Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Food Funct. 2015 Jun;6(6):2041-8. doi: 10.1039/c5fo00316d.

Abstract

Obesity is typically associated with increased risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, a therapeutic approach that aims to control body weight and metabolic profile might be effective in preventing CVDs. We aimed to determine the effects of Nigella Sativa (NS) oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women. In this double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 obese women were recruited. Participants were females aged 25-50 years old with body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 35 kg m(-2). They were randomly assigned to receive a low-calorie diet with 3 g per day (1 g before each meal) NS oil or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake and biochemical parameters were measured at the baseline and after the intervention. Eighty-four females completed the trial (intervention n = 43, placebo n = 41). Two groups were similar in the baseline characteristics. After the intervention, dietary intake was changed in both groups compared to the baseline, but the differences were not significant between the two groups. In the NS group, weight (-6.0 vs. -3.6%; p < 0.01) and waist circumference (-6.9 vs. -3.4%; p < 0.01) decreased significantly compared with the placebo group at the end of the trial. Comparison of biochemical parameters presented a significant decline in triglyceride (-14.0 vs. 1.4%; p = 0.02) and very low density lipoprotein (-14.0 vs. 7%; p < 0.01) levels in the NS group compared to the placebo group. NS oil concurrent with a low-calorie diet can reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women. However, more clinical trials are needed to elucidate efficacy of NS as a complementary therapy in obese subjects.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Diet, Reducing* / adverse effects
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / adverse effects
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / etiology
  • Hyperlipidemias / prevention & control
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Lost to Follow-Up
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigella sativa / chemistry*
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Plant Oils / adverse effects
  • Plant Oils / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Waist Circumference
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Plant Oils

Associated data

  • IRCT/IRCT201106191197N10