A randomized controlled trial measuring the effect of nigella sativa extract on lipid profile in adult patients with dyslipidemia attending family practice clinic, Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt

Background: Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), which is the leading cause of death. Although statins is mainstay therapy for dyslipidemia, it has many side effects, such as muscle weakness, pain, tenderness, stiffness. Nigella sativa is a herb with many pharmaceutical potential. The seeds of N. sativa plant have been used to promote health and fight disease for centuries, especially in the Middle East.+Objectives: To determine the effect of Nigella Sativa (black seed) extracts on the lipid profile among patients with dyslipidemia.Methods: The study is double blinded trial that was conducted in Family practice clinic, 38 patients were recruited. 19 patients were included in intervention group and 19 in control group. Intervention group received their routine therapy for dyslipidemia (statins) in addition to crushed nigella sativa seeds daily for 6 weeks. Control group received their routine in addition to placebo. Baseline measurements and lipid profile were measured before trial and repeated after 6 weeks.Results: Patients in intervention group had significantly lower waist circumference (p=0.039) and hip circumference (p=0.003) after receiving N. Sativa. Total cholesterol, LDL and Triglycerides show statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the pre & post intervention measurement in intervention group. Favorable impact of N. sativa was noted on almost all laboratory in intervention group but the results were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Adding N. sativa to routine therapy of dyslipidemia showed improvement on almost all variables, but not all results were statistically significant.