Comparative Effects of Basil Seed Consumption and Endurance Exercise on Irisin, Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α), and Leptin Levels: A Prospective Observational Study

Background and objective There is growing concern regarding metabolic and inflammatory disorders globally, underscoring the need for effective nonpharmacological interventions. Irisin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and leptin are biomarkers of metabolic and inflammatory health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the comparative effects of basil seed supplementation or endurance exercise on biomarkers of chronic oxidative stress. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled 60 participants who were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (basil seeds, n=30) and Group B (endurance exercise, n=30). Participants in Group A consumed 10 grams of soaked basil seeds daily for eight weeks, while those in Group B underwent a supervised endurance exercise regimen (45 minutes/day, five days/week). Biomarkers, including irisin, IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin, were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) both at baseline and post-intervention. Within-group and between-group differences were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results Overall, the baseline characteristics in Group A (age: 35.4 ± 5.0 years; BMI: 24.5 ± 2.3 kg/m²) and B (age: 34.9 ± 4.8 years; BMI: 24.9 ± 2.4 kg/m²) were comparable (p>0.05). Significant changes were observed in both groups post-intervention. Irisin levels increased moderately in group A (47.23 ± 4.8 µg/mL to 50.79 ± 5.13 µg/mL, p<0.01), and IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin decreased (IL-6: 28.2 ± 2.13 pg/mL to 18.1 ± 2.01 pg/mL, p<0.01; TNF-α: 34.5 ± 2.72 pg/mL to 23.6 ± 2.64 pg/mL, p<0.01; and leptin: 8.4 ± 1.96 ng/mL to 3.9 ± 0.83 ng/mL, p<0.01). Group B showed a significant increase in irisin (44.04 ± 3.58 µg/mL to 150.1 ± 9.32 µg/mL, p<0.001) and a non-significant rise in IL-6 (31.65 ± 2.4 pg/mL to 35.64 ± 3.17 pg/mL, p>0.05). TNF-α levels increased in Group B (31.65 ± 3.27 pg/mL vs. 61.66 ± 3.85 pg/mL, p<0.001) and decreased in Group A, while leptin levels slightly decreased in Group B (7.94 ± 1.27 ng/mL vs. 4.19 ± 0.64 ng/mL, p>0.05). Conclusions Supplementation with basil seed and exercise training with endurance exercise had distinct effects on biomarkers of metabolism and inflammation. Irisin levels were significantly improved by endurance exercise, while basil seeds were most effective in reducing IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin. The findings suggest that basil seeds and exercise provide synergistic effects against metabolic and inflammatory diseases.