EFFICACY OF NIGELLA SATIVA L. AS AN ANTI-HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC AGENT
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Date
41477
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Publisher
University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK
Abstract
Nigella sativa is an Indian spice with potential medicinal value. The fatty
acid profile of Nigella sativa was assessed by Gas Chromatography, the seed
contained 12.9 per cent palmitic acid, 3.2 per cent stearic acid, 56.8 per cent
linoleic acid and 24.8 per cent oleic acid. The efficacy of Nigella sativa L. as antihypercholesterolemic
agent was studied in an animal model. Wistar strain albino
rats were assigned into three groups first was control and another two groups were
experimental. The diet for control group was standard feed pellets. In experimental
groups I and II 0.5 per cent cholesterol was added to the standard feed. In
experimental group II, after 30 days of feeding, 45 mg of Nigella sativa per kg
body weight was added. The feeding experiment was concluded on 60th day. The
biochemical parameters viz. total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, VLDL and
blood glucose levels were analyzed at initial, 30th day and 60th day of study.
Reduction in total cholesterol was achieved in experimental group II over
experimental group I by 27 per cent. Similar reduction in triglycerides (50 per
cent), LDL (16.62 per cent), VLDL (50 per cent), HDL (46.94 per cent) and
fasting blood glucose levels (1.4 per cent) were observed in group treated with 45
mg of Nigella sativa powder per kg of body weight compared to group fed with
only 0.5 per cent cholesterol along with standard diet. It can be concluded that the
Nigella sativa can reduce cholesterol level hence, possess hypocholesterolemic
effect.