The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patients

Abstract

In previous studies, the relaxant, anticholinergic (functional antagonism) antihistaminic, effects of Nigella sativa have been demonstrated on guinea-pig tracheal chains. In the present study, the prophylactic effect of boiled extract of N. sativa on asthmatic disease was examined. Twenty-nine asthmatic adults were randomly divided into control group (14 patients) and study group (15 patients), and they were studied for 3 months. In the study group 15 mL/kg of 0.1 g% boiled extract and in the control group a placebo solution was administrated daily throughout the study. Asthma symptom score, asthma severity, frequency of symptoms/week and wheezing were recorded in the beginning (first visit), 45 days after treatment (second visit), and at the end of the study (third visit). Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were also measured, and the drug regimen of the patients was evaluated at three different visits. All asthma symptoms, frequency of asthma symptoms/week, chest wheezing, and PFT values in the study group significantly improved in the second and third visits compared with the first visit (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In addition, further improvement of chest wheezing and severity of disease on the third visit were observed compared with the second visit in this group (P < 0.05 for both cases). In the third visit all symptoms in the study group were significantly different from those of the control group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). However, in the control group, there were only small improvements in some parameters in just the second visit. The usage of inhaler and oral beta-agonists, oral corticosteroid, oral theophylline and even inhaler corticosteroid in the study group decreased at the end of the study while there were no obvious changes in usage of the drugs in control subjects. The results of phase I study generally suggest a prophylactic effect of N. sativa on asthma disease and warrant further research regarding this effect.

Effect of combination of Nigella sativa and Bee’s honey on lung function, respiratory muscle power, and asthma control in patients with persistent asthma

“…These results are consistent with a previous human study by Boskabady MH et al who examined the effect of NS boiled extract on asthma symptoms and PFT values in the study group which were significantly improved. 20 Nevertheless, the improvement in pulmonary function test parameters shown in our study conforms to the previous positive preliminary human study results by Nahid et al on Sudanese asthmatic patients. 21 The impressive improvement in PFT and the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP&MEP) is possibly explained by the medicinal characteristics of Bee's Honey.…”

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb

“…The usage of inhaler and oral β-agonists, oral corticosteroid, oral theophylline and even inhaler corticosteroid in the study group decreased at the end of the study while there were no obvious changes in usage of the drugs in control subjects. The results of phase I study generally suggested a prophylactic effect of N. sativa on asthma disease [102] . The anti-asthmatic (bronchodilatory) effect of the boiled extract of N. sativa in the airways of asthmatic patients was examined.…”

Antidiabetic Properties of a Spice Plant Nigella sativa

“…Oral administration of 50% boiled extract of N. sativa seeds (0.375 mL/kg) to human victims of war, resulted in clinical improvement of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests [67]. Smooth muscle relaxant, anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects of N. sativa have been found useful in patients of asthma in another clinical trial [68]. Due to its antihistaminic, antiinflamatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects, N. sativa was found to be useful in patients of acute tonsillo-pharyngitis in a randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial [69].…”