Potential role of Nigella sativa supplementation with physical activity in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: a contemporary review

Abstract

The widespread prevalence and mortality of coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) lead many researchers to study the SARS-CoV-s2 infection to find a treatment for this disease. Discovering the mechanisms of action of COVID-19 and coping at the cellular level with this disease can have better effects. Including the target tissues of this disease are the lungs and the immune system. It is stated that COVID-19 easily infiltrates into alveoli through its receptors and then starts to proliferate. Subsequently, with the weakening of immune cells and increase inflammatory cytokines, it increases the rate of inflammation in the body. Strengthening the immune system and inhibiting COVID-19 receptors can play a preventive or even therapeutic role for this disease. Nigella sativa ( N. sativa ) is one of the herbal medicines to possess numerous pharmacological effects related to several organs of the body. Among the extraordinary properties of this plant is improving asthma and several lung diseases. The recent studies have shown that N. sativa at the cellular level can inhibit COVID-19 receptors. It was also stated that performing regular exercise training (especially moderate-intensity exercise training) can modulate the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Since the use of herbal supplements with exercise can have tremendous therapeutic effects at the cellular level, the hypothesis to use the Nigella sativa along with exercise training to prophylaxis and treatment COVID-19 will be highlighted in this paper.

Potential Pharmacological Applications of Nigella Seeds with a Focus on Nigella sativa and Its Constituents against Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Progress and Future Opportunities

“…These therapeutic interventions are often used to treat respiratory disorders, and reports have shown their effectiveness in alleviating influenza-related symptoms [187]. Nigella sativa has been recognized as a promising phytomedicine owing to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antiviral, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions [188,189]. NS is a well-known cooking spice that has significant health benefits and an extensive history [7,187].…”

The effect of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 supplementation on the clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Therefore, Nigella sativa has positive implications due to its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties ( Imran et al, 2022 ) . It was reported that the acute respiratory distress syndrome together with the cytokine storm is the leading cause of death in COVID-19 patients ( Khazdair et al, 2021 ; Shirvani et al, 2021 ) and that more clinical data are required to investigate the efficacy and potency of Nigella sativa in COVID-19 ( Khazdair et al, 2021 ; Shirvani et al, 2021 ). Based on the aforementioned beneficial mechanisms of actions of Nigella sativa , it could be considered an attractive candidate for an add-on therapy for the management of COVID-19 infection.…”