A Review of the Potential Health Benefits of Nigella sativa on Obesity and Its Associated Complications

Abstract

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and its prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. It is considered a major risk factor for the development of several comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, other cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. Conventional treatments for obesity, such as dietary interventions, exercise and pharmacotherapy, have proven to have limited effectiveness and are often associated with undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative therapeutic approaches. Nigella sativa (NS), a medicinal plant with multiple pharmacological properties, has gained attention due to its potential role in the treatment of obesity and its associated complications. The aim of this review is therefore to assess the effects of NS on obesity and its complications and to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms. From this review, NS appears to play a complementary or supportive role in the treatment of obesity and its complications. However, future studies are needed to verify the efficacy of NS in the treatment of obesity and its complications and to prove its safety so that it can be introduced in patients with obesity.

Anti-diabetic effect of a combination of black seed (Nigella sativa) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum), a two-step study from bench to bed

“…The impact of aldehyde compounds of CC on glycemic status is primarily attributable. The presence of these compounds can inhibit alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase, resulting in decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glucose uptake [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]. Furthermore, CC can stimulate insulin secretion by increasing calcium influx and influencing nesfatin-1 [36].…”

Identification of dual-target isoxazolidine-isatin hybrids with antidiabetic potential: Design, synthesis, in vitro and multiscale molecular modeling approaches

“…More than 65% of people with diabetes die from the disease with T2DM (Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) accounting for more than 90% is by far the most often prominent of them, which results from the combination of genetic factors, environmental and lifestyle factors [ [17] , [18] , [19] ]. Controlling (retarding, regulating and/or inhibiting) the post-prandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose or promoting the conversion of glucose remains is one of the best strategies for the effective treatment of type 2 diabetes [ [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] ]. Conventionally, α-amylase is used in the hydrolysis of long-chain of α-1,4-glycosidic linkage starch to smaller oligosaccharides and α-glucosidase expressed in the small intestine and typically cleaves the glucosidic bonds of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides into glucose units [ [25] , [26] , [27] ].…”