Beenish Beenish

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with dyslipidemia, a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. This study examines the effects of supplementation of black pepper (Piper nigrum) which contains piperine a bioactive compound as its prominent constituent, on lipid profile parameters in NAFLD patients over 12 weeks. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 170 clinically and radiologically diagnosed NAFLD patients. Participants were randomly allocated into a piperine supplementation group (n=85) and a placebo group (n=85). Lipid profile parameters, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were measured at baseline and post-intervention using enzymatic colorimetric analysis. The piperine group exhibited a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, along with a marked increase in HDL levels, whereas the placebo group showed no significant changes. Percent Changes in Lipid Profile (Piperine Group): Total Cholesterol ↓15.13%, Triglycerides ↓44.94%, LDL ↓21.58%, HDL ↑3.51%. The findings suggest that piperine supplementation could be an effective adjunct in managing lipid profiles in NAFLD patients, potentially reducing dyslipidemia-related complications. Further studies are required to assess long-term safety and underlying mechanisms.

The advancement within the food and nutrition sector has resulted in the development of a special category of food, particularly referred to as “superfoods”. Superfoods are special kind of foods capable of exhibiting different positive effects involving prevention of different ailments, provide impetus to the immune system, and essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ample quantities. Nowadays, these are gaining considerable attention due to the increased health consciousness of consumers. In contrast to their exceptional health or even medicinal benefits, which are based on their long history of use, the concept of superfoods is still little understood. The category of superfoods mainly comprises different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. This review sheds light on the nutritional composition as well as the possible intervention in the prevention of various chronic ailments of some significant superfoods. This manuscript could help consumers to use superfoods as part of their diet more often and very effectively.