title: Immunomodulatory effects of black seeds and garlic on alloxan-induced Diabetes in albino rat.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alteration in the proliferation capacity of leukocytes and in the level of some cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-8 have been suggested to associate with Diabetes mellitus in alloxan-induced diabetic rats given the potential immunomodulatory effects of black seeds and garlic.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to test the effects of these agents on the immune cells in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  To this end, Diabetes was induced in albino rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120mg/kg of body weight). Diabetic rats were then fed normal diet or diet with black seeds or garlic for 28 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed significant increase in the numbers of monocytes and granulocytes, but with significant decreases in lymphocyte proliferation and the TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-8 levels in the diabetic group. Treatment of diabetic rats with black seeds or garlic induced significant amelioration in the numbers of monocytes and granulocytes, with significant increase in lymphocytes numbers and the TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-8 levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate the potential beneficial effects of black seeds and garlic as adjuvant treatment during treatment of Diabetes.
authors: Department of Biology, Deanship of Preparatory Year, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia. manar_muhamad@yahoo.com
authors: Bahaa K A
authors: BK
authors: Abel-Salam
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D005737:Garlic / Q000276:immunology*; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D031881:Nigella sativa / Q000276:immunology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012639:Seeds / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D010936:Plant Extracts