Effect of Nigella sativa-L supplementation on glycemia in adolescent polycystic ovarian syndrome: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Adolescence is a critical period for health, as conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can affect long-term outcomes, including diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in adulthood. This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa L. extract on glycemia among adolescents with PCOS. Materials and methods This secondary analysis used data from a randomized controlled trial conducted between March 2022 and March 2023. One hundred sixteen adolescent girls aged 12–18 years with PCOS were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received 1000 mg/day of Nigella sativa extract for 16 weeks, while the control group received 10 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone for 10 days per menstrual cycle over the same period. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and one- and two-hour post-prandial glucose levels were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results 103 completed the study (50 in the Nigella sativa group and 53 in the control group). At baseline, there were no significant differences in FPG (p = 0.294), though the control group had higher one-hour (p = 0.002) and two-hour (p = 0.006) post-prandial glucose levels. Post-intervention, significant interaction effects were observed for FPG (p = 0.004) and two-hour post-prandial glucose (p = 0.023), indicating more significant reductions in the Nigella sativa group compared to the control group. Conclusions Considering the observed effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on FPG and two-hour post-prandial glucose, it may offer a complementary approach to managing glycemia in adolescent PCOS. However, further research is warranted.

Keywords

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Adolescent
• Nigella sativa
• Blood glucose metabolism