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Effect of Cumin Water on Hunger and Digestion: A Pilot Study


Authors : Vaishnavi G.; Aby C. Santhosh; Rahul R. K.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3zn9mxj2

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2mjnkyz6

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May1676

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Background Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has traditionally been used in various systems of medicine for improving digestion, appetite, and gastrointestinal comfort. Scientific evidence regarding its effects on digestive symptoms in young adults remains limited.  Aim To evaluate the effect of cumin water on hunger and digestion among young adult females using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).  Methods An experimental pilot study was conducted among 20 female participants aged 18–20 years. Participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group consumed 250 ml of cumin water prepared by boiling 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds in 350 ml of water, administered 30 minutes prior to breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 21 days. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) before intervention and at weekly intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using the Independent-Samples Mann– Whitney U test.  Results A statistically significant difference in GSRS change scores was observed between the experimental and control groups (Mann–Whitney U = 13.000, Z = −2.820, exact p = 0.004), indicating improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms in the intervention group.  Conclusion Cumin water demonstrated significant beneficial effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and digestion among young adult females. The findings suggest that cumin water may serve as a simple, low-cost dietary intervention for improving digestive comfort and appetite-related symptoms. Larger randomized controlled trials are recommended.

Keywords : Cumin Water, Cuminum Cyminum, Digestion, Appetite, GSRS, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Pilot Study.

References :

  1. Amin, E. A., Ismail, E., Mahboobeh, R., & Tabandeh, S. (2024). The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12906-024-04530-1
  2. Bai, Y., Mu, Q., Qi, J., & Sa, C. (2025). The Chemical Composition of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) Analyzed by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS and GC-MS. Natural Product Communications, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X251328280
  3. Bettaieb, I., Bourgou, S., Wannes, W. A., Hamrouni, I., Limam, F., & Marzouk, B. (2010). Essential oils, phenolics, and antioxidant activities of different parts of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(19), 10410–10418. https://doi.org/10.1021/JF102248J
  4. Digestive stimulant action of three Indian spice mixes in experimental rats - PubMed. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2026, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12577586/
  5. Gagandeep, Dhanalakshmi, S., Méndiz, E., Rao, A. R., & Kale, R. K. (2003). Chemopreventive Effects of Cuminum cyminum in Chemically Induced Forestomach and Uterine Cervix Tumors in Murine Model Systems. Nutrition and Cancer, 47(2), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327914NC4702_10
  6. Johri, R. K. (2011). Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 5(9), 63. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.79101
  7. Platel, K., & Srinivasan, K. (2004). Digestive stimulant action of spices: A myth or reality? Indian Journal of Medical Research, 119(5), 167–179.
  8. Sharangi, A. B., & Guha, S. (2013). Wonders of Leafy Spices: Medicinal Properties Ensuring Human Health. Science International, 1(9), 312–317. https://doi.org/10.17311/SCIINTL.2013.312.317
  9. Srinivasan, K. (2018). Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds: traditional uses, chemical constituents, and nutraceutical effects. Food Quality and Safety, 2(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1093/FQSAFE/FYX031
  10. Suzuki, S., Otsuka, A., Kurata, E., Mio, K., Inaba, T., Yoshida, K., Kinoshita, S., Hamaguchi, T., Sangsoo, E., & Abo, M. (2025). Sex-Specific Effects of Cumin Supplementation on Body Composition, Lipid Levels, and Glycemic Profiles: A Pilot Study. Cureus, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.7759/CUREUS.82774
  11. Trigui, I., Zarai, Z., Chevance, S., Cheikh-Rouhou, S., Attia, H., & Ayadi, M. A. (2019). Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of purified proteins from black cumin seeds. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 126, 454–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJBIOMAC.2018.12.198
  12. Yousefnejad, H., Mohammadi, F., Alizadeh-naini, M., & Hejazi, N. (2023). Nigella sativa powder for helicobacter pylori infected patients: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12906-023-03955-4

Background Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has traditionally been used in various systems of medicine for improving digestion, appetite, and gastrointestinal comfort. Scientific evidence regarding its effects on digestive symptoms in young adults remains limited.  Aim To evaluate the effect of cumin water on hunger and digestion among young adult females using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).  Methods An experimental pilot study was conducted among 20 female participants aged 18–20 years. Participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group consumed 250 ml of cumin water prepared by boiling 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds in 350 ml of water, administered 30 minutes prior to breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 21 days. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) before intervention and at weekly intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using the Independent-Samples Mann– Whitney U test.  Results A statistically significant difference in GSRS change scores was observed between the experimental and control groups (Mann–Whitney U = 13.000, Z = −2.820, exact p = 0.004), indicating improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms in the intervention group.  Conclusion Cumin water demonstrated significant beneficial effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and digestion among young adult females. The findings suggest that cumin water may serve as a simple, low-cost dietary intervention for improving digestive comfort and appetite-related symptoms. Larger randomized controlled trials are recommended.

Keywords : Cumin Water, Cuminum Cyminum, Digestion, Appetite, GSRS, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Pilot Study.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - June - 2026

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