Effect of Nigella Sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome

Background: The seeds of Nigella sativa plant have been used to promote health and fight disease for centuries especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This plant has been a great focus of research. This clinical study was undertaken to determine the adjuvant effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of the metabolic syndrome. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care centre in North India. After final diagnosis and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, sixty patients were enrolled in this study. Informed and written consent was taken from all the patients enrolled. Approval from institutional ethical committee was obtained. Patients were divided into two groups of thirty. In group I (standard group) patients were given tablet Atorvastatin 10 mg once a day and tablet Metformin 500 mg twice a day for a period of six weeks. In group II (Nigella sativa) group, patients were given tablet Atorvastatin 10 mg once a day, tablet Metformin 500 mg twice a day and Nigella sativa oil 2.5 ml twice daily for a period of six weeks. Blood sugar, both fasting and postprandial, fasting lipid profile, body mass index, body weight and waist circumference were recorded before and after completion of therapy. Result: The above mentioned methodology was followed and it was found that the difference in percentage improvement in group II was significant with reference to total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and fasting blood glucose (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nigella sativa oil is effective as an add-on therapy in patients with metabolic syndrome. Nigella sativa oil has a significant therapeutic activity in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients.