Effects of resistance training and nigella sativa on type 2 diabetes: implications for metabolic markers, low-grade inflammation and liver enzyme production.

CONTEXT: Proper nutrition and exercise are effective strategies to improve overall metabolic health in diabetic patients. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation during resistance training (RT) on some biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: Forty patients were assigned to groups: RT + NS (RN), NS, RT + placebo (RP), and control (CO). RT was performed and NS was consumed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at rest immediately before and after the 8 week intervention. RESULTS: RT or NS by themselves reduced HOMA-IR, insulin, glucose, TG, TC, LDL, ESR, CRP, AST, ALT and ALP, and increased HDL and HOMA-S. The combination of RT and NS, rather than each intervention alone, had significant effects on reduction of HOMA-IR, insulin, ESR and CRP as well as increases in HDL, HOMA-ß/S. CONCLUSION: RT combined with NS is sometimes a better strategy compared to single interventions for improving diabetes related biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients.