Effect of daily consumption of <em>Nigella sativa</em> seed on serum lipids in adult subjects

Abstract

Background:The lipid lowering effects of Nigella sativa extracts have been reported in numerous research works. In Benin, Nigella sativa seeds are consumed by the populations in order to treat various ailments and diseases. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the effect of daily consumption of Nigella sativa seed on serum lipids in adult subjects. Methods: This research work, being an interventional study of quasi-experimental category, involved 67 voluntary adult subjects (mean age: 33.51±11.40 years; 32 men; 35 women), conducted in Parakou (Benin), from January 15 to April 14, 2021. Each subject consumed per day two (2) grams of Nigella sativa seed powder during 90 consecutive days. The lipid parameters were measured before starting the experiment, and then during all the 30 days. Student's t test helped compare the averages of lipid parameters at the threshold of 5%. Results: The intake of Nigella sativa seed powder reduced significantly total cholesterol (1.83±0.47 g/L vs. 1.64±0.32 g/L; P=0.000), LDL cholesterol (1.08±0.44 g/L vs. 0.90±0.29 g/L; P=0.000) and triglycerides (1.01±0.60 g/L vs. 0.87±0.48 g/L; P=0.003). HDL cholesterol experienced a nonsignificant increase (0.53±0.19 g/L vs. 0.56±0.12 g/L; P=0.146) within a range of 5.70%. The following rates of decline were noted: total cholesterol (10.40%), LDL cholesterol (16.70%) and triglycerides (13.90%). Conclusion: At the end of the 90 days, the Nigella sativa seed powder improves the lipid profile in the adult subject. Its consumption may be helpful in the prevention and management of dyslipidemias.