Effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on lipid profiles in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several experiments have suggested that Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the lipid profile. However, the results from these trials have been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of N. sativa supplementation on the lipid profile of adult participants. METHODS: We searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases until December 2022. Random effects models were used, and pooled data were determined as standardized mean differences with a 95 confidence interval. RESULTS: The findings of 34 studies with 2278 participants revealed that N. sativa supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -1.78; 95 CI: -2.20, -1.37, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (SMD: -1.2725; 95 CI: -1.67, -0.83, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD: -2.45; 95 CI: -3.06, -1.85; p < 0.001) compared to control groups. However, a significant increase was found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD: 0.79; 95 CI: 0.38, 1.20, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: N. sativa has improved effects on TG, LDL-C, TC, and HDL-C levels. Overall, N. sativa may be suggested as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.