Clinical Study on the Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) for Obesity
Obesity is one of the most significant challenges in global public health, with a substantial impact on metabolic disorders and quality of life.
Among the key factors contributing to this condition are the increased levels of pro-inflammatory adipokines produced by expanding adipose tissue, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These mediators play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance, a condition associated with numerous metabolic complications.
Another determining factor is leptin resistance, a hormone essential for appetite regulation. When leptin fails to perform its role, there is a disruption in the sensation of satiety, leading to overeating and fat accumulation.
In this context, scientific research is increasingly focusing on natural interventions to counteract obesity and its negative effects. One of the most promising compounds is black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa), long used in traditional medicine for its numerous beneficial properties.
The Clinical Study
A group of Iranian researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) in managing inflammatory and hormonal markers associated with obesity.
The study involved 46 women aged between 25 and 55 years with overweight or class 1 obesity (body mass index – BMI – between 25 and 35 kg/m²). The participants were divided into two groups. The first group took two capsules per day, each containing 1,000 mg of black cumin seed oil standardized to 1.1% thymoquinone, for eight weeks. The second group received a placebo made of paraffin oil.
After a four-week washout period, the groups were switched, allowing each participant to receive both the active treatment and the placebo.
Throughout the study, participants followed a personalized diet based on their body weight, with a macronutrient distribution of 55% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight. They were also instructed to maintain their usual level of physical activity.
Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) and Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial on Inflammation and Hormones
The study results were encouraging: the intake of black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) led to a significant reduction in BMI compared to the placebo, indicating a positive effect on weight control. Additionally, reductions were observed in the gene expression levels of key inflammatory markers, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and leptin, with decreases of 0.21, 0.17, and 0.57 times, respectively.
The treatment also resulted in a reduction in serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and leptin levels. Although a decrease in fasting insulin levels was noted, its clinical impact was deemed limited.
An important finding of the study was the absence of severe adverse reactions, confirming the safety of black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) as a dietary supplement.
Future Prospects
The daily intake of a dietary supplement containing 2,000 mg of Nigella sativa oil for eight weeks has been shown to effectively reduce pro-inflammatory and hormonal markers associated with obesity. These results suggest that black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) could represent a natural option for preventing and managing overweight and obesity, thereby reducing the risks associated with these conditions.
However, despite the promising results, the study authors emphasize the need for further research to confirm the observed benefits and evaluate the long-term efficacy of black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) in larger and more diverse populations.
Conclusions
This study represents a significant step forward in the search for natural and sustainable strategies to tackle one of the major public health challenges of our time. Black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) offers a potential solution to improve the quality of life for millions of people, with a safe and effective approach based on natural principles.
In an era of growing interest in non-invasive solutions for weight management, the findings of this research open new perspectives for the use of black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) as a complement in weight control and metabolic wellness programs.
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Source: January 2024, “A crossover randomized controlled trial examining the effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation on IL-1β, IL-6 and leptin, and insulin parameters in overweight and obese women,” PubMed
