Cardiometabolic Effects of Nigella sativa in Postmenopausal Women with Hypertension: A Prospective, Observational, Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent condition, impacting a significant amount of general population and contributing prominently to global mortality. Increasing attention has been directed towards phytotherapy products as potential complementary or alternative therapies for hypertension prevention and treatment. Among these, Nigella sativa (NS) has shown encouraging effects in improving cardiovascular parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NS supplementation in reducing seated office systolic blood pressure (BP) in postmenopausal women. We also explored the dose-dependent effects of this intervention on BP levels and metabolic parameters. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational pilot study including 52 women, who were stratified into two active groups (n = 32) receiving two different dosages of NS (n = 16, age 54.2 ± 2.3 at 400 mg/day and n = 16, age 52.3 ± 2.4 at 800 mg/day) and a control group (n = 20, age 53.9 ± 3.0). Participants were evaluated at baseline (T0), at 4 (T1) and 8 weeks (T2) for office brachial and central BP, heart rate (HR), lipid profile, body weight, and menopausal symptoms. Results: NS supplementation significantly reduced office systolic and diastolic BP in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01), with more pronounced reductions at 800 mg/day. Improvements in climacteric symptoms and reduced HR were observed as early as T1, while metabolic parameters, including lipid profile and weight, showed significant changes at T2. Notably, the 800 mg/day dosage group also experienced significant reductions in weight and body mass index. Younger age, more recent menopausal transition, and elevated baseline HR were identified as predictors of a better response to treatment. Conclusions: NS supplementation demonstrates significant dose-dependent benefits in reducing office BP and improving metabolic parameters. These findings support the role of NS as an effective complementary therapy in hypertension management in postmenopausal women.

Keywords: Nigella sativa; cardiovascular prevention; hypertension; menopause; nutraceutics.

Figure 1

Study Flowchart. This figure outlines the design of the study, detailing participant enrollment, allocation into groups, the intervention protocols, and evaluation time points across the study period.

Figure 2

Blood Pressure Changes Over Time. This figure illustrates the changes in brachial and central blood pressures across the study period, highlighting differences between baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The statistical significance of the observed changes is marked, with * indicating p < 0.05 and ** indicating p < 0.01.

Figure 3

Vascular Parameters and Heart Rate. This figure visualizes the trends in arterial stiffness and vascular health, as measured by PWV and augmentation index, alongside changes in heart rate over the course of the study. These data underscore the effects of the intervention on vascular and autonomic regulation. The statistical significance of the observed changes is marked, with * indicating p < 0.05.

Figure 4

Climacteric Symptoms. Significant improvement in climacteric symptoms as measured by the Greene Climacteric Scale were reported.