Nigella Sativa Supplementation in Hyperlipidemia Treatment

March 21, 2025 updated by: Hande Seven Avuk, Istanbul Bilgi University

Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil Supplementation and Dietary Intervention on Lipid Profile in Overweight Adults with Hyperlipidemia: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Hyperlipidemia is defined as an elevation of plasma cholesterol, lipid, or lipoprotein levels above normal due to abnormal fat metabolism or function, and individuals with hyperlipidemia are approximately twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The first approach to treating hyperlipidemia is lifestyle changes, including dietary therapy and physical activity. In addition to traditional methods, treatments also include pharmacological interventions, and research on natural products and complementary therapies is increasing to increase the effectiveness of these treatment approaches. In this context, Nigella Sativa (NS) oil has emerged as a promising natural option in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity in recent years.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of NS oil supplementation given together with dietary intervention in individuals diagnosed with mild obesity.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

  • Does Nigella Sativa supplementation improve blood lipid profiles in overweight or obese individuals?
  • Does Nigella Sativa supplementation improve body composition in overweight or obese individuals?

Participants were individuals who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia according to American Heart Association criteria as a result of medical evaluation by a cardiologist and who were deemed appropriate to use black seed oil supplements. Those who volunteered to participate in the study were included in the study.

The researchers are examining whether there is any effect on biochemical and anthropometric parameters by giving Nigella Sativa supplementation to a group in addition to a low-calorie diet for eight weeks.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This research, which is a randomized controlled intervention study, was conducted between June 2023 and February 2024 with adult individuals with a BMI>25 kg/m2 who applied to the Cardiology Polyclinic of Karamürsel State Hospital and were referred to a nutrition and diet specialist after being diagnosed with hyperlipidemia according to AHA criteria by the physician.

Sample Selection and Randomization The sample size of the study was calculated using the G-Power 3.1.9 analysis program with a medium effect size (d=0.60), 90% power, α: 0.05 and 1-β: 0.95, with a minimum of 32 people in each group, 64 people were included. The 64 people who met the inclusion criteria were assigned to the intervention (n=32) and control (n=32) groups using the block randomization method, with similar age and gender.

Inclusion Criteria from the Study Individuals who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia between the ages of 18-65, who did not have any serious comorbidities (kidney, liver and immune deficiency, oncological and psychiatric diseases), who were not pregnant or breastfeeding, who did not take any nutritional supplements including black seed, who did not have a known history of allergy to black seed and its products, who did not use medications that could interact with black seed oil (anticoagulant, antihypertensive, etc.), who did not use antilipidemic or anticholesterolemic medications, who did not do heavy exercise, who did not consume alcohol regularly and who did not have any special diet requirements were included in the study.

Data Collection Tools Research data were recorded using a questionnaire form, anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests and the IPAQ form.

Survey Form: Sociodemographic information, smoking and nutritional habits of the participants were recorded in the survey form.

Anthropometric Measurements: At the beginning and end of the study, body weights and analyses were performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) with a sensitivity of 50 grams in accordance with the measurement standards. According to the BIA analysis, fat ratio (%), fat mass, fat-free mass, muscle mass and total body water were evaluated. At the beginning and end of the study, waist, hip and neck circumferences were measured with a non-stretchable tape measure, paying attention to anthropometric measurement standards. Waist/height and waist/hip values were calculated. Height (cm) was measured with a stadiometer in the Frankfort plane, standing and with the head upright. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated according to the body weight (kg) / height (m)2 formula and classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ): IPAQ-Short form, developed by Craig et al. and whose Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Öztürk, was used to assess the physical activity levels of the participants. Physical activity levels were classified as light, moderate and vigorous active.

Biochemical Tests: Participants' biochemical tests (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, ALT and AST) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.

Research Plan In this study, 64 hyperlipidemic individuals with BMI>25 kg/m2 were divided into 2 groups as control (n=32 individuals) and intervention (n=32 individuals). The control group was given a low-fat, low-cholesterol weight loss diet specific to the individual for 8 weeks, while the intervention group (n=32) was given a similar diet along with 2x900 mg black seed oil in softgels. Questions regarding the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity habits were recorded on a questionnaire form through face-to-face interviews. Participants attended face-to-face dietician control interviews every two weeks to observe compliance with the nutrition programs throughout the study.

Diet Plan: While determining the daily energy needs of the participants, the resting metabolic rate was calculated with the Mifflin-St.Jeor formula. The physical activity levels of the individuals were determined using the IPAQ-Short Form. The thermic effect of the nutrients was taken as 10% and the total daily energy requirement was calculated. In order for the participants to lose weight, 500 calories were subtracted from the total energy requirement. A nutrition program was given in accordance with the diet recommendations created by the American Heart Association (AHA) for hyperlipidemic individuals.

