Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a medicinal plant found in the Eastern Mediterranean to South Asia used in recipes for centuries.
Cumin contains more than 100 different phytochemicals including oil, volatile oils, essential fatty acids, vitamins.
Traditionally cumin has been used from the middle ages for antibacterial, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, cumin has been used for high cholesterol, acid reflux, jaundice and diarrhea and even weight loss.
A peer reviewed publication in Phytotherapy Research described the current clinical trials with cumin for lower high cholesterol.
Here are the study details
Five major databases were searched including Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library
Here are the main results
– A total of six clinical trials were identified that tested cumin for lowering cholesterol
– Total Cholesterol: On average Cumin preparations were able to lower total cholesterol by 11 mg/dL
– LDL Cholesterol: On average Cumin preparations were able to lower LDL by 7 mg/dL
– Triglycerides: On average Cumin preparations were able to lower triglycerides by 20 mg/dL
Here are more clinical trials with plant extracts and phytochemicals to lower cholesterol naturally.
– HDL Cholesterol: On average Cumin improved HDL by 3 mg/dL
Here is what the authors had to say
The current meta‐analysis has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First and for most, all the participants were recruited from Iranian populations, which could preclude us to extrapolate these findings to populations from another ethnic origin.
And
Our results revealed that cumin supplementation was more effective than placebo/control in reducing circulating TC and LDL‐C levels.
Take away message
First, cumin is referring to a seed and not the phytochemical curcumin that is found in turmeric (Curcuma longa). The current evidence suggests that cumin may be beneficial for reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
In the clinical trials described in the review clinical trials used either a cumin powder, cumin extract (225 to 300 mg/day), or cumin essential oil (25 or 100 mg/day). Typically, with cholesterol lowering drugs you should expect at least 3 months to determine if a product is lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Reference
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a safe approach for management of lipid parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2018; Volume 32 (Issue 11): Pages 2146-2154.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Cholesterol, Food, Plant Medicine