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The Effects of Nigella Sativa on the Immune Disorders
(Review Article)
_______AUTHOR_______
Dr. Khalid Md Saifullah
Editor-in-Chief, HEALTH COMPANION
Chairman, ASSOCHAM AYUSH COUNCIL
Member of Task Group – Ministry of AYUSH (Govt. of India)
Abstract
Numerous studies have been carried out over the years to substantiate the claims that Nigella sativa oil or Kalonji oil has immune-
modulatory properties and has a positive effect on diverse conditions resulting from deficiencies or abnormalities of the immune
system. In this review article, few clinical trials have been looked into in order to determine the specific effects of NS on the immune
system and whether the existing literature is substantive.
Keywords: thymoquinone, Nigella sativa, immune system, immunity, auto-immune diseases, clinical trials, black seed, Kalonji
Introduction
Nigella sativa is an annual herb with several medicinal properties. Literatures relating to the prescription of Nigella sativa in various
diseases go back 2000 years in history. Black seed oil has been commonly used in the treatment of health issues relating to the
cardiovascular system, liver & kidney functions, digestive tract, respiratory system and immune system support, besides overall well-
being. The rich folklore surrounding Nigella sativa oil, especially in the Indian and Arabic traditional medicinal literature is the
inspiration behind most of the clinical trials that have been carried out to determine its specific pharmacological benefits as well as the
dosage in which it should be consumed to derive those benefits without any side effect. Thymoquinone is the prime among the
numerous active components present in Kalonji like fatty acids, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, etc. Most of the medicinal properties
of NS owe their origin to thymoquinone.
Materials & Methods
Secondary research has been used extensively to understand the immuno-modulatory properties of Nigella sativa. To that effect,
authentic clinical trials that showed the direct effect of Kalonji on the immune system have been studied. As Immune System
modulation is a significant trait of Nigella Sativa, there is no dearth of research literature pertaining to it. In addition to that, other
studies in respect of allergy-related conditions like allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema and asthma have also been consulted.
Results & Discussion
In autoimmune disorder Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease that affects the skin. It causes discolouration of skin in blotches. In some cases, it also affects hair
and inside of the mouth. In a study to compare the effect of Nigella sativa oil and fish oil on vitiligo lesions, randomized sampling
was done on 52 patients. They were divided into 2 equal groups and the medications were applied by one group twice a day on the
vitiligo lesions. This double-blind trial was carried out between June & December 2011 by the dermatology clinic of the Imam
Khomeini Hospital Ahvaz, Iran. The rate of improvement of lesions was accessed by the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) after 6
months. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant after the collected data was analyzed using SPSS v. 15.
The VASI mean score decreased from 4.98 to 3.75 in patients who applied Nigella sativa oil for 6 months, while for those applying
topical fish oil went down from 4.98 to 4.62 only. Major improvements were observed in the neck, head, trunk and upper extremities
of those who used Nigella sativa, and most of the improvement was centred on the feet, trunk, neck & head for those who received
fish oil1.
In skin disorder Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative skin condition which can be itchy, and are sometimes quite painful. It is autoimmune in nature. To
compare the antipsoriatic effect of the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa and asiaticoside, a comprehensive experimental study was
carried out by Ahmed et al. In the study, Nigella sativa was administered in 2 forms, as an oral dosage and as an ointment. They had
IC50 value of 23.9 μg/ml, which is about the IC50 value for asiaticoside (20.13 μg/ml). It was observed that Nigella sativa has better
antipsoriatic effect than the treatment in comparison. It concluded that the benefits of Nigella sativa can be best derived for psoriasis
when it is applied in both ointment and dosage forms in combination2.
1 Ghorbanibirgani et al, 2014. Comparing Nigella sativa oil and fish oil in treatment of vitiligo.
2 Ahmed et al, 2014. Evaluation of efficacy, safety and antioxidant effect of Nigella sativa in patients with psoriasis: A randomized
clinical trial.
In inflammatory condition Allergic Rhinitis
Characterized by itching, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea & sneezing, allergic rhinitis is a kind of inflammatory response of the nasal
mucosa to natural allergens3. When comparing the therapeutic effects of montelukast (10mg/day) and that of Nigella sativa seeds
(250mg/day) on patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis over 2 weeks, it was seen that both resulted in visible improvement in
ophthalmic & daytime symptoms. However, Nigella sativa was more efficient in alleviating the nighttime symptoms4.
In another study conducted by Alsamarai et al, it was demonstrated that nasal drops of Kalonji oil considerably improved the
symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients as well as their ability to withstand exposure to allergens5. The study included the application of
2 drops of Nigella sativa oil (one in each nostril) thrice daily, for 6 weeks. Each drop comprised 15 ml of oil.
A separate study showed that allergic rhinitis patients undergoing allergen-specific immunotherapy for a month and then taking
Kalonji seeds (2g/day) along with immunotherapy the next month experienced better progress (PMN functions & CD8 counts) than
those that just underwent immunotherapy for 2 months6. It concluded that administration of Nigella sativa contributed towards more
effective immunotherapy.
In patients with Tonsillopharyngitis
Research undertaken by Dirjomuljono et al showed that NSPN capsules comprising Nigella sativa (360 mg) & Phyllanthus niuri (50
mg) could considerably reduce the disease’s symptoms. These benefits are accredited to the immune-modulatory & anti-inflammatory
effects of Nigella sativa7.
