Investigation of the effect of black cumin oil on pain in osteoarthritis geriatric individuals

The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Knee Massage With Black Cumin Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

This study aimed to examine the effect of foot reflexology and knee massage with black cumin seed oil on pain and fatigue symptoms in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis and assess which of these 2 applications is more effective. Our randomized controlled trial was conducted with 150 participants. Study data were collected from participants over 65 years who received outpatient treatment in a university hospital's physical therapy and rehabilitation unit and were determined to have no perception problems based on the Mini-Mental Test. After randomization, the study sample was classified into 5 groups, each including 30 participants: (1) foot reflexology with black cumin seed oil, (2) foot reflexology with a placebo, (3) knee massage with black cumin oil, (4) knee massage with a placebo, and (5) control. Participants were administered a Patient Descriptive Information Form, the Lequesne Knee Osteoarthritis Index, the Pain-Visual Analog Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Control group participants received standard of care, while participants in treatment groups received the studied interventions for 6 weeks. Data were collected by administering questionnaires to the participants in the first and sixth weeks and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22.0 software. The study showed that foot reflexology and knee massage administered using black cumin oil effectively reduced pain and fatigue severity in Osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and overall, foot reflexology administered using black cumin oil was the most effective treatment to reduce pain and fatigue.

Antimicrobial Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds in Nigella sativa: A Review

Nigella sativa (N. sativa; Ranunculaceae), commonly referred to as black cumin, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants worldwide, with its seeds having numerous applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. With the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens as an important health challenge, the need for alternative microbe-inhibitory agents is on the rise, whereby black cumin has gained considerable attention from researchers for its strong antimicrobial characteristics owing to its high content in a wide range of bioactive compounds, including thymoquinone, nigellimine, nigellidine, quercetin, and O-cymene. Particularly, thymoquinone increases the levels of antioxidant enzymes that counter oxidative stress in the liver. Additionally, the essential oil in N. sativa seeds effectively inhibits intestinal parasites and shows moderate activity against some bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Thymoquinone exhibits minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8-16 μg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and exhibits MIC 0.25 µg/mL against drug-resistant mycobacteria. Similarly, quercetin shows a MIC of 2 mg/mL against oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Furthermore, endophytic fungi isolated from N. sativa have demonstrated antibacterial activity. Therefore, N. sativa is a valuable medicinal plant with potential for medicinal and food-related applications. In-depth exploration of the corresponding therapeutic potential and scope of industrial application warrants further research.

The Effect of St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum Perforatum L.) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled and Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Reducing pain and improving physical function are critical in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although individuals use St. John's Wort oil to relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, no scientific research has been found investigating its effectiveness.

AIM

This study investigated the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

This study adopted a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and qualitative mixed design. The sample consisted of 60 patients randomized into intervention (n = 30) and placebo control (n=30) groups. The experimental group participants were treated with topically St. John's Wort oil three times a week for 3 weeks, and the placebo control group participants were treated with olive oil three times a week for 3 weeks. Quantitative data were collected using a patient identification form, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Visual Analogue Scale. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

The experimental group had a significantly lower mean Visual Analog Scale score in the first, third, and fourth follow-ups than the control group. The experimental group had significantly lower mean WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-stiffness, and WOMAC-physical function subscale scores in the last follow-up than in the first follow-up. The qualitative data agreed with the quantitative data.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that St. John's Wort oil helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and become physically more active. Additional research is warranted to better understand the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis.

The efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa in the management of osteoarthritis: A systematic review

Background and Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common debilitating diseases among the aging population. Nigella sativa is one potential treatment for OA. Here, we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa for treating patients with OA.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to October 20, 2022. The primary outcome was changes in the pain score after receiving Nigella sativa or control agents based on the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The secondary outcome was set as the frequency of adverse events reported during the follow-up period.

Results

Six RCTs involving a total of 370 patients with knee OA were included in the present systematic review. Among the four screened studies, the topical administration of Nigella sativa oil was found to be more effective than the placebo in relieving pain in three trials. Additionally, the oral use of Nigella sativa oil was assessed in two trials, and an improvement in pain score relative to placebo was documented in only one of the studies. Also, the trial that evaluated the effectiveness of Nigella sativa oral capsules did not demonstrate any difference in pain reduction between the intervention and placebo groups. Overall, either topical or oral administration of Nigella sativa was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Nigella sativa is generally safe, but conflicting findings from low-quality studies hinder the ability to make clinical recommendations for or against treating OA. Robust trials are needed for informed decisions.

