Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) as a tool for helping with Metabolic support

Introduction Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) is recognized for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which may influence components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults with metabolic disorders. However, previous studies have reported inconclusive and sometimes conflicting results. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of cumin supplementation on MetS components in adults with metabolic disorders. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PubMed, was conducted up to April 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating cumin supplementation in adults with metabolic disorders. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. The search was restricted to studies published in English. Publication bias was assessed using Begg's test. Results A total of nine studies published between 2013 and 2020, with intervention durations ranging from 8 to 24 weeks, were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicate that cumin supplementation significantly affected several components of MetS. Specifically, cumin demonstrated a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) (SMD: -1.38; 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.50, p = 0.002; I 2 = 94.6%, p p = 0.044; I 2 = 88.7%, p p = 0.033; I 2 = 56.1%, p = 0.077). Additionally, cumin was associated with a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.02 to 1.52, p = 0.045; I 2 = 92.3%, p cumin could have more beneficial effects in older adults (>50 years old) in term of FBS and TG. Also, lower doses of cumin supplementation were responsive for improvement in FBS and HDL-C levels. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that cumin supplementation may have beneficial effects on several components of MetS, including FBS, lipid profile (TG and HDL-C), and WC, in adults with metabolic disorders. However, further high-quality, large-scale trials are needed to strengthen the evidence and confirm these findings.

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of cumin supplementation on markers of glycemic control in adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted up from inception to November 2020 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane electronic databases. Studies that compared the effect of cumin with placebo on fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in adults were considered eligible. Weighted mean difference (WMD) (with 95% confidence intervals) for endpoints were calculated using the random-effects model. Finally, a total of eight RCT studies involving 552 participants were included in the review. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that cumin supplementation did not significantly alter serum FBS (WMD: -17.77 mg/dl; 95% CI: -36.42 to 0.87, p = .06), insulin (WMD: -0.49 Hedges' g; 95% CI: -1.19 to 0.21, p =.16) levels and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.10, p = 0.48) index. These results do not support the use of cumin supplementation for improving glycemic markers in adults. However, further high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these results.

Spices and herbs are widely used for their flavor and therapeutic properties. This narrative review explores current evidence on spice and herb allergies in children, using a scoping approach to synthesize data from case reports, clinical, immunologic, molecular studies, regulatory sources, and previous reviews. Selected adult cases were included for context. Spice and herb allergies are increasingly recognized in children, with symptoms ranging from mild oral reactions to anaphylaxis. The most frequently implicated spices include mustard, celery, coriander, fennel, cumin, anise, pepper, and herbs from the Lamiaceae-family such as mint, oregano, and sage. Both IgE- and non-IgE-mediated mechanisms are involved, with cross-reactivity to pollens (birch and mugwort) being common. Diagnosis remains challenging due to limited standardized tests; oral food challenge is the gold standard. Management relies on strict allergen avoidance and emergency preparedness. Improved clinical awareness, diagnostic tools, and clearer labeling-especially regarding hidden allergens-are crucial for effective care.

Fibrillation of alpha-synuclein (α-SN) is a critical process in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease. Application of bioactive inhibitory compounds from herbal extracts is a potential therapeutic approach for this cytotoxic process. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the Iranian Cuminum cyminum essential oil on the fibrillation of α-SN. Analysis of different fractions from the total extract identified cuminaldehyde as the active compound involved in the antifibrillation activity. In comparison with baicalein, a well-known inhibitor of α-SN fibrillation, cuminaldehyde showed the same activity in some aspects and a different activity on other parameters influencing α-SN fibrillation. The presence of spermidine, an α-SN fibrillation inducer, dominantly enforced the inhibitory effects of cuminaldehyde even more intensively than baicalein. Furthermore, the results from experiments using preformed fibrils and monobromobimane-labeled monomeric protein also suggest that cuminaldehyde prevents α-SN fibrillation even in the presence of seeds, having no disaggregating impact on the preformed fibrils. Structural studies showed that cuminaldehyde stalls protein assembly into β-structural fibrils, which might be achieved by the interaction with amine groups through its aldehyde group as a Schiff base reaction. This assumption was supported by FITC labeling efficiency assay. In addition, cytotoxicity assays on PC12 cells showed that cuminaldehyde is a nontoxic compound, treatment with cuminaldehyde throughout α-SN fibrillation showed no toxic effects on the cells. Taken together, these results show for the first time that the small abundant natural compound, cuminaldehyde, can modulate α-SN fibrillation. Hence, suggesting that such natural active aldehyde could have potential therapeutic applications.