Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Application of Nigella sativa on Acute Radiation-Induced Nasal Mucositis

Abstract

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on nasal mucosa in rats and to evaluate the radioprotective effects of the topical application of black seed oil (Nigella sativa [NS]) to treat acute radiation-induced nasal mucositis.A total of 18 rats were randomized into 3 groups, with 6 animals per group. The rats in group 1 were topically administered saline in the nasal cavity after sham irradiation. Group 2 received saline at the same dose after irradiation. Group 3 was given NS after irradiation. The rats in groups 2 and 3 were irradiated with a single dose of 40 Gy to the nasal and paranasal area. Only one drop of saline (0.05 mL) was applied to each nostril in the first, second, and third days after RT in groups 1 and 2. One drop of cold press NS (0.05 mL) was applied to each nostril in group 3. Fourteen days after irradiation, the nasal mucosal tissues were excised for histopathological evaluation. Vascular dilatation, inflammatory cell infiltration, superficial erosion, and formation of exudates were classified according to the severity.No evidence of mucositis was observed in group 1. Of all the parameters the only statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 3 were observed for "superficial erosion' (P < 0.05). Overall microscopic observations in the NS-treated group were better than in group 2.The preliminary results of our study have shown that local application of NS to the nasal mucosa may be an effective treatment of acute nasal mucositis due to RT.

Nigella sativa Oil Mouth Rinse Improves Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

“…The volatile oil obtained from the seeds contains many constituents such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, thymol, α - and β -pinene, 4-terpineol, and nigellone, among others [20], and the therapeutic benefit of the seed extract is well characterized [21]. In this regard, Nigella sativa (NS) oil is tried in different animal models of radiation-induced mucositis because of its pleiotropic activities [22, 23] with promising pieces of evidence of successful outcomes. Accordingly, the present study aims at evaluating the effects of Nigella sativa oil as a mouth rinse against CT-induced OM in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.…”

Nigella Sativa Oil for Oral Mucositis

“…This result was in tune with the finding of Lotfy and Zayed that demonstrate effective attenuation of tissue damage by the use of NS oil in 5fluorouracil-induced OM in rats [32] . Moreover, Canakci et al reported that topical application of NS oil effectively prevents the superficial erosion of the RTinduced nasal mucositis in rats [33] . Radiation-induced OM is one of the most reported complications of RT that impairs the patient's quality of life with consequent attempts to reduce the dose of radiation and treatment termination [34,35] .…”

Comparing the efficacy of a novel mucoadhesive patch containing Nigella sativa 10% with triamcinolone 0.1% in patients with erosive‐atrophic oral lichen planus: A pilot study

“…Thymoquinone, as indicated by diverse laboratory investigations (Gawron et al, 2019 ; Goel & Mishra, 2018 ; Kouidhi et al, 2011 ; Mouwakeh et al, 2019 ; Randhawa et al, 2015 ), exhibits both antifungal and antibacterial attributes, thus eliminating the need for supplementary antifungal medications. Moreover, some animal investigations have explored the histopathology of wound healing involving N. sativa , revealing encouraging findings (Al‐Douri & Al‐kazaz, 2010 ; Çanakci et al, 2018 ). However, as the clinical confirmation of the antifungal properties of N. sativa is pending, the authors opted for ethical considerations and prescribed nystatin for both groups.…”