The Effects of 8-week Nigella sativaSupplementation and Aerobic Training on Lipid Profile and VO 2 Max in Sedentary Overweight Females
Abstract
Methods:In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, which was conducted in Kerman city (Iran), 20 sedentary overweight females were divided into two groups and assigned to N. sativasupplementation (N. sativacapsules) or a placebo for the 8 weeks, both groups participated in an aerobic training program (3 times/week). Each N. sativacapsule contained 500 ± 10 mg N. sativacrushed seeds and subjects had to take 2 g N. sativaperday for 8 weeks. Blood lipids and VO2 max were determined at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks.
Results: N. sativasupplementation lowered total cholesterol (TC) (P< 0.01), triglyceride (P< 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P< 0.001) and body mass index (P< 0.01) and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) and VO2 max (P< 0.01). Aerobic training program lowered TC (P< 0.001) and LDL (P< 0.01) and increased VO2 max (P< 0.01). Furthermore,
we observed a significant effect of aerobic training program and N. sativasupplementation lowered LDL and HDL (P< 0.05).
Conclusions:The present study demonstrates that 8-week aerobic training plus N. sativasupplementation have a synergistic
effect in improve profile lipid parameters.
Keywords:Aerobic training, lipid profile, Nigella sativa, overweight