The Effect of Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Meta-analysis finds Nigella sativa reduces inflammation and boosts antioxidants, suggesting health benefits. #Inflammation #NigellaSativa

Kavyani Z^{1, 2} ; Musazadeh V^{1, 2} ; Golpourhamedani S³ ; Moridpour AH¹ ; Vajdi M³ ; Askari G⁴
Source: Inflammopharmacology Published:2023

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers among the adult population. Methods: We carried out a comprehensive, systematic search of Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar till December 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall effect size. Results: In total, twenty trials consisting of 1086 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Findings from 20 RCTs included in the meta-analysis suggest that N. sativa supplementation could significantly reduce serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = − 2.28; 95% CI − 3.20, − 1.37, p < 0.001), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) (SMD = − 1.21; 95% CI − 2.15, − 0.26; p = 0.013), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD = − 2.15; 95% CI − 3.37, − 0.93, p < 0.001) levels, and significantly improves total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD = 2.28; 95% CI 1.29, 3.27, p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (SMD = 1.23, 95% CI 0.25, 2.22; p = 0.014) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD = 2.05; 95% CI 1.22, 2.88, p < 0.001) levels. However, no significant reduction was found in interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels (SMD = − 1.13; 95% CI − 2.72, 0.46, p = 0.162). Conclusion: N. sativa supplementation had beneficial effects on CRP, TNF-α, MDA, SOD, GPx, and TAC. Thus, Nigella sativa can be recommended as an adjuvant anti-oxidant agent and anti-inflammatory. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.