Almost 80%, or 4 out of 5, asthma patients have used complementary or alternative medicine for their asthma.
The range of alternative medicine spans breathing exercises to natural remedices include black seed (Nigella sativa), caffeine, choline, and pycnogenol.
Nigella sativa, also known as black seed, is widely available in dietary supplement form is one popular choice for asthma patients.
Given the widespread use of alternative medicine in controlling asthma symptoms investigators from University College London tested Nigella sativa in a controlled clinical trial with asthma patients.
This study was published in the journal Phytotherapy Research.
Here are the study details:
– Study design: Phase II randomized, double blind placebo controlled parallel group clinical trial
– Treatment group: 40 human subjects received a soft gel capsule of cold pressed Nigella sativa oil. The oil contained 0.7% thymoquinone.
– Placebo group: 40 human subjects received virgin olive oil that was identical in appearance.
– Dose: Both groups received a dose of one capsule (500 mg oil) twice daily for 4 weeks.
– Primary outcome: The ACT (Asthma Control Test) score. The scoring system ranges from 5-25 with 25 being under full control.
– Study duration: 4 weeks
Here are the main results:
– Total ACT Score improved from 16 before treatment to 21.1 with Nigella sativa oil capsules
– Significant improvement was observed in the treatment group compared to placebo
– The treatment appeared to be well tolerated. Three reports of upset stomach were indicated as mild and self-limited.
Here were the comments from the scientists who performed the research:
In this study, Nigella sativa oil significantly improved asthma control over placebo and showed a trend toward pulmonary function improvement with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile among adult asthmatic patients. Therefore, this study helps to build-up an evidence-base for using such supplements in the management of this disease.
And
The Nigella sativa oil supplementation appeared to be effective in enhancing the control of asthma symptoms with a trend in pulmonary function improvement. Remarkably, NSO showed a reduction of blood eosinophilia. These findings may provide an evidence for the potential benefits of Nigella sativa oil supplementation in the clinical management of asthma.
Take away message:
The results of this study suggest Nigella sativa could be one more tool to help control asthma. Nigella sativa was able to improve lung function in this study. In addition, a reduction in eosinophils in the blood which is desired in asthma patients. These results are very promising and with further research Nigella sativa may be another tool to help control asthma.
References: Phytotherapy Research. 2017 March; Volume 31 (Issue 3): pages 403-409.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Allergies, Clinical Trials, Inflammation, Plant Extracts