Nigella Sativa L. Improves Lipid Profile and Prevents Atherosclerosis: Evidence From an Experimental Study on Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits Publisher



Asgary S¹ ; Ghannadi A² ; Dashti G³ ; Helalat A³ ; Sahebkar A⁴ ; Najafi S⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Functional Foods Published:2013

Abstract

The effects of Nigella sativa (NS) on lipid profile, C-reactive protein, oxidized LDL, antioxidant capacity, Apo A and Apo B and fatty streak formation in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits were examined. Fifteen rabbits were distributed into three groups of five each [normal diet, hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) and hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) supplemented with 5% NS]. They received rabbit laboratory chow diet for a period of 8. weeks. At the start and end of the study, fasting blood was taken from all animals. NS significantly decreased fatty streak formation as well as total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits. NS showed positive effects on other factors (triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, oxidized LDL, antioxidant capacity, Apo A and Apo B), but these were insignificant. Based on favorable efficiency of NS on TC and LDL reduction and its anti-atherogenic cardioprotective properties, it is suggested using this plant with fat-rich diets simultaneously may reduce their adverse health effects. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.