What the lab found- How black cumin seed affects fat and cholesterol levels.

First, researchers examined certain properties of black cumin seed extract. They found that black cumin seed extract contained potentially helpful components. They identified that black cumin seed had 23 fatty acids, primarily unsaturated fatty acids, which are possibly beneficial.

The authors also explain that the extract had high total phenolic and flavonoid contents, which “highlight its strong antioxidant potential.” They also identified functional groups that were present, which were associated with thymoquinone, the key bioactive compound in black cumin seed.

Next, the researchers turned to a cellular model to see how black cumin seed extract affected preadipocytes, which are the precursors Trusted Source to mature fat cells. As part of their research, they induced the cells to become adipocytes. They examined cell viability and lipid buildup during the cells’ maturation process, did a gene expression analysis, and measured the activity of a certain enzyme in the mature fat cells.

They found that the concentrations of black cumin seed extract did not affect the survival of preadipocytes, indicating that it was safe. Based on this, they chose amounts of black cumin seed extract that would work for further experiments.

The researchers then treated the preadipocytes with black cumin seed extract and tested the cells eight days after inducing them to become mature fat cells.

They found that cells treated with black cumin seed extract had a lower buildup of lipids, which are fatty compounds such as triglycerides. They discovered that black cumin seed extract inhibited the activity of a specific enzyme crucial in triglyceride formation. They also noted lower triglyceride levels.

Finally, black cumin seed extract also appeared to reduce certain proteins that are important for the formation of fully developed fat cells.

Finally, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 42 participants to examine the effects of black cumin powder on cholesterol levels. Participants either had high or close to high cholesterol levels but were not currently taking medication. They also had body mass indices that indicated that they had obesity or overweight.

The researchers assessed participants’ serum cholesterol levels and how black cumin powder affected their appetite.

They divided participants into an intervention and a control group. The intervention group consumed 5 grams of black cumin seed powder, about the equivalent of a spoonful, daily over an eight-week period. Researchers examined the changes in cholesterol levels that occurred in the groups.

The intervention group saw a decrease in total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as an increase in “good” cholesterol. The control group did not see these benefits.

The intervention group also had an increase in appetite, which was not observed in the control group. Additional testing suggested that the black cumin supplement was the reason for the observed increase in appetite.

The researchers note that their results on appetite indicate that black cumin seed did not adversely impact appetite. Participants also tolerated the intervention well and did not experience significant side effects.

Aaron Chapa, DC, doctor of chiropractic, alternative clinical nutrition practitioner, and founder of Living Well Clinical Nutrition Center, who was not involved in the study, shared the following regarding the overall findings of this research:

“Past research has shown that black cumin seed supports inflammation balance, blood sugar regulation, immune function, cardiovascular health, antioxidant capacity, [and] insulin sensitivity. This study deepens that understanding by showing how these benefits occur:

• It affects gene expression inside fat cells
• It decreases the enzymes needed to build and store fat
• It reduces fat accumulation inside adipocytes
• It improves human lipid panels in only eight weeks.