Benefit of Black Seed supplementation in Asthma

What is it about?

Nigella sativa and its derivatives have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, but the effects have been evaluated in only a few clinical studies. This study was done to determine the effect of N sativa supplementation on inflammation of the airways and limitation of airflow in partly controlled asthma patients. It was a Single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. It was carried out at Asthma and allergy clinic of a university hospital in eastern Saudi Arabia. Patients were divided into three groups. A control group (n=24) received the placebo, while NS-1 and NS-2 groups (n=26 each) received 1 and 2 g/day of N sativa, respectively, for 3 months along with maintenance inhaled therapy. The main outcome measures were Asthma control test (ACT) score, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability and other pulmonary function tests, IgE, serum cytokines, and frequency of exacerbations. FEF25-75% and FEV1 (% predicted) increased significantly (P<.05) at both 6 and 12 weeks in the NS-2 group. PEF variability significantly improved in both NS-1 and NS-2 groups at 6 and 12 weeks as compared with the controls (P<.05). FeNO and serum IgE decreased significantly after 12 weeks in both the NS-1 and NS-2 groups vs baseline (P<.05). Both doses of N sativa produced a significant increase in the serum IFN-γ at 12 weeks vs baseline (P<.05) as well as a significant improvement in the ACT score at 6 and 12 weeks vs baseline (P<.001, <.01). Significantly fewer patients had exacerbations in the NS-1 group (P<.05). We concluded that N sativa supplementation with inhaled maintenance therapy improves some measures of pulmonary function and inflammation in partly controlled asthma. The limitation of the study was that no bronchoalveolar lavage or sputum samples were taken for measurement of asthma markers.

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Why is it important?

Asthma control is very important for both patient and the doctor. Quest for new treatments with minimal side effects continues. Contemporary and traditional medicinal products offer a great source of pharmacollogically active compounds that are helpful in asthma.

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