Nigella Sativa treatment and serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) in patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Thyroid Stimulatory Activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Ethanolic Extract in 6-Propyl-Thiouracil-Induced Hypothyroid and STZ Induced Diabetes Rats: In Vivo and In Silico Studies

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. holds a longstanding reputation as a traditional folk remedy in East Asia, where it has been employed to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, nephritis, hepatitis and cancer. Despite its extensive use, there exists a paucity of research examining its efficacy in managing thyroid disorders and diabetes. Moreover, the bioactive components responsible for modulating the molecular pathways remain elusive.

OBJECTIVES

This research aimed to determine the key bioactive components in the ethanolic extract of H. cordata Thunb. (HCEE) responsible for its thyroid-modifying properties and examine its effects on rats with experimentally induced hypothyroidism and diabetes.

METHODS

Molecular docking was performed to investigate the possible mechanisms of thyroid regulation of HCEE constituents. Researchers induced hypothyroidism in rats by adding 6-propyl-2-thiouracil to their drinking water for a period of four weeks. To induce diabetes, the rats received an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The animals were then given daily oral doses of HCEE (500 mg/kg b.w.), levothyroxine (50 mg/kg b.w.), or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.w.) for 28 days. Following this treatment, standard methods were employed to measure biochemical parameters in the rats' serum.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that HCEE ameliorated hypothyroidism by increasing serum T3 (14.38%) and T4 (125.96%) levels and decreasing TSH (p < 0.01; -41.75%) levels. In diabetic rats with induced hypothyroidism, HCEE significantly (p < 0.001) increased T3 (149.51%) and T4 (73.54%) levels with reduced TSH (-64.39%) levels. In silico analysis demonstrated that the identified bioactive compounds from HCEE may enhance thyroid hormone function through interaction with the thyroid hormone receptor protein TRβ1 (PDB:3GWS), similar to the conventional pharmaceuticals levothyroxine and triiodothyronine (T3).

CONCLUSIONS

HCEE exhibits potential as a natural alternative to synthetic medications in the prevention and treatment of thyroid dysfunctions.

Thymoquinone improves experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by regulating both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition marked by inflammation and the loss of myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this research was to understand how Thymoquinone regulate the molecular and cellular processes involved in controlling experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is an animal model often used to study MS. Methods Female C57BL/6 mice were split into different groups receiving different doses (low, medium, and high) of Thymoquinone simultaneously with EAE induction. Clinical scores and other measurements were observed daily throughout the 25-day post immunization. We assessed lymphocyte infiltration and demyelination in the spinal cord through histological staining, analyzed T-cell profiles using ELISA, and quantified the expression levels of transcription factors in the CNS using Real-time PCR. Results Thymoquinone prevented the development of EAE. Histological experiments revealed only a small degree of leukocyte infiltration into the CNS. Thymoquinone resulted in a notable reduction in the generation of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-6, while simultaneously increasing the production of IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β in Th2 and Treg cells. Results from Real-time PCR suggested Treatment with Thymoquinone decreased the expression of T-bet and ROR-γt while increasing the expression of Foxp3 and GATA3. Conclusion These findings showed that Thymoquinone could decrease both disease incidence and severity.

The Impact of Nigella sativa Essential Oil on T Cells in Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

BACKGROUND

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease mediated by T cells. It is characterized by the presence of thyroid autoantibodies in the serum, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab). The essential oil extracted from Nigella sativa seeds is rich in bioactive substances, such as thymoquinone and cymene.

METHODS

Therefore, we examined the effect of essential oil from Nigella sativa (NSEO) on T cells from HT patients, especially their proliferation capacity, ability to produce cytokines, and susceptibility to apoptosis.

RESULTS

The lowest ethanol (EtOH) dilution (1:10) of NSEO significantly inhibited the proliferation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells from HT patients and healthy women by affecting the percentage of dividing cells and the number of cell divisions. In addition, 1:10 and 1:50 NSEO dilutions induced cell death. Different dilutions of NSEO also reduced the concentration of IL-17A and IL-10. In healthy women, the level of IL-4 and IL-2 significantly increased in the presence of 1:10 and 1:50 NSEO dilutions. NSEO did not influence the concentration of IL-6 and IFN-γ.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that NSEO has a strong immunomodulatory effect on the lymphocytes of HT patients.