Black seed oil: In this study, black seed oil in the form of 900 mg softgels was administered orally to the intervention group at a dose of 2x900 mg. Black seed oil obtained by the cold-pressing method (TAB İlaç Sanayi A.Ş., Esenyurt, İstanbul) is in softgel form. The product is a licensed supplement with the TR-34-K-210340 certificate by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) and the Food Supplement Approval Number 003683-21.12.2017 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Some studies investigating the effects of black seed oil on hyperlipidemia and other health problems show that 1-2 g of black seed or 500-1000 mg of black seed oil per day may be effective. These doses are usually taken in two divided doses daily. Moreover, a daily therapeutic dose of 2000 mg N.S has been considered safe in previous studies. Human and animal models showed no serious side effects or toxicological effects caused by the plant. The black seed oil capsules given to the participants were provided by the researcher.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

64

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey
      • İstanbul, Turkey
        • Istanbul Bilgi University

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adults individuals who were diagnosed hyperlipidemia
  • Individuals suitable for taking Nigella satvia supplement
  • Individuals BMI>25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Chronic liver disease,
  • Chronic kidney disease,
  • Heart failure, infarction or cerebrovascular disease,
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
  • Severe psychiatric disorders,
  • Oncological diseases,
  • Individuals using medications that could interact with black seed oil (anticoagulant, antihypertensive, etc.)
  • Individuals using antilipidemic or anticholesterolemic medications
  • Individuals did not do heavy exercise
  • Individuals using any nutritional supplement
  • Individuals have a known history of allergy
  • Individuals did not consume alcohol regularly
  • Individuals with special dietary needs

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Nigella Sativa Group
Nigella Sativa oil supplement and low calorie diet intervention
Dietary supplement: Nigella Sativa Oil capsule
8 weeks 2 x 900 mg Nigella Sativa oil capsule daily
Behavioral: Diet
Low calorie diet intervention
Placebo Comparator: Control Group
low calorie diet intervention
Behavioral: Diet
Low calorie diet intervention

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Biochemical Measurements - fasting blood glucose
Time Frame: 8 weeks
fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse
8 weeks
Biochemical Measurement
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Participants' biochemical tests (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, (mg/dL) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
8 weeks
Biochemical Measurements - Liver Enzymes
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Participants' liver enzymes tests (ALT and AST) (IU) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Body weight (kg)
Time Frame: 8 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, body weights (kg) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) with a sensitivity of 50 grams in accordance with the measurement standards.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Height
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Height (cm) was measured with a stadiometer in the Frankfort plane, standing and with the head upright.
8 weeks
Body Mass Index
Time Frame: 8 weeks
The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated according to the body weight (kg) / height (m)2 formula.
8 weeks
Body Mass Index Classification
Time Frame: 8 weeks
The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was overweight and ≥ 30 kg/m2 was obese.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat Mass
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Body fat mass (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat ratio calculation
Time Frame: 8 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, body composition analyses were performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) with the measurement standards. According to the BIA analysis, fat ratio (%) was calculated as the ratio of total body fat weight to total body weight as a percentage.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat-free mass
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Fat-free mass (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Muscle mass
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Muscle mass (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Total body water
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Total body water (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist circumference
Time Frame: 8 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, waist circumference were measured with a non-flexible tape measure at the midpoint between the lowest rib bone and the cristailiac crest.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Hip circumference
Time Frame: 8 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, in measuring hip circumference, the individual was asked to stand upright with their arms at their sides and their feet side by side. Frankfort plane was provided. The individual stood on their right side. The highest point on the hip (from the side) was determined and the circumference was measured with a tape measure.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Neck circumference
Time Frame: 8 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, neck circumference measurement was made with a tape measure just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Height Ratio
Time Frame: 8 weeks
At the beginning and end of the study, waist/height ratio was obtained by dividing waist circumference by height.
8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Hip Ratio
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Waist/hip ratio was obtained by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference.
8 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Physical Activity
Time Frame: 1 week
International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form developed by Craig et al. and whose Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Öztürk, was used to assess the physical activity levels of the participants. Physical activity levels were classified as light, moderate and vigorous active.
1 week

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Istanbul Bilgi University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Hande Seven Avuk, PhD, Istanbul Bilgi University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

June 1, 2023

Primary Completion (Actual)

February 28, 2024

Study Completion (Actual)

February 28, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 9, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 21, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 25, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 21, 2025

Last Verified

March 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • NSHYPERLIPIDEMIA

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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