Study Title: The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial Used Herbs: Blackseed Cinnamon Ginger Each participant was asked to consume one...
Study Title: The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Used Herbs:
Blackseed
Cinnamon
Ginger
Each participant was asked to consume one gram in the morning, one gram in the middle of the day, and one gram at the end of the day with hot water
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.
Conclusions
The high dose supplementation of the evaluated spices led to improvements in several important indices in metabolic syndrome, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, FBG, and HbA1c levels. These factors are central to both the development and exacerbation of many non-communicable diseases, making well-tolerated and widely available adjunctive therapies critically important. While larger studies are required to fully validate the effects, including differing doses and long-term supplementation, the data provided herein provide a strong rationale for future research.
How does one placebo spices? I feel like I’d know whether I was taking a tea spoon of ginger powder or some other powder. It’s not exactly a subtle flavor.
How does one placebo spices? I feel like I’d know whether I was taking a tea spoon of ginger powder or some other powder. It’s not exactly a subtle flavor.
You don't have to. You just tell the placebo receiving subjects that they are getting a new drug or supplement being tested for efficacy for metabolic syndrome.
You don't have to.
You just tell the placebo receiving subjects that they are getting a new drug or supplement being tested for efficacy for metabolic syndrome.
The spices were purchased from a local spice shop in Al Ain city, with the whole amount purchased at once to minimize any error. The spices were freshly ground into a powder for the intervention study. In a clean and sanitized area, the spice powder and starch powder were weighed into one-gram portions and were packed in small zip lock plastic bags for the convenience of the participant’s usage.
Study Title: The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Used Herbs:
Each participant was asked to consume one gram in the morning, one gram in the middle of the day, and one gram at the end of the day with hot water
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.
Conclusions
The high dose supplementation of the evaluated spices led to improvements in several important indices in metabolic syndrome, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, FBG, and HbA1c levels. These factors are central to both the development and exacerbation of many non-communicable diseases, making well-tolerated and widely available adjunctive therapies critically important. While larger studies are required to fully validate the effects, including differing doses and long-term supplementation, the data provided herein provide a strong rationale for future research.
On my tea scale 1 gram of powdered ginger is only 1/2 teaspoon.
How does one placebo spices? I feel like I’d know whether I was taking a tea spoon of ginger powder or some other powder. It’s not exactly a subtle flavor.
You don't have to.
You just tell the placebo receiving subjects that they are getting a new drug or supplement being tested for efficacy for metabolic syndrome.
Maybe they put it in a capsule.
They weren’t.
I think this is a good question. According to the paper the placebo was powdered corn starch.