Aromatic Plants as Potential Resources to Combat Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 10% of men and 18% of women over the age of 60 and is increasing in genetic prevalence and incidence, is acknowledged as the condition that degrades the quality of life for older adults in the world. There is currently no known treatment for osteoarthritis. The majority of therapeutic methods slow the progression of arthritis or treat its symptoms, making effective treatment to end the degenerative process of arthritis elusive. When non-pharmacological therapy is ineffective, various pharmacological therapies may be used to treat osteoarthritis. Pharmacological therapy, however, can have major adverse effects and be very expensive. As a result, alternative remedies have been researched. The promise for the safe and efficient management of osteoarthritis has been demonstrated by herbal remedies. Experimental research suggests that herbal extracts and compounds can reduce inflammation, inhibit catabolic processes, and promote anabolic processes that are important for treating osteoarthritis. Due to their therapeutic and innate pharmacological qualities, aromatic herbs are frequently employed as herbal remedies. Recent research has shown that aromatic plants have the potency to treat osteoarthritis. Additionally, complex mixtures of essential oils and their bioactive ingredients, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are obtained from aromatic plants, are frequently utilized as complementary therapies for osteoarthritis. To establish new study avenues, the advantageous anti-osteoarthritic effects of aromatic herbal medicines, including plants, essential oils, and their bioactive components, are extensively discussed.

Potential Pharmacological Applications of Nigella Seeds with a Focus on Nigella sativa and Its Constituents against Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Progress and Future Opportunities

The leading cause of death worldwide has been identified as chronic illnesses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity account for three out of every five deaths. Although many people benefit from using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation relief, there are significant adverse effects to using these medications. Medicinal plants possess anti-inflammatory properties with minimal or no side effects. Nigella sativa (NS), also known as black cumin, is one of the plants used in traditional medicine the most. Many studies on the NS have shown that their therapeutic properties are attributed to the seed, oil, and secondary metabolites. This plant has been studied extensively and has many medical uses, such as anti-inflammatory. NS or its phytochemical compounds, such as thymoquinone, can cause cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, block efflux pumps, enhance membrane permeability, and exert potent biocidal effects. Notwithstanding the extensively documented anti-inflammatory effectiveness observed in the experimental model, the precise mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects in diverse chronic inflammatory diseases and its multi-targeting characteristics remain largely unexplored. This review examines NS or its secondary metabolites, a valuable source for the therapeutic development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Most clinical studies were done for diabetes and cardiovascular disease; therefore, more studies are required to examine the NS extracts and phytoconstituents to treat cancer, obesity, diabetes, asthma, neurological disorders, and COVID-19. This study will be a significant resource for clinicians and biologists seeking a pharmaceutical solution for inflammatory diseases.

The Effects of Self-Aromatherapy Massage on Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and can lead to pain, joint deformity, and disability, resulting in poor sleep quality and lower quality of life. The efficacy of aromatherapy massage on pain levels and sleep quality among rheumatoid arthritis patients remains unclear.

AIMS

To investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pain and sleep quality among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 102 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from one regional hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 32), placebo (n = 36), or control groups (n = 34). The intervention and placebo groups underwent self-aromatherapy hand massage guided by a self-aromatherapy hand massage manual and video for 10 minutes 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The intervention group used 5% compound essential oils, the placebo group used sweet almond oil, and the control group had no intervention. Pain, sleep quality and sleepiness were measured by using the numerical rating scale for pain, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

The intervention and placebo groups had significantly decreased sleep quality and sleepiness scores from baseline to 3 weeks after aromatherapy massage. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement in the sleep quality scores in the first weeks after aromatherapy massage (B = -1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.35, -0.02, P =.046), but no statistically significant differences were found in the changes in pain levels from baseline to the three time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy massage is effective in improving sleep quality in rheumatoid arthritis patients. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy hand massage on the pain levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Unraveling the role of natural functional oils in modulating osteoarthritis related complications

