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Introduction Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the principal bioactive ingredients proven to exhibit anti-diabetic effects. Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been found to be involved in antidiabetic effects in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediation of GLP-1 in the antidiabetic effect of TQ and to understand the possible mechanisms. Material and methods NCI-H716 cells and CHO-K1 cells were used to investigate the effects of TQ on GLP-1 secretion in vitro. In type 1 diabetic rats, the changes in plasma glucose and GLP-1 levels were evaluated with TQ treatment. Results The direct effect of TQ on imidazoline receptors (I-Rs) was identified in CHO-K1 cells overexpressing I-Rs. Additionally, in the intestinal NCI-H716 cells that may secrete GLP-1, TQ treatment enhanced GLP-1 secretion in a dose-dependent manner. However, these effects of TQ were reduced by ablation of I-Rs with siRNA in NCI-H716 cells. Moreover, these effects were inhibited by BU224, the imidazoline I2 receptor (I-2R) antagonist. In diabetic rats, TQ increased plasma GLP-1 levels, which were inhibited by BU-224 treatment. Functionally, TQ-attenuated hyperglycemia is also evidenced through GLP-1 using pharmacological manipulations. Conclusions This report demonstrates that TQ may promote GLP-1 secretion through I-R activation to reduce hyperglycemia in type-1 diabetic rats.