Nigella Sativa Supplementation in Hyperlipidemia Treatment

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Hyperlipidaemia; Hyperlipidemia

• Registration Number: NCT06890546
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul Bilgi University

Brief Summary

Hyperlipidemia is defined as an elevation of plasma cholesterol, lipid, or lipoprotein levels above normal due to abnormal fat metabolism or function, and individuals with hyperlipidemia are approximately twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The first approach to treating hyperlipidemia is lifestyle changes, including dietary therapy and physical activity. In addition to traditional methods, treatments also include pharmacological interventions, and research on natural products and complementary therapies is increasing to increase the effectiveness of these treatment approaches. In this context, Nigella Sativa (NS) oil has emerged as a promising natural option in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity in recent years.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of NS oil supplementation given together with dietary intervention in individuals diagnosed with mild obesity.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does Nigella Sativa supplementation improve blood lipid profiles in overweight or obese individuals?

* Does Nigella Sativa supplementation improve body composition in overweight or obese individuals?

Participants were individuals who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia according to American Heart Association criteria as a result of medical evaluation by a cardiologist and who were deemed appropriate to use black seed oil supplements. Those who volunteered to participate in the study were included in the study.

The researchers are examining whether there is any effect on biochemical and anthropometric parameters by giving Nigella Sativa supplementation to a group in addition to a low-calorie diet for eight weeks.

Detailed Description

This research, which is a randomized controlled intervention study, was conducted between June 2023 and February 2024 with adult individuals with a BMI\>25 kg/m2 who applied to the Cardiology Polyclinic of Karamürsel State Hospital and were referred to a nutrition and diet specialist after being diagnosed with hyperlipidemia according to AHA criteria by the physician.

Sample Selection and Randomization The sample size of the study was calculated using the G-Power 3.1.9 analysis program with a medium effect size (d=0.60), 90% power, α: 0.05 and 1-β: 0.95, with a minimum of 32 people in each group, 64 people were included. The 64 people who met the inclusion criteria were assigned to the intervention (n=32) and control (n=32) groups using the block randomization method, with similar age and gender.

Inclusion Criteria from the Study Individuals who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia between the ages of 18-65, who did not have any serious comorbidities (kidney, liver and immune deficiency, oncological and psychiatric diseases), who were not pregnant or breastfeeding, who did not take any nutritional supplements including black seed, who did not have a known history of allergy to black seed and its products, who did not use medications that could interact with black seed oil (anticoagulant, antihypertensive, etc.), who did not use antilipidemic or anticholesterolemic medications, who did not do heavy exercise, who did not consume alcohol regularly and who did not have any special diet requirements were included in the study.

Data Collection Tools Research data were recorded using a questionnaire form, anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests and the IPAQ form.

Survey Form: Sociodemographic information, smoking and nutritional habits of the participants were recorded in the survey form.

Anthropometric Measurements: At the beginning and end of the study, body weights and analyses were performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) with a sensitivity of 50 grams in accordance with the measurement standards. According to the BIA analysis, fat ratio (%), fat mass, fat-free mass, muscle mass and total body water were evaluated. At the beginning and end of the study, waist, hip and neck circumferences were measured with a non-stretchable tape measure, paying attention to anthropometric measurement standards. Waist/height and waist/hip values were calculated. Height (cm) was measured with a stadiometer in the Frankfort plane, standing and with the head upright. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated according to the body weight (kg) / height (m)2 formula and classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ): IPAQ-Short form, developed by Craig et al. and whose Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Öztürk, was used to assess the physical activity levels of the participants. Physical activity levels were classified as light, moderate and vigorous active.

Biochemical Tests: Participants' biochemical tests (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, ALT and AST) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.

Research Plan In this study, 64 hyperlipidemic individuals with BMI\>25 kg/m2 were divided into 2 groups as control (n=32 individuals) and intervention (n=32 individuals). The control group was given a low-fat, low-cholesterol weight loss diet specific to the individual for 8 weeks, while the intervention group (n=32) was given a similar diet along with 2x900 mg black seed oil in softgels. Questions regarding the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity habits were recorded on a questionnaire form through face-to-face interviews. Participants attended face-to-face dietician control interviews every two weeks to observe compliance with the nutrition programs throughout the study.

Diet Plan: While determining the daily energy needs of the participants, the resting metabolic rate was calculated with the Mifflin-St.Jeor formula. The physical activity levels of the individuals were determined using the IPAQ-Short Form. The thermic effect of the nutrients was taken as 10% and the total daily energy requirement was calculated. In order for the participants to lose weight, 500 calories were subtracted from the total energy requirement. A nutrition program was given in accordance with the diet recommendations created by the American Heart Association (AHA) for hyperlipidemic individuals.

