Nigella sativa L. improves lipid profile and prevents atherosclerosis: Evidence from an experimental study on hypercholesterolemic rabbits

The effects of Nigella sativa (NS) on lipid profile, C-reactive protein, oxidized LDL, antioxidant capacity, Apo A and Apo B and fatty streak formation in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits were examined. Fifteen rabbits were distributed into three groups of five each [normal diet, hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) and hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) supplemented with 5% NS]. They received rabbit laboratory chow diet for a period of 8 weeks. At the start and end of the study, fasting blood was taken from all animals. NS significantly decreased fatty streak formation as well as total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits. NS showed positive effects on other factors (triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, oxidized LDL, antioxidant capacity, Apo A and Apo B), but these were insignificant. Based on favorable efficiency of NS on TC and LDL reduction and its anti-atherogenic cardioprotective properties, it is suggested using this plant with fat-rich diets simultaneously may reduce their adverse health effects. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.