Black Cumin Extract May Help Support Blood Sugar Health

Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, is a plant with pungent seeds that are used for cooking and in traditional medicine. According to a new study, nigella sativa oil extract may help support cardiometabolic health in diabetics.

Forty-three adults with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. They were given 1 gram of nigella sativa oil extract or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. The researchers evaluated fasting blood sugar levels, cholesterol, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, and blood pressure at the beginning and end of the study.

Fasting blood sugar levels in the nigella sativa group decreased significantly compared to the blood sugar levels. Participants in the nigella sativa group also saw significant decreases in total and LDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides, BMI, waist circumference, and diastolic blood pressure compared to the placebo group.

The study was conducted by researchers from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. It was published online ahead of print on June 17, 2021, in the journal Phytotherapy Research.