Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death necessitates more research to find better solutions to this general concern. Due to the side effects of chemical compounds, more attention has been paid to herbal remedies. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa, on atherosclerosis and its risk factors in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Methods: Fifteen rabbits were randomly distributed into three groups of five each.( Normal diet group, hypercholesterolemic diet group (1% cholesterol) and group that received hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with 5% nigella sativa). Animal groups received their own diets and water for a period of 8 weeks. At the beginning of the treatment period, blood samples were taken from all animals to measure biochemical factors. Same procedure was performed at the end of the period then the left and right coronary arteries and the aorta of each animal were dissected to study fatty streak formation (FSF).

Results: Dietary use of Nigella sativa significantly decreased cardiovascular FSF as well as blood cholesterol and LDL in hypercholesterolemic animals. Though not significant but blood HDL was increased and reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG) and oxidized LDL was observed in the same animals.

Conclusion: The results indicate that Nigella sativa inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. This may be related to the effect of Nigella sativa on plasma lipoproteins in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.