Effect of Nigella Sativa on Oxidative Stress in Post-Menopausal Females

Background: The permanent cessation of menstrual periods in menopause causes a decline in estrogen levels and increased oxidative stress. Both of these factors lead to menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal females that negatively affect the quality of their lives. Antioxidant properties of Nigella sativa are due to its natural ingredient “thymoquinone” and have been studied in various animal and human studies. This study was done to determine beneficial effect of nigella sativa. Material and Methods: Thirty postmenopausal females were recruited in the study after taking consent. Nigella sativa was administered at a dose of 1g/day for 2 months after breakfast. Blood sample was taken for pre and post treatment glutathione (GSH) estimation. The SPSS version 21 was used to analyze the data. Paired t- test was applied. P value of< 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Regarding the effect of the Nigella sativa on oxidative stress, result indicated a highly significant increase from baseline (p<0.0001) after 8 weeks’ consumption of Nigella sativa. The effect size was calculated both for biochemical parameter GSH and general parameter like weight and BMI. The result of the effect size calculation showed larger effect size for GSH levels (3.9) and moderate sized effect for weight and BMI.Conclusion: Nigella Sativa showed beneficial antioxidant effects in post-menopausal females and might be responsible for a better quality of life in these women