International Journal of Biology Research

Authors
Sreeharshini O, Rahul A

Abstract
The pharmacological effects in terms of anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anticancer properties of the methanolic seed extracts of N. sativa and Cuminum cyminum were studied extensively. An extensive phytochemical screening was done on the extracts obtained to acquire an understanding of the bioactivity of all compounds present. Standard DPPH assays were performed for evaluation antioxidant activity, where N. sativa showed a greater scavenging activity than Cuminum cyminum. MTT assays were employed to calculate the anti-proliferative nature of both seed extracts. The results showed an exponential increase in the cytotoxicity with increase in the extract concentration, against breast cancer cells. Unfortunately, the seed extracts did not show any promising anti-diabetic activity as inferred from the α-amylase assay. The comparative assessment carried out gave a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological of these spices that are so commonly used in the standard Indian diet.