Effect of Nigella sativa Supplementation on Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Ccontrolled Trials

Abstract

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes has become a global health burden, especially in developing nations, and is frequently linked to dyslipidemia. While various medications are available, there is a growing interest in herbal remedies such as Nigella sativa (N. sativa) as alternative treatments for type 2 diabetes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the objective was to assess the impact of N. sativa on the lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Online databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE, were searched. Changes in lipid profile parameters were reported as weighted mean differences, along with a 95% confidence interval. Sensitivity analysis, quality assessment, subgroup analysis, and publication bias were evaluated in the eligible studies. Results: The study was performed on eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1030 participants. According to the findings, supplementation of N. sativa in the form of seed powder or oil significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL-cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The funnel plot exhibited visual symmetry for the studies included in the meta-analysis. Conclusion: The findings indicate that N sativa may be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment alongside standard medications for managing dyslipidemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes.