Abstract

Background: Several formulations of the Nigella sativa L. seeds (black seed) have been used in traditional medicine for treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases including hyperlipidemia. But blood lipid lowering effects of its oil in clinical study is of an interest. Objective: The present study was undertaken to explore the possible blood lipid lowering effects of the black seed oil on healthy volunteers. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 70 healthy volunteers referring to Bagiatallah hospital. The subjects were randomly selected and enrolled in to two groups of 35 each. One group received 2.5 ml black seed oil and the other group received similarly 2.5 ml mineral oil two times a day. The fasting blood triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose, ALT, AST, BUN, cratinine, and HbA1C were determined at the baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: Results showed that significant decrease in fasting blood cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, glucose and HbA1C levels in black seed oil treated volunteers as compared to placebo group at the end of the study. No notable liver, kidney and gastrointestinal side effects were observed in these two groups side effects were observed in these two groups. Conclusion: Administration of 5 ml black seed oil daily to healthy volunteers for 8 weeks had beneficial effects on improving lipid profile without any adverse effects.