Study of black-cumin on the expression of the genes related to the lipid metabolism in mice

Backgrounds: The use of traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of metabolic anddigestive disorders is one of the growing attractions of human societies. Numerous studies haveconfirmed the beneficial effects of black cumin extract in controlling the level of blood sugar andlipids.Materials and Methods: In the present study, as a laboratory model, two groups of mice weresubjected to standard diets (control group) and food rich in black cumin powder. After a onemonthfeeding period, weight parameters, as well as changes in adipose tissue cell size after OilRed-O staining, were examined and quantified. The expression of Leptin and Adiponectin genesin adipose tissue was also examined by Real-Time RT-PCR.Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the weight and relative size of adiposetissue cells (P <۰.۰۵) between the control and treatment groups. The study of gene expression didnot show a significant decrease in Leptin level (Sig. = ۰.۰۷), although a slight decrease in thelevel of this hormone can have a high effect on the desire for nutrition. Adiponectin geneexpression showed a significant increase (Sig. = ۰.۰۳) that could be related to the inductiveeffects of black cumin extract on increasing β-oxidation of fatty acids.Conclusion: Our results show that black cumin can be used as a suitable supplement to modulateand adjust the rate of fat metabolism in the body.

Keywords:

Black Cumin , Fat Metabolism , Gene Expression , Leptin , Adiponectin