metformin + thymoquinone

Metformin + thymoquinone is an investigational combination therapy consisting of the antidiabetic drug metformin and the bioactive compound thymoquinone (TQ), a major constituent of Nigella sativa (black seed) oil. This combination has been studied for its potential synergistic effects in both oncology and metabolic diseases. In preclinical studies, the combination demonstrated enhanced inhibition of proliferation in leukemia cell lines compared to either agent alone, with evidence suggesting that sequential administration may yield stronger synergistic effects than simultaneous dosing[1][4]. In clinical studies involving patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, co-administration of TQ with standard-dose metformin resulted in greater reductions in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, and HbA1c levels compared to metformin monotherapy[2][5]. The mechanisms are thought to involve complementary actions on cellular metabolism—metformin primarily acts by decreasing hepatic glucose output via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), while TQ exhibits antioxidant properties and modulates multiple signaling pathways involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and insulin sensitivity.

Other names

metformin and thymoquinonemetformin plus thymoquinonemetformin/TQ