The Effectiveness ofNigella sativaand Ginger as Appetite Suppressants: An Experimental Study on Healthy Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Obesity is a global pandemic that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Natural herbs are commonly used for weight reduction and appetite suppression.Therefore, we aim to investigate therole and mechanism of Nigella sativa (NS) and ginger on weight reduction and appetite regulation. This experimental study was performedat Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Twenty-five femalerats were distributedinto 5 groups: NS(oral 1000mg/kg),Ginger(500 mg/kg), NS-ginger(both interventions), a positive control(intraperitoneal 50 μg/kg Liraglutide),and a negative control. Each intervention was given for9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed weekly. Serum lipid profile and peptides involved in appetite control (cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), ghrelin, peptide YY, and orexin) were assayed at the end of the experiment. None of the interventions showed a statistically significant difference regarding food consumption or weight gain (p > 0.05). However, the three interventions significantly reducedtotal cholesterol (TC), NS and NS-ginger significantly increased HDL, NS increased ghrelin and ginger increased orexin. The present dose and duration of NS, ginger, or in combination did not demonstrate a significant change inbody weight or food consumption in comparison to the negative or positive controls. However, NS or ginger has improved the lipid profile by reducing TC and increasing HDL. In addition, NS or ginger can influence some of the peptides involved in appetite regulation such as the increase in ghrelin induced by NS and the reduction of orexin induced by ginger. We believe that these latter effects are novel and might indicate a promising effect of these natural products on appetite regulation.