Dietary choline and betaine intake, cardio-metabolic risk factors and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND

Choline is an important metabolite involved in phospholipids synthesis, including serum lipids, and is the immediate precursor of betaine. There are numerous studies with inconsistent results that evaluated the association between dietary choline intakes with cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, the association between dietary betaine and choline intakes with cardio-metabolic risk factors is not well studied. In the current study, our aim was to evaluate dietary choline and betaine intakes in the usual diet of obese individuals and to assess its association with serum lipids, blood pressure and glycemic markers among obese individuals.

METHODS

We recruited a total number of 359 obese people aged between 20 and 50 years in the present study. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessment; dietary choline and betaine intakes were calculated using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) database. National cholesterol education program adult treatment panel (NCEP-ATP)-III criteria was used metabolic syndrome (MetS) definition. Enzymatic methods were used to assess biochemical variables. Body composition was measured with the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method.

RESULTS

Higher body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), fat-free mass (FFM) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were observed in higher tertiles of dietary choline intake (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in terms of biochemical parameters among different tertiles of dietary choline intake, while systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were reduced in higher betaine tertiles (P < 0.05). For total dietary choline and betaine intakes, there was a reduction in DBP and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations (P < 0.05). Also, a non-significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and MetS prevalence was observed in higher tertiles of dietary choline and betaine intakes. After classification of the study population according to MetS status, there was no significant difference in biochemical variables in subjects with MetS (P > 0.05), while in the non-MetS group, SBP, DBP, TG and insulin levels reduced in higher tertiles of dietary betaine and choline (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, higher dietary intakes of choline and betaine were associated with lower levels of blood pressure and LDL concentrations among obese individuals. Further studies are warranted to confirm the results of the current study.

Efficacy of a Persian herbal medicine compound on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a randomized clinical trial

Background

The global attention to the capacities of traditional medicine for alleviating the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 has been growing. The present trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Persian herbal medicine formula among patients with COVID-19.

Methods

The present trial was conducted in Afzalipour hospital, Kerman, Iran, from June to September 2020. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into intervention (Persian herbal medicine formula + routine treatment) or control (only routine treatment) groups. The intervention group received both capsule number 1 and 2 every 8 hours for 7 days. Capsule number 1 contained extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra, Punica granatum, and Rheum palmatum, and the second capsule was filled by Nigella sativa powder. Participants were followed up to 7 days. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalization days, while cough, fever, and respiratory rate, days on oxygen (O₂) therapy, and mortality rate were considered as the secondary outcomes.

Results

Eighty-two patients were enrolled to the study, while 79 cases completed the trial and their data were analyzed (mean age: 59.1 ± 17.1 years). Based on the results, the Persian medicine formula decreased the mean hospitalization days, so that the mean difference of length of hospitalization as primary outcome was 2.95 ± 0.43 days. A significant clinical improvement was observed regarding dyspnea, need for O₂) therapy, and respiratory rate in the intervention group. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

The present study supported the use of the Persian medicine formula as an adjuvant therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Study registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Study registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir): IRCT20200330046899N1.

Nigella sativa L. as immunomodulator and preventive effect on renal tissue damage of lupus mice induced by pristane

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Nigella Plants - Traditional Uses, Bioactive Phytoconstituents, Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Nigella is a small genus of the family Ranunculaceae, which includes some popular species due to their culinary and medicinal properties, especially in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Western, and Central Asia. Therefore, this review covers the traditional uses and phytochemical composition of Nigella and, in particular, Nigella sativa. The pharmacological studies reported in vitro, in vivo, and in humans have also been reviewed. One of the main strength of the use of Nigella is that the seeds are rich in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and provide an extra-source of dietary phytochemicals, including the bioactive thymoquinone, and characteristics saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Among Nigella species, N. sativa L. is the most studied plant from the genus. Due to the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties, the seed and seed oil from this plant can be considered as good candidates to formulate functional ingredients on the basis of folklore and scientific knowledge. Nonetheless, the main limations are that more studies, especially, clinical trials are required to standardize the results, e.g. to establish active molecules, dosage, chemical profile, long-term effects and impact of cooking/incorporation into foods.

