EFFECTS OF NIGELLA SATIVA AND SUNFLOWER OIL DIET ON WEIGHT OF ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of nigella sativa and sunflower oil on weight of albino rats. Study Design: Experimental study. Period: 1996 to 1997. Setting: PGMI, Lahore. Material & Methods: A study was conducted to determine the effects of nigella sativa and sunflower oil diet intake on body weight in albino rats. Fifty six albino rats with equal number of males and females were selected for the study, they were divided into four different groups, Control groups I and III were given diet (20%), high fat diet supplemented with bile salt (1% colic acid) and antithyroid drug (0.5% propylthiouracil).The experimental group II and IV were given the above diets with supplemented nigella sativa. The high fat diet when given at different intervals increased the body weight as compared to baseline level. Results: The high fat diet when given at different intervals increased the body weight as compared to baseline level. The high fat diet with propylthiouracil and bile salt also increased the body weight and the increase was more as compared to previous groups. The supplements of nigella sativa in the groups decreased body weight significantly as compared to the control groups, which was significantly increased in all the experimental groups as compared to the control groups. Conclusions: These observation confirm that nigella sativa decreased body weight. The above effects will be beneficial for patient with obesity. On the basis of these findings conclusions are made, that nigella sativa has got body weight reducing effects. Both nigella sativa and sunflower oil have got low atherogenic index (TC/HDL) and may be recommended in hyperlipidaemic obese patients or normal individuals. Nigella sativa has got weight reducing potential thus affecting obesity and may indirectly prevent atherosclerosis. Nigella sativa is curative remedy for all diseases except death, is the saying of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasalam.