Favorable impact of Nigella sativa seeds on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients

ABSTRACT

The atherogenic pattern of dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus [DM] has been increasingly discussed. We have recently reported a hypoglycemic effect of Nigella sativa [NS] seeds in patients with type 2 DM. In this study we sought to assess the impact of NS seeds on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. A total of 94 patients with type 2 DM were recruited and divided into 3 dose groups. Capsules containing NS were administered orally in a dose of 1, 2, and 3 g/day for 12 weeks. All patients were subjected to measurement of total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-CJ density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c] before treatment and 4, 8, and 12 weeks thereafter. Patients receiving 1 g/day NS seeds for 12 weeks [group 1] showed I nonsignificant changes in all the parameters except for a significant increase in HDL-c after 4 weeks of treatment. However, patients ingested 2 g/day NS displayed a significant decline in TC, TG, and LDL-c, and CD a significant elevation in HDL-c/LDL-c, compared with their baseline data and to group 1 patients. Increasing dose to 3 g/day failed to show any increase in the hypolipdemic effect produced by the 2 g/day dose. NS supplementation at a dose of 2 g/day for 12 weeks may improve the dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, NS is a potential protective natural agent against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications in these patients