The Effects of 8‑week Nigella sativa Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Lipid Profile and VO2 Max in Sedentary Overweight Females

Background: Regular moderate intensity physical activity and lipid lowering effects of Nigella sativa(N. sativa) supplementation may be appropriate management for sedentary overweight females. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of long-term N. sativasupplementation and aerobic training on lipid profile and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in sedentary overweight females. 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