In another study, it was found that the percentage of lymphocytes & the NK cell count considerably improved in patients diagnosed
with inhalation allergy but to the positive effect of Nigella sativa on the patients’ immune system8.
In patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis
Atrophy of bones, degeneration of collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues & inflammation of joints are the common characteristics of
chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is true that the exact cause of the condition is not well-substantiated. However, a major role of
autoimmunity has been indicated in the disease. The symptoms & activity score of RA significantly improved in 40 patients who were
administered placebo in the first month followed by Nigella sativa oil capsules (500 mg) the next month in a particular study9. The
modulatory effect of Nigella sativa on the immune system could be credited for these benefits.
In Celiac Disease
The symptoms of Celiac Disease are increased gluten sensitivity and inflammation & destruction of the mucosa layer of the small
intestine due to an autoimmune activity. Consumption of Nigella sativa oil capsule (450 mg) 2 times a day along with a gluten-free
diet for a period of 12 months was more effective than just a gluten-free diet in treating patients with iron deficiency anaemia caused
by refractory Celiac disease in a research carried out by Osman et al. Visible improvement in the duodenal histology recovery, as well
as immunological & haematological indices was observed10.
3 Nikakhlagh et al, 2011. Herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis: the use of Nigella sativa.
4 Ansari, 2010. Montelukast versus nigella sativa for management of seasonal allergic rhinitis: A single blind comparative clinical
trial.
5 Alsamarai et al, 2014. Evaluation of topical black seed oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
6 Işık et al, 2010. Potential adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients.
7 Dirjomuljono et al, 2008. Symptomatic treatment of acute tonsillo-pharyngitis patients with a combination of Nigella sativa and
Phyllanthus niruri extract.
8 Deurer et al, 2002. Effect of black cumin oil on the immune status of patients with inhalation allergy.
9 Gheita and Kenawy, 2012. Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo
controlled study.
10 Osman et al, 2012. Immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil treatment in iron deficiency anemia caused by refractory
coeliac disease.
Characterized by chronic dermatitis, a burning sensation & itchiness Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune disease caused
by Celiac Disease. It was found that adding Nigella sativa oil capsules to a gluten-free diet enhanced the efficiency of the diet itself in
the treatment of the condition in a separate study.
Conclusion
It can be positively concluded that Thymoquinone, the active compound in black seeds have been shown to be beneficial to a
significant extent for patients suffering from several auto-immune disorders. This may be due to the immuno-modulatory action of
Nigella sativa. However, the research is not substantial to establish a ‘cause and effect’ theory.
The existing data from several clinical trains are sufficiently understood in relation to the basic properties of Nigella sativa. However,
when it comes to the immuno-modulatory function of Nigella sativa, further animal & clinical trials are necessary. Current research
can show the way to subsequent research for trials as well as drug development.
References
Ahmed Jawad, H., Ibraheem Azhar, Y. and Al-Hamdi Khalil, I., 2014. Evaluation of efficacy, safety and antioxidant effect of Nigella
sativa in patients with psoriasis: A randomized clinical trial. J Clin Exp Invest www. jceionline. org Vol, 5(2).
Ansari, M.A., Ansari, N.A. and Junejo, S.A., 2010. Montelukast versus nigella sativa for management of seasonal allergic rhinitis: A
single blind comparative clinical trial. Pak J Med Sci April-June, 26(2), pp.249-254.
Deurer, A., Schleicher, P., Kalus, U., Pruss, A. and Kiesewetter, H., 2002. Effect of black cumin oil on the immune status of patients
with inhalation allergy. BIOLOGISCHE MEDIZIN, 31(2), pp.75-78.
Dirjomuljono, M., Kristyono, I., Tjandrawinata, R.R. and Nofiarny, D., 2008. Symptomatic treatment of acute tonsillo-pharyngitis
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Gheita, T.A. and Kenawy, S.A., 2012. Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo
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Ghorbanibirgani, A., Khalili, A. and Rokhafrooz, D., 2014. Comparing Nigella sativa oil and fish oil in treatment of vitiligo. Iranian
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Işık, H., Çevikbaş, A., Gürer, Ü.S., Kıran, B., Üresin, Y., Rayaman, P., Rayaman, E., Gürbüz, B. and Büyüköztürk, S., 2010. Potential
adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients. Medical Principles and
Practice, 19(3), pp.206-211.
Mohamed Alsamarai, A., Abdulsatar, M. and Hamed Ahmed Alobaidi, A., 2014. Evaluation of topical black seed oil in the treatment
of allergic rhinitis. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-
Inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Agents), 13(1), pp.75-82.
Nikakhlagh, S., Rahim, F., Aryani, F.H.N., Syahpoush, A., Brougerdnya, M.G. and Saki, N., 2011. Herbal treatment of allergic
rhinitis: the use of Nigella sativa. American journal of otolaryngology, 32(5), pp.402-407.
Osman, M.T., Taha, B.I., Al-Duboni, G. and Muhamed, L.A., 2012. Immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil treatment in iron
deficiency anemia caused by refractory coeliac disease. Res. J. Pharm. Biol. Chem. Sci, 3(4), pp.887-895.