Effect of Nigella Sativa on Lipid Profile and Glucose Regulation

Abstract

Nigella sativa is a plant which has been used for treatment of many diseases. In this compilation, we aimed to investigate the relation of the Nigella sativa with lipid profile and glucose regulation in light of scientific literature data. In the literature, there are various studies that evaluate effectiveness of Nigella sativa on blood lipid levels, and in almost all of these, hypolipidemic effect of Nigella sativa attracts the attention. While positive effects of Nigella sativa especially on triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels have been determined, it has been suggested that generally it does not influence the HDL-cholesterol levels. In many studies, it has been observed that Nigella sativa has not only hypolipidemic, but also hypoglycemic effects. In toxicity studies, along with that safety margin for Nigella sativa use has been emphasized, there are some case reports in the literature demonstrating that it can lead to acute renal failure and allergic reactions. In addition to this, although on which systems Nigella sativa has positive effects have been uncertain, we are in thought of that powder, oil and various extracts of Nigella sativa should not be recommended to patients for therapeutic purpose due to that treatment with Nigella sativa has not been included in international guidelines.