Both obesity and inflammation, can lead to an increased risk of metabolic disorders, such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension.^1,2 Decreasing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure can aid in weight loss, but other means are also sought to encourage a decrease in weight.¹ Due to an increase in worldwide trends of obesity and inflammation, an increase in research has focused on these two factors. The bitter herbs hops (Humulus lupulus, Cannabaceae) and black cumin (Nigella sativa, Ranunculaceae)² have been studied to determine their efficacy in weight loss, and in the case of black cumin, decreasing inflammation.

The immature inflorescences of the female hops plant are used to add flavor and bitterness to beer.¹ While the bitter components, iso-α-acids, develop during the brewing process, it is difficult to add them to food because of their extreme bitterness. However, other components develop during storage. These structurally-complex components have been identified as matured hop bitter acids (MHBA), which consist of α-acid oxides that have been shown to have a more pleasant bitterness compared to iso-α-acids. MHBA has been shown to increase thermogenesis of adipose tissue in rats. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial conducted in 2014, examined the effects of a matured hops extract (MHE), which included 18.3% of MHBA and undetectable amounts of α-, β- and iso-α-acids, on healthy, overweight subjects. After 12 weeks of ingestion of the MHE, the subjects (BMI 25-30 kg/m²) experienced decreased fat accumulation. Energy intake was significantly decreased in those taking MHE, implying that appetite suppression may be involved.

Black cumin, which belongs to the buttercup family, is also known for its bitter taste.² The spice contains a variety of chemical components, including thymoquinone, thymol, essential fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acid), nigellicine, limonene, and carvacrol. Iranian traditional medicine has used it to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes, digestive disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. Thymoquinone, which is fat soluble, is thought to be the primary pharmacologically active component. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial conducted in 2014 investigated the effects of black cumin oil capsules combined with a weight-reduction diet on inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) in 84 obese women (BMI > 30-35 kg/m²). After eight weeks of supplementation, results showed that a significant decrease in body weight, TNF-α, and hs-CRP occurred with the black cumin oil capsules compared to placebo.

References

¹Morimoto-Kobayashi Y, Ohara K, Ashigai H, et al. Matured hop extract reduces body fat in healthy overweight humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study. Nutr J. March 9, 2016;15:25. doi: 10.1186/s12937-016-0144-2.

Lori Glenn,  Managing Editor