Nutrient Composition and Hypocholesterolemic Effect of black Seeds (Nigella Sativa L.) and its Oil
Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranuculacea) popularly known as the black seed or Habbatus Sauda is a herb that has traditionally been used for centuries in many parts of the world. It has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. This study was carried out to investigate the nutrient composi...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
2005
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/6342/1/FPSK%28M%29_2005_16.pdf http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/6342/ |
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| Summary: | Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranuculacea) popularly known as the black seed or Habbatus
Sauda is a herb that has traditionally been used for centuries in many parts of the world.
It has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. This study was carried out to
investigate the nutrient composition and in vivo hypocholesterolemic effect of the black
seeds cultivated in Yemen and its oil. The nutrient composition of three different
samples of Nigella sativa seeds from three different regions in Yemen, namely Marib,
Sadah and Taiz were studied. Proximate analysis, total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble
dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) were determined by the Association
of Official Analytical Chemists methods (AOAC). Mineral analysis was carried out
using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Fatty acid methyl esters
composition was determined using Gas Chromatography (GC), vitamin E (atocopherol)
using HPLC and antioxidant activity by ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and
thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods. Results show that the three samples of Nigella
sativa seeds have high content of fat which were 38.4 * 2.1, 37.7 * 0.1, and 36.8 * 1.4%
in Sadah, Marib, and Taiz, respectively. In addition, Nigelln sativa seeds have a high
content of TDF (36.88 1.44, 26.50 k 1.05, 30.40 * 1.06% for Marib, Sadah and Taiz
samples, respectively), IDF (27.10 * 0.55, 20.56 * 1.16, 22.40 * 1.40 % for Marib,
Sadah and Taiz samples, respectively) and SDF (8.90 & 1.17, 6.50 * 0.60, 8.13 + 0.71 %
for Marib, Sadah and Taiz samples, respectively).
Nigella sativa seeds are also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and
iron. The major fatty acids in Nigella sativa oil extracts from n-hexane were oleic and
linolenic which exist as unsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic, stearic and myristic acids were
the main saturated fatty acids in all three samples. Oil extracted from the seeds showed
higher antioxidant activity compared to a-tocopherol, and was rich in vitamin E (120 +
0.15, 170 k 0.40 and 290 + 1.5 mg/100g for Marib, Sadah and Taiz samples,
respectively).
The effect of Nigella sativa seed powder and its oil on hypercholesterolemia-induced
rabbits was also studied for 8 weeks. A significant reduction (p< 0.05) of total
cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) in Nigella sativa powder (NSP)
and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) groups were observed at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Treatment of
rabbits with NSP and NSO showed a significant increase (p>0.05) in plasma HDL
levels at weeks 4, 6 and 8 of treatment. A significant decreased (pc0.05) of
malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in erythrocyte and plasma was observed in NSP
and NSO groups. There was a significant increase of total plasma antioxidant status
(TAS) (p>0.05). NSP and NSO groups also showed significant reduction of serum
alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine concentrations (p<0.05). Plaque
formation was significantly inhibited in the aorta, and the tunica intima to tunica media
ratio was significantly decreased (p<0.05).
In conclusion, this study indicates that the seed of Nigella sativa cultivated in Yemen
and its oil contain several nutrients and antioxidants with potential health values such as
hypocholesterolemic effect, antioxidant effect and anti atherogenic effect. |
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