Black seed has antiviral, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potential candidate for the treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, compounds in black seed might theoretically prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells by blocking the receptor the virus uses to gain entry, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).[1][2]
A 2023 meta-analysis suggested that in people with COVID-19, black seed supplementation may reduce the risk of mortality and reduce the time to a negative PCR test. However, three of the seven studies included in the analysis used black seed in addition to other interventions (honey or other herbal medicines), and most trials were not blinded, which reduces our confidence in these findings.[3] Additionally, some trials using black seed or its active compound (thymoquinone) in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 reported a faster reduction of symptoms compared to a placebo,[4][5][2] while another trial found no effect.[6]
Despite preliminary research showing potential promise, there is currently not enough evidence to reasonably recommend black seed for the treatment (or prevention) of COVID-19.
References
- ^Jakhmola Mani R, Sehgal N, Dogra N, Saxena S, Pande Katare DDeciphering underlying mechanism of Sars-CoV-2 infection in humans and revealing the therapeutic potential of bioactive constituents from to combat COVID19: study.J Biomol Struct Dyn.(2022-Apr)
- ^Bencheqroun H, Ahmed Y, Kocak M, Villa E, Barrera C, Mohiuddin M, Fortunet R, Iyoha E, Bates D, Okpalor C, Agbosasa O, Mohammed K, Pondell S, Mohamed A, Mohamed YI, Gok Yavuz B, Kaseb MO, Kasseb OO, Gocio MY, Tu PT, Li D, Lu J, Selim A, Ma Q, Kaseb AOA Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ThymoQuinone Formula (TQF) for Treating Outpatient SARS-CoV-2.Pathogens.(2022-May-07)
- ^Umer M, Naveed A, Maryam Q, Cheema H, Shahid A, Hermis A, Chinnam S, Swed S, Sahra SNigella sativa for the treatment of COVID-19 patients: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsFood Sci Nutr.(2023 Dec)
- ^Koshak AE, Koshak EA, Mobeireek AF, Badawi MA, Wali SO, Malibary HM, Atwah AF, Alhamdan MM, Almalki RA, Madani TANigella sativa for the treatment of COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled clinical trial.Complement Ther Med.(2021-Sep)
- ^Said SA, Abdulbaset A, El-Kholy AA, Besckales O, Sabri NAThe effect of and vitamin D3 supplementation on the clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Front Pharmacol.(2022)
- ^Bin Abdulrahman KA, Bamosa AO, Bukhari AI, Siddiqui IA, Arafa MA, Mohsin AA, Althageel MF, Aljuaeed MO, Aldeailej IM, Alrajeh AI, Aldosari KM, Hawsawi NA, Zawbaee KI, Alsurayea SMThe Effect of Short Treatment with Nigella Sativa on Symptoms, the Cluster of Differentiation (CD) Profile, and Inflammatory Markers in Mild COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial.Int J Environ Res Public Health.(2022-Sep-19)