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease and has been studied extensively in recent years as no promising therapy available so far for its treatment and remains a great challenge for health care specialists. Although the identification of some major mechanisms that contribute to this disease suggests a plethora of bioactive agents in tackling the associated complications yet OA's pathophysiology is still poorly understood owing to complex mechanistic changes observed. Experimental research is now exploring a wide range of therapeutically effective agents in an effort to find a way to repair OA-related joint degeneration and halt it from getting worse. Data was acquired and reviewed from most relevant and recent studies. This review summarizes the studies that are currently available and focuses on how various unconventional functional oils affect osteoarthritis and the affected joint tissues. An analysis of the recent scientific literature allowed us to highlight the potential anti-arthritic properties of edible oils and their main constituents, which seems to suggest an interesting new potential therapeutic application. Due to eccentric nature of OA, it is necessary to concentrate initially on the management of symptoms. The evidence supporting functional oils chondroprotective potential is still accumulating, underpinning a global need for more sustainable natural sources of treatment. More clinical research that focuses on the consequences of long-term treatment, possible negative effects, and epigenetic implications is necessary to get optimistic results. However, different animal or clinical studies suggest that linolenic and linoleic fatty acids decreased chondrocyte oxidative stress, cartilage breakdown, and expression of inflammatory markers. Distinct fatty acids along with minor components of oils also reduced the generation of prostaglandins and decreased oxidative stress. Furthermore, the potential roles of the main components of edible oils and possible negative results (if any) are also reported. While no severe side effects have been reported for any edible oils. Overall, these studies identify and support the use of functional oils as an adjuvant therapy for the management of OA and as a means of symptomatic alleviation for OA patients. However, to prove the effectiveness or to draw precise conclusions, high-quality clinical trials are required.

Evaluation of differential white blood cell count and cheek pouch epithelium in 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene hamster carcinogenesis model, managed with three phytochemicals

Objectives: Nigella sativa (NS), thymoquinone (TQ), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are phytochemicals that might have antioxidant protective potentials on the hamster cheek pouch epithelium (HCPE). We aimed at evaluating and comparing the potential therapeutic outcomes of these 3 phytochemicals by analysis of peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) counts. Materials and Methods: NS whole oil, TQ and EGCG were administered before, with or after 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene (DMBA) painting the hamster left cheek pouch. Before sacrificing each animal, 2 ml of blood was withdrawn into a fine heparin-containing tube to estimate the total WBCs, lymphocytes, MID cells, and granulocytes counts by an automatic count system. All cheek pouches were surgically excised and examined with light microscope. Results: Severe epithelial dysplasia was evident after 6 weeks of DMBA administration, and when NS was given for 2 weeks followed by DMBA for 6 weeks. When NS or EGCG were given for 2 weeks then continued with DMBA for 6 weeks, mild dysplasia was seen. When DMBA was given for 6 weeks followed by NS or TQ for 6 weeks, mild dysplasia was noted. Administration of DMBA for 6 weeks resulted in significant reduction in total WBCs and lymphocytes counts compared to healthy controls. Administration of NS or TQ for 2 weeks resulted in significant elevation in lymphocytes count compared to healthy controls. Significant elevation in total WBCS and lymphocytes counts was noted when EGCG was given for 2 weeks and continued with DMBA for other 6 weeks. Similar results were noted when DMBA was given for 6 weeks followed by TQ for 6 weeks when compared to NS, DMBA or healthy controls. Discussion: The three phytochemicals showed different levels of protection against DMBA carcinogenic activity, more specifically, TQ and NS had higher therapeutic potential and might be used for treatment and/or preventive management of oral cancer in the future. Conclusion: However, further investigations are required to address the mechanism of action and feasibility of clinical application of each phytochemical.

Efficacy and safety of oral Nigella sativa oil for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The oil of Nigella sativa (NS) seeds has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of NS oil in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and sixteen patients aged 50-70 years were randomly assigned to take 2.5 mL NS oil (N = 58) or placebo (N = 58) orally every 8 h for 1 month. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) was the primary outcome measure and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, number of 500 mg acetaminophen tablets taken per day during the trial, patients' satisfaction with the interventions, complete blood count and the blood levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were the secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS

Fifty two and 54 patients respectively in the NS oil and placebo groups completed the study. The VAS scores were decreased by 33.96 ± 17.04% (NS oil group) and 9.21 ± 0.32% (placebo group) (p < 0.001), and WOMAC total scores were decreased by 27.72 ± 18.61% (NS oil group) and 1.34 ± 2.31% (placebo group) (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The NS oil reduced the dose of acetaminophen significantly compared with the placebo (p = 0.001). The patients were significantly more satisfied with the NS oil than the placebo (p < 0.001). The NS oil had no significant effect on the other variables. There was no side effect.