Development of antibacterial nanofibrous wound dressing and conceptual reaction mechanism to deactivate the viral protein by Nigella sativa extract

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is extensively used as medicinal plant all over the world. It has the potential properties as the antiviral and antibacterial application. Its seed contain thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), thymol (THY), p-cymene as major and other minor components. TQ and THQ exhibit broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties against the activity of bacteria, viruses, parasites, schistosoma and fungi. This work provides credence to the fabrication of antibacterial nanofibrous membrane by electrospinning machine from N. sativa extract with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution for wound dressing. The morphology of the developed membrane is also characterized using scanning electron microscope. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data has been showed that the functional groups of N. sativa are present in the prepared PVA-N. sativa nanofibrous membrane and its antibacterial activity was investigated. The disk diffusion method has been used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of PVA-N. sativa nanofibrous membrane against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria and the inhibition zone with a value of 10 mm is formed. Considering the inherent properties of N. sativa, a conceptual reaction mechanism has been proposed to deactivate the viral proteins by the action of TQ and THQ.

Ethnopharmacological study of herbal remedies used for the management of thyroid disorders in Algeria

Traditional medicine is gaining an increasing importance in diseases management. Besides, thyroid disease is one of the common endocrine disorders spreading at high frequency worldwide. The present work is an ethnopharmacological study aiming to identify, document and analyze aromatic and medicinal plants used in Algerian traditional medicines for thyroid disorders management. Semi-structured interviews with 120 herbalists and traditional practitioners and rural dwellers were realized in eleven locations in Algeria throughout field studies achieved from June 2017 to July 2019. Results reveal the use of 63 medicinal plants belonging to 59 genera and 34 families. The most represented botanical families were Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Apiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Asteraceae. However, the most cited plant species were Atriplex halimus L., Bunium incrassatum (Boiss.) Amo, Nigella sativa L., Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. and Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. These species are taken alone or in mixtures of two or more ingredients from different origins such as honey, olive oil, and goat milk. Our findings revealed new therapeutic uses of 60 medicinal plants that have not been previously reported for the treatment of thyroid in Algeria. This is the first study documenting the traditional uses based on herbal medicine for thyroid management in Algeria. Our findings are relevant in the search for novel drug discovery. Obviously, it is the time to increase effective scientific studies on mechanisms of action of these medicinal plants in order to validate their popular usages.

Powdered black cumin seeds strongly improves serum lipids, atherogenic index of plasma and modulates anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Background

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is associated with serious alterations in serum lipids and glucose homeostasis. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the effect of powdered Nigella sativa on serum lipids, glucose homeostasis and anthropometric variables in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Methods

Forty patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, participated in the trial and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control receiving powdered Nigella sativa or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Serum lipids, glucose homeostasis, and anthropometric variables were evaluated at baseline and after intervention.

Results

Treatment with Nigella sativa significantly reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) also decreased in Nigella sativa-treated group after 8 weeks; while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) significantly increased after treatment with Nigella sativa (P < 0.05). None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group. Serum Nesfatin-1 concentrations was in inverse relationship with serum triglyceride (TG) (r = − 0.31, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Giving attention to the potent beneficial effects of powdered black cumin seeds in improving serum lipid profile and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this medicinal plant could be considered as a beneficial herbal supplement alongside with the disease- specific medications including Levothyroxine in management of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis- related metabolic abnormalities.

Trial registration

Iranian registry of clinical trials (registration number IRCT2014090819082N2- Registered 2014-09-29).

The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The use of Nigella sativa, a potent herbal medicine, continues to increase worldwide as an alternative treatment of several chronic diseases including hyperlipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Methods

Forty patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, participated in the trial and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control receiving powdered Nigella sativa or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Changes in anthropometric variables, dietary intakes, thyroid status, serum VEGF and Nesfatin-1 concentrations after 8 weeks were measured.

Results

Treatment with Nigella sativa significantly reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies decreased while serum T3 concentrations increased in Nigella sativa-treated group after 8 weeks. There was a significant reduction in serum VEGF concentrations in intervention group. None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group. In stepwise multiple regression model, changes in waist to hip ratio (WHR) and thyroid hormones were significant predictors of changes in serum VEGF and Nesgfatin-1 values in Nigella sativa treated group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data showed a potent beneficial effect of powdered Nigella sativa in improving thyroid status and anthropometric variables in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