Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a Nigella sativa (NS) seed supplement on hemodynamics, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and blood coagulation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Study design This study included 94 patients who were divided randomly into three dose groups. Capsules containing NS seeds were administered orally at a dose of 1, 2, and 3g/day for 12 weeks. In all patients, the hemodynamic markers [systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), and rate pressure product (RPP)], Hb levels, and coagulation markers (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels, and platelet count) were determined before treatment and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
Results Patients receiving 1 g/day NS for 12 weeks (group 1) showed nonsignificant changes in the hemodynamic parameters, whereas patients who received a supplement of 2g/day NS (group 2) showed a significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, HR, and rate pressure product, compared with the baseline values. An increase in the NS dose to 3g/day exerted less effect on the blood pressure and reversed the effect on HR. The Hb levels decreased slightly, but significantly in the three groups. Partial thromboplastin time showed a significant increase in group 2 at the end of the treatment period and a nonsignificant increase in groups 1 and 3 throughout the treatment period. However, the fibrinogen levels increased significantly in groups 2 and 3 compared with the baseline values.
Conclusion Ingestion of 2g/day NS seeds for 12 weeks exerted a favorable impact on the hemodynamic parameters. However, NS should be administered with caution in diabetic patients with anemia. (C) The Egyptian Society of Haematology.