Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The seed extracts from Nigella sativa is used by Unani physicians of traditional medicine (Hakims or Tabibs) and Ayurvedic practitioners (Vaids) in the treatment of several medical disorders including dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension. It is, therefore, important to prove or disprove the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered N. sativa (Kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults. DESIGN: The study design was a randomized, double-blind trial. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from February 2006 to January 2007. SUBJECTS: Half of the respondents received powdered N. sativa (Kalonji) seed in capsule and the rest received a placebo. INTERVENTION/OUTCOME: Baseline and after-intervention variables recorded were the following: body-mass index, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum lipids, serum alanine aminotransferase, and serum creatinine. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three (123) patients were recruited. Sixty-four (64) and 59 patients were randomized to the intervention and the control arms, respectively. Thirty-nine (39) patients in the intervention group and 34 in the control group completed the study. Favorable impact of powdered N. sativa (Kalonji) seed in capsule was noted on almost all variables, but results were not statistically significant because of small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable impact of powdered N. sativa (Kalonji) seed in capsule was noted on almost all variables, but results were not statistically significant. A larger study with adequate sample size is recommended.

Author information

Author/s: Qidwai, Waris (W); Hamza, Hasan Bin (HB); Qureshi, Riaz (R); Gilani, Anwar (A);

Affiliation: 1 Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium RoadP.O. Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan. waris.qidwai(-atsign-)aku.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (J Altern Complement Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 15 (issue 6) : pp 639-44

Dates: Created 2009/06/15; Completed 2009/09/02;

PMID: 19500003, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 9/4/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Lipids - blood
Male
Middle Aged
Nigella sativa
Obesity - blood; drug therapy
Phytotherapy
Pilot Projects
Placebos
Plant Preparations - adverse effects; pharmacology; therapeutic use
Seeds
Waist-Hip Ratio

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Blood Glucose (0) ; Lipids (0) ; Placebos (0) ; Plant Preparations (0) ; Creatinine (60-27-5) ; Alanine Transaminase (EC 2.6.1.2)

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