Black seed oil: In this study, black seed oil in the form of 900 mg softgels was administered orally to the intervention group at a dose of 2x900 mg. Black seed oil obtained by the cold-pressing method (TAB İlaç Sanayi A.Ş., Esenyurt, İstanbul) is in softgel form. The product is a licensed supplement with the TR-34-K-210340 certificate by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) and the Food Supplement Approval Number 003683-21.12.2017 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Some studies investigating the effects of black seed oil on hyperlipidemia and other health problems show that 1-2 g of black seed or 500-1000 mg of black seed oil per day may be effective. These doses are usually taken in two divided doses daily. Moreover, a daily therapeutic dose of 2000 mg N.S has been considered safe in previous studies. Human and animal models showed no serious side effects or toxicological effects caused by the plant. The black seed oil capsules given to the participants were provided by the researcher.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-06-01
• Primary Completion: 2024-02-28
• Study Completion: 2025-02-28
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-21
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-21
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-24
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-24

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 64

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults individuals who were diagnosed hyperlipidemia
• Individuals suitable for taking Nigella satvia supplement
• Individuals BMI>25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria

• Chronic liver disease,
• Chronic kidney disease,
• Heart failure, infarction or cerebrovascular disease,
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
• Severe psychiatric disorders,
• Oncological diseases,
• Individuals using medications that could interact with black seed oil (anticoagulant, antihypertensive, etc.)
• Individuals using antilipidemic or anticholesterolemic medications
• Individuals did not do heavy exercise
• Individuals using any nutritional supplement
• Individuals have a known history of allergy
• Individuals did not consume alcohol regularly
• Individuals with special dietary needs

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Biochemical Measurements - fasting blood glucose	8 weeks	fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse
Biochemical Measurements - Liver Enzymes	8 weeks	Participants' liver enzymes tests (ALT and AST) (IU) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Biochemical Measurement	8 weeks	Participants' biochemical tests (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, (mg/dL) were analyzed in the hospital biochemistry laboratory using routine methods at the beginning and end of the study from blood samples taken by a nurse after at least 12 hours of fasting and without consuming alcohol for 24 hours before.
Anthropometric Measurements - Body weight (kg)	8 weeks	At the beginning and end of the study, body weights (kg) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) with a sensitivity of 50 grams in accordance with the measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Height	8 weeks	Height (cm) was measured with a stadiometer in the Frankfort plane, standing and with the head upright.
Body Mass Index	8 weeks	The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated according to the body weight (kg) / height (m)2 formula.
Body Mass Index Classification	8 weeks	The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was overweight and ≥ 30 kg/m2 was obese.
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat Mass	8 weeks	Body fat mass (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat ratio calculation	8 weeks	At the beginning and end of the study, body composition analyses were performed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) with the measurement standards. According to the BIA analysis, fat ratio (%) was calculated as the ratio of total body fat weight to total body weight as a percentage.
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist circumference	8 weeks	At the beginning and end of the study, waist circumference were measured with a non-flexible tape measure at the midpoint between the lowest rib bone and the cristailiac crest.
Anthropometric Measurements - Fat-free mass	8 weeks	Fat-free mass (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Muscle mass	8 weeks	Muscle mass (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Total body water	8 weeks	Total body water (kg) was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device (Tanita Perfecto) at the beginning and end of the study, paying attention to measurement standards.
Anthropometric Measurements - Hip circumference	8 weeks	At the beginning and end of the study, in measuring hip circumference, the individual was asked to stand upright with their arms at their sides and their feet side by side. Frankfort plane was provided. The individual stood on their right side. The highest point on the hip (from the side) was determined and the circumference was measured with a tape measure.
Anthropometric Measurements - Neck circumference	8 weeks	At the beginning and end of the study, neck circumference measurement was made with a tape measure just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Height Ratio	8 weeks	At the beginning and end of the study, waist/height ratio was obtained by dividing waist circumference by height.
Anthropometric Measurements - Waist/Hip Ratio	8 weeks	Waist/hip ratio was obtained by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Physical Activity	1 week	International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form developed by Craig et al. and whose Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Öztürk, was used to assess the physical activity levels of the participants. Physical activity levels were classified as light, moderate and vigorous active.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

İstanbul Bilgi University; 🇹🇷 İstanbul, Turkey