Description of study blinding:
This study has been designed as a single-blind study. In order to comply with the principles of medical ethics, all participants will be fully informed about the nature of the study, the research process, and its purpose before entering the study, and will sign a written informed consent form. Blinding is limited to concealing the type of intervention (black myrobalan, black seed, or placebo) from the participants.
Details of the blinding status of individuals are as follows:
Participants: Participants will be unaware of their allocation to the intervention groups (black myrobalan, black seed, or placebo), and the supplements will be prepared to be similar in appearance, color, odor, and packaging. However, participants will be fully aware of the general nature of the study and that they are receiving either a type of herbal supplement or a placebo.
Principal investigator and research team: The principal investigator, healthcare personnel, and those responsible for implementing the study will be aware of group allocations in order to monitor patient safety and manage potential adverse events.