Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part A (2025)

Background: Nigella sativa also referred to as black cumin or black seed is a medicinal plant that has been used for various ailments. Recent studies have shown its efficacy in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and lipid-regulating properties. This systematic review aims to review the findings of different studies that were conducted between the years 2010 and 2024 on the effectiveness of Nigella sativa in these conditions.
Methods: The literature search was done using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and other related sources. The review was restricted to RCTs on the impact of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, weight, inflammation, oxidative stress, and safety. The criteria for the selection of the studies included the subject matter, which had to be related to metabolic disorders, the use of human subjects, and the language of the publication – English only.
Results: The review based on 25 studies showed that Nigella sativa enhances glycemic control, decreases lipid profile, aids in weight reduction, and decreases blood pressure. Other activities of Nigella sativa that were observed included anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which may be useful in metabolic disorders. The studies pointed out that the compound affected several biochemical pathways positively and improved insulin sensitivity and decreased the levels of oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Nigella sativa has a lot of therapeutic benefits in the management of metabolic disorders. The ability of nitric oxide to influence so many aspects of physiology and the apparent safety of its administration indicates that it may be a promising adjuvant therapy for these diseases. It is suggested that more large-scale and well-designed studies should be conducted to verify these conclusions and set up standard dosages.