthy rabbits, cumin decreased the area under the glucose tolerance curve and the hyperglycemic peak during an oral glucose tolerance test (81). In animal study, a combination of essential oils from various spices, including fenugreek, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, etc., decreased circulating glucose levels (45). Blood urea nitrogenBlood urea nitrogen: Based on animal study using a diabetic model, a methanolic extract of cumin resulted in a reduction in blood urea nitrogen when compared to diabetic control rats (41). CalciumCalcium: Based on animal study, cumin reduced urinary calcium excretion and increased bone calcium (61). Cell countsCell counts: Based on animal study, a diet containing 10% Cuminum cyminum fruits resulted in leukopenia (84). Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In vitro, cumin inhibited arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation (20). CreatinineCreatinine: Based on animal study using a diabetic model, a methanolic extract of cumin resulted in a reduction in creatinine when compared to diabetic control rats (41). Gastric enzymesGastric enzymes: In animal study, a spice mix containing cumin, as well as coriander, turmeric, red chili, and black pepper, enhanced the activities of pancreatic lipase, chymotrypsin, and amylase when consumed during the diet (47). HbA1cHbA1c: Based on animal study using diabetic models, a methanolic extract of cumin or cumin resulted in a reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin when compared to diabetic control rats (41; 42). InsulinInsulin: Based on animal study using diabetic models, a methanolic extract of cumin or cumin resulted in improved serum insulin content when compared to diabetic control rats (41; 42). IronIron: Based on animal study, a cumin beverage extract increased iron absorption (109). Based on animal study, a diet containing 10% Cuminum cyminum fruits resulted in anemia (84). Lipid profileLipid profile: Based on animal study, cumin may decrease levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (55; 71; 54; 42). However, cumin had a lack of an effect on lowering cholesterol in all animal studies (111). Liver enzymesLiver enzymes: Based on animal study, a diet containing 10% Cuminum cyminum fruits resulted in increases in serum AST activity and urea (84). Liver fatty acidsLiver fatty acids: Based on animal study, cumin protected against ethanol- and thermally oxidized sunflower oil-induced alterations in liver phospholipid fatty acid composition (112). ProteinProtein: Based on animal study, a diet containing 10% Cuminum cyminum fruits resulted in decreased total protein and albumin levels (84). T cellT cell: Based on animal study, cumin stimulated the T cell count (CD4 and CD8) and expression of Th1 cytokines (57).