Introduction: Obesity-induced inflammation leads to increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant activity. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of six weeks of metabolic resistance training combined with Nigella sativa supplementation on Catalase and Malondialdehyde levels in overweight women.
Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 32 overweight women aged 30–40 years from District 22 of Tehran, Iran, were recruited and randomly assigned to four groups (n=8 per group): Control, Training, Supplement, and Training + Supplement. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants. The training groups participated in metabolic resistance training for six weeks, three sessions per week, at an intensity of 60-70% of maximum heart rate. The supplement groups received one 500 mg black seed capsule daily for six weeks. To measure Catalase and Malondialdehyde, a colorimetric method and a microplate reader were used. Data were analyzed using two-way ANCOVA (p<0.05).
Results: The results showed that training and black seed consumption significantly reduced Malondialdehyde levels in the training group (p=0.002) and the combined group (p=0.001) compared to the control group, while no significant difference was observed between the supplement group and the control group (p=0.665). Mean Catalase levels increased in all experimental groups compared to the control group and were significant in the training group (p=0.006), combined group (p=0.001), and supplement group (p=0.011). A significant reduction in body fat percentage was also reported in the training group (p=0.021), combined group (p=0.001), and supplement group (p=0.033).
Conclusion: It appears that metabolic resistance training, especially when combined with Nigella sativa supplementation, can reduce oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity.