Effect of Nigella sativa on hemodynamics, hemoglobin, and blood coagulation in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a Nigella sativa (NS) seed supplement on hemodynamics, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and blood coagulation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study design: This study included 94 patients who were divided randomly into three dose groups. Capsules containing NS seeds were administered orally at a dose of 1, 2, and 3 g/day for 12 weeks. In all patients, the hemodynamic markers [systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), and rate pressure product (RPP)], Hb levels, and coagulation markers (prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels, and platelet count) were determined before treatment and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: Patients receiving 1 g/day NS for 12 weeks (group 1) showed nonsignificant changes in the hemodynamic parameters, whereas patients who received a supplement of 2 g/day NS (group 2) showed a significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, HR, and rate pressure product, compared with the baseline values. An increase in the NS dose to 3 g/day exerted less effect on the blood pressure and reversed the effect on HR. The Hb levels decreased slightly, but significantly in the three groups. Partial thromboplastin time showed a significant increase in group 2 at the end of the treatment period and a nonsignificant increase in groups 1 and 3 throughout the treatment period. However, the fibrinogen levels increased significantly in groups 2 and 3 compared with the baseline values. Conclusion: Ingestion of 2 g/day NS seeds for 12 weeks exerted a favorable impact on the hemodynamic parameters. However, NS should be administered with caution in diabetic patients with anemia.