CONCLUSION

Oral NS oil safely reduces the osteoarthritis symptoms and analgesic dose in the knee osteoarthritis patients.

Ecological Aspects of the Productivity of Nigella Varieties under the Conditions of the Middle Volga Region

The article presents a comprehensive assessment of the varieties of Nigella sativa and Nigella damanscena under the agro-climatic conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Volga region. The experimental work was carried out in 2019–2021 on the experimental field of FSBRI the Penza Research Institute of Agriculture. Climatic conditions during the years of study of Nigella were characterized as dry. The hydrothermal coefficient ranged from 0.67 in 2019 to 0.92 units in 2021. The duration of the growing season of nigella averaged 98–113 days. The number of capsules per plant and the seed weight per plant had the greatest influence on the formation of the seed yield of nigella, the share of influence of which was 27.6 and 29.2%. The productivity indicators of one plant were in the range of 1.36–2.32 g, and the variability of this trait was 33.4%. The highest weight of seeds from one plant 2.23 and 2.32 g was noted in the Iskra and Chernyi Barkhat varieties. The 1000 seed weight varied from 2.58 (Diva) to 3.53 g (Iskra). The highest yield in the conditions of the Penza oblast was noted in the varieties Vitol’dina, Yalita, and Znakharka, the yield of which was 1.22‒1.25 t/ha. The average oil content in Nigella seeds was 38.89%. According to the fat content, the varieties Yalita and Vitol’dina stood out; their oil content was 41.82 and 40.95%. The varieties Yalita, Znakharka, and Krymchanka were characterized by the greatest stability over the years, and the value of the variety stability indicator (VSI) for them was 1.41–1.45. In the composition of the oil, the largest share was linoleic and oleic acids, the content of which reached 47.98–64.27 and 16.91–29.52%. In addition, the fatty acid composition of nigella contained two more saturated fatty acids: lauric and capric. Their content was 0.18–0.46 and 0.04–2.30%, respectively.

Osteoarthritis complications and the recent therapeutic approaches

The accelerated prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) disease worldwide and the lack of convenient management led to the frequent search for unprecedented and specific treatment approaches. OA patients usually suffer from many annoying complications that negatively influence their quality of life, especially in the elderly. Articular erosions may lead eventually to the loss of joint function as a whole which occurs over time according to the risk factors presented in each case and the grade of the disease. Conventional therapies are advancing, showing most appropriate results but still greatly associated with many adverse effects and have restricted curative actions as well. Hence, novel management tools are usually required. In this review, we summarized the recent approaches in OA treatment and the role of natural products, dietary supplements and nanogold application in OA treatment to provide new research tracks for more therapeutic opportunities to those who are in care in this field.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety

Mounting evidence support the potential benefits of functional foods or nutraceuticals for human health and diseases. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), a highly valued nutraceutical herb with a wide array of health benefits, has attracted growing interest from health-conscious individuals, the scientific community, and pharmaceutical industries. The pleiotropic pharmacological effects of black cumin, and its main bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ), have been manifested by their ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation, and to promote immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, cancer, and so on. Furthermore, black cumin acts as an antidote, mitigating various toxicities and drug-induced side effects. Despite significant advances in pharmacological benefits, this miracle herb and its active components are still far from their clinical application. This review begins with highlighting the research trends in black cumin and revisiting phytochemical profiles. Subsequently, pharmacological attributes and health benefits of black cumin and TQ are critically reviewed. We overview molecular pharmacology to gain insight into the underlying mechanism of health benefits. Issues related to pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions, drug delivery, and safety are also addressed. Identifying knowledge gaps, our current effort will direct future research to advance potential applications of black cumin and TQ in health and diseases.

Thymoquinone loaded calcium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol carrier inhibits the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster oral cancer via the down-regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways

Oral cancer is a multifactorial cancer that affects millions of peoples worldwide. The current exploration aimed to evaluate the mechanisms that thymoquinone nanoencapsulated carrier and its effects on 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) stimulated hamster buccal pouch cancer in Syrian hamster model. Nanocarrier was characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR analysis. The incidence of tumor, and biochemicals makers was studied through standard methods. The mRNA expression level of inflammatory markers NF-κBp50, NF-κBp65, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR markers in the buccal tissues of control and experimental animals were investigated through RT-PCR analysis. In thymoquinone (TQ) loaded calcium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol carrier (TQ/Ca-alg-PVA) no squamous cell carcinogenesis developed and others moderate dysplasia revealed differentiated form of hyperplasia and keratosis. In biochemical analyses with DMBA + TQ/Ca-alg-PVA (20 mg/kg bw) orally administered hamsters showed restored the antioxidants, detoxification, xenobiotic metabolising enzymes in DMBA induced plasma and oral tissues of hamsters. Further, mRNA expression level of NF-κBp50/p65 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR were upregulated in the DMBA alone painted hamster. In contrast, these expressions were down regulated in orally TQ/Ca-alg-PVA treated experimental animals. This ability more eligible to deregulate the inflammatory and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that proved it suppresses anti-invasion/metastasis activity during hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. From this study, we recommended that TQ/Ca-alg-PVA has documented as effective chemopreventive agents, in further many molecular machineries need to study.

Nigella sativa (black seed) safety: an overview

Nigella sativa (commonly known as black seed or black cumin), from the family Ranunculaceae, is a plant that grows in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This narrative review discusses the toxicological profile reported by short- to long-term studies that examined different extracts and oils of N. sativa seeds. Scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords. LD50 for administered N. sativa seed fixed oil varied from 28.8 mL/kg to 3,371 mg/kg in mice, while 21 g/kg of aqueous, methanol, and chloroform extracts of N. sativa did not lead to any mortality. Subacute toxicity evaluations indicated that aqueous, methanol, and chloroform extracts of N. sativa at doses as high as 6 g/kg do not produce toxicity. Investigation of chronic toxicity found that 2 mL/kg of N. sativa fixed oil is slightly toxic. Cytotoxicity studies indicated that N. sativa chloroform and petroleum ether extracts are more cytotoxic than its other extracts. Although studies that assessed N. sativa toxicity generally introduced it as a safe medicinal herb, to draw a more definitive conclusion on its safety, more detailed studies must be conducted.

An Evidence-based Review of Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Persian Medicine for Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is known to be the leading cause of pain and disability in the elderly. The prevalence of this disease in adults over 60 years was 9.6% in men and 18% in women. The therapeutic goals of this disease generally include pain relief with the least side effects, improvement of articular function and improvement of life, in which pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments are performed in different protocols. Due to the common side effects of pain relievers and complaints after invasive joint surgeries, there is a growing interest in the use of Traditional and Complementary protocols in OA treatment. In this paper, different sources of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) were searched to obtain any evidence evaluating any medicinal plants in the management of OA. Over 250 effective medicinal plants for the treatment of OA have been introduced in these sources, and by searching electronic databases including PubMed and Scopus, we have found that of these plants, 39 have direct or indirect evidence in the treatment of this complication by different mechanism of actions such as effect on Body mass index (BMI), obesity and dyslipidemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activity. The most important medicinal plants with direct evidence in the management of OA are Allium sativum, Commiphora mukul, Linum usitatissimum, Matricaria chamomilla, Nigella sativa, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum. Medicinal plants seem to be a valuable source for discovering and identifying new drugs for treatment of OA; however, since most of the studies are preclinical, further clinical trials are required to achieve more conclusive results.

The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Nigella sativa Balm Sticks

Nigella sativa oil has been known to have potent anti-inflammatory activity. This research aimed to determine the anti-inflammation activity of Nigella sativa oil in a simple balm stick by topical application. The activity was checked using two methods: carrageenan-induced paw oedema and granuloma pouch on rats. The results showed that balm sticks which contained 10% Nigella sativa could overcome both acute and sub-acute inflammation showing by high oedema inhibition (60.64%), low leucocytes count (43.55% lower than control) as well as a notable TNF-α concentration (50% lower than control) on the inflamed area. In conclusion, topical application of a Nigella sativa balm stick was effective for both acute and sub-acute forms of inflammation.