Changes of body composition and circulating adipokines in response to Nigella sativa oil with a calorie restricted diet in obese women

Abstract Aim Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ with a key role in metabolic regulation and hormonal signaling. This study determined the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) oil with a low-calorie diet on body composition and adipokine levels in obese women. Method In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial, 50 obese women were recruited. The participants were randomly divided into an NS oil group (n = 25) and a placebo group (n = 25), and each group received either a low-calorie diet with 3 g/day NS oil or a low-calorie diet with 3 g/day placebo for 8 weeks. Body composition and biochemical parameters were measured at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Results All 50 participants completed the trial. The participants reported no serious side effects, and the liver enzymes did not change significantly after the intervention. Mean BMI of the participants was 32.0 ± 1.5 kg/m 2 at the baseline. NS oil decreased body fat mass (−9.5 vs. −2.9%; p  Conclusion NS oil supplementation combined with a low-calorie diet can modulate hormone secretion and body composition in obese women. However, more studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of NS oil as an adjunct therapy for obesity management.