The Effectiveness of Nigella sativa and Ginger as Appetite Suppressants: An Experimental Study on Healthy Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background Obesity is a global pandemic that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Natural herbs are commonly used for weight reduction and appetite suppression. Therefore, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of Nigella sativa (NS) and ginger on weight reduction and appetite regulation. Methods This experimental study was performed at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Twenty-five female rats were distributed into 5 groups: NS (oral 1000mg/kg), Ginger (500 mg/kg), NS-ginger (both interventions), a positive control (intraperitoneal 50 μg/kg Liraglutide), and a negative control. Each intervention was given for 9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed weekly. Serum lipid profile and peptides involved in appetite control (cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), ghrelin, peptide YY, and orexin) were assayed at the end of the experiment. Results None of the interventions showed a statistically significant difference regarding food consumption or weight gain (p > 0.05). However, the three interventions significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), NS and NS-ginger significantly increased HDL, NS increased ghrelin and ginger increased orexin. Conclusion The present dose and duration of NS, ginger, or in combination did not demonstrate a significant change in body weight or food consumption in comparison to the negative or positive controls. However, NS or ginger has improved the lipid profile by reducing TC and increasing HDL. In addition, NS or ginger can influence some of the peptides involved in appetite regulation such as the increase in ghrelin induced by NS and the reduction of orexin induced by ginger. We believe that these latter effects are novel and might indicate a promising effect of these natural products on appetite regulation.

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

“…Furthermore, the effect could be mediated via the signalling of the hormone leptin in the satiety centre of the brain, leading to hypophagic effects and subsequent weight loss in experimental animals [ 70 ]. Previous research has also reported that consuming NS could lead to an increase in ghrelin, one of the peptides that regulate appetite [ 71 ].…”

Regulation of Neuropeptide Y Receptor Gene Expression and ‎Hormone Level in Obese Male Rats Receiving 6-Gingerol and L-Arginine ‎Supplementation

“…Ginger has regulated the lipid profile by decreasing total cholesterol and enhancing HDL. In addition, ginger can affect some of the peptides involved in appetite stimulation, such as the increase in ghrelin (42). Diet-induced obesity with hypothalamic leptin resistance interferes with the homeostatic control of body weight and appetite.…”

The Effectiveness of Nigella sativa and Ginger as Appetite Suppressants: An Experimental Study on Healthy Wistar Rats [Letter]

“…Given the well-established association between obesity and various non-communicable diseases, such as Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Hypertension, and Stroke, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity of preventative interventions targeting obesity. 1 , 2…”

“…Given the well-established association between obesity and various non-communicable diseases, such as Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Hypertension, and Stroke, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity of preventative interventions targeting obesity. 1,2 Based on the background, it is mentioned that Nigella sativa and ginger are herbs used as anti-obesity, so it would be nice if the research is carried out in accordance with the research objectives, namely to determine the effect of consumption of Nigella sativa and ginger to lose weight and suppress appetite. According to our thinking, it would be nice to use obese animals so that weight loss can be known due to consumption of the two herbs.…”