Determination of Proximate Composition of Nigella sativa L. Seeds and its Effective Role in Improving Lipid Profile Among Hyperlipidaemic Women

Abstract

Hyperlipidaemia is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of body’s plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol. Objective: To find out the proximate composition of Nigella sativa L. and its hypolipidemic effect on blood lipid profile among hyperlipidaemic women. Methods: To determine the proximate composition of Nigella sativa seed the kjeldhah method, soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether, and AOAC procedure were used. For the identification of hypolipidemic impact, a total of 64 women with mild to moderate hyperlipidaemia, aged between 25-35 years were selected for the 8 weeks of study. The sample was selected from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. After removing physical contaminants like dirt, dust, and other foreign grains black seeds were air dried. After drying, seeds were grounded into fine powder by using commercial blender. Each capsule was prepared with 500mg powder of N. sativa, and was transferred in air tight jars. After screening the participants of experimental group, they were advised to use 2 capsules of N. sativa supplement before breakfast and two capsules in the afternoon prior to their meal for 8 weeks. Participants were also advised to follow the given 7-day diet plan for 8 weeks. The anthropometric measurements, biochemical evaluation (lipid profile), and dietary intake data were collected. Results: The mean age group of Hyperlipidaemic patients enrolled in study was 32.5±0.34 years. There was a significant reduction in Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol level, and triglyceride levels with p-value less than 0.05. High density lipoprotein levels were also improved from 49.5±8.38mg/dl to 51.81±10.21mg/dl. Conclusion: The study concluded that Nigella sativa L. seed powder supplementation showed a significant improvement in lipid profile of hyperlipidaemia patients. The study found an increase in high density lipoprotein among patients.