Cholesterol is a lipid molecule vital for life. It is required to build the membrane of each cell in our bodies and also for the synthesis of vitamin D and a number of very important steroid hormones.

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which blood cholesterol level is elevated, the condition affects 13% of Americans^[i]. A number of risk factors can cause hypercholesterolemia including high fat diet, sedentary lifestyle and genetics. Hypercholesterolemia is itself a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

There are a number of trials which have shown black seed oil (Nigella sativa) has a beneficial effect on blood lipids, reducing cholesterol and low density lipoprotein and increasing beneficial high density low density lipoprotein.

Black Seed For High Cholesterol: Review of Evidence

We will look at four recent trials putting the use of Nigella sativa for elevated cholesterol to the test.

• STUDY 1 - The Effects of 8-week Nigella sativa Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Lipid Profile and VO2 max in Sedentary Overweight Females. ^[ii] This study examined the effect 2g of crushed Nigella sativa (daily) in combination with an aerobic training program (3 times/week) on lipid profile in sedentary overweight females. The control group took a placebo and participated in the training programme. The trial ran for 8 weeks. Blood lipids in addition to maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial. The results showed that taking daily crushed black seed had and increased reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and body mass index compared to those taking placebo. Conclusions: 8-week aerobic training plus Nigella sativa supplementation has a synergistic effect in improve profile lipid parameters.
• STUDY 2 - Favorable impact of Nigella sativa seeds on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. ^[iii] This study sought to assess the impact of NS seeds on lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. A total of 94 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 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 underwent measurement of blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein in patients taking 2 and 3g of black seed per day. Additionally these groups showed a significant elevation in protective high-density lipoprotein. Conclusions: Nigella sativa is a potential protective agent against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.
• STUDY 3 - Clinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial. ^[iv] In this trial participants with elevated total cholesterol concentration (>200 mg/dl0 were randomised to receive either 2 g of crushed Nigella sativa seeds per day or placebo. The trial ran for 4 weeks and a total of 88 subjects participated. Fasting baseline blood tests (blood sugar, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglyceride) were obtained for all parameters on each subject prior to the start of the study and at the end of 4 weeks. Conclusions: significant decrease in the concentration of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels.
• STUDY 4 - Effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndrome. ^[v] In this study examined black seed oil as an add-on therapy for treating insulin reistance and hypercholesterolemia. Two groups of 30 patients were enrolled group 1 received were given atorvastatin 10 mg (cholesterol lowering medication) once a day and tablet metformin 500mg (anti-diabetic medication) twice a day. Group 2 were given the same medications as group 1 and in addition and black seed oil 2.5 ml twice daily. The study ran for a period of 6 weeks. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose, fasting lipid profile, and waist circumference were recorded before therapy and after completion of therapy. Treatment group 2 showed significant improvement in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood glucose compared to group 1. Conclusions: Nigella sativa oil has a significant activity in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients and is effective as an add-on therapy.

In Summary ...

Nigella sativa seed and its oil has been used to fight disease and maintain health for centuries. Today this amazing plant is the focus of much research. [Read: 'Black Seed - 'The Remedy For Everything But Death']

In summary we have looked at four recent trials investigating the effect of Nigella on various biochemical parameters of hypercholesterolemia in different groups of patients. All the studies have shown beneficial effects confirming what is already known about this amazing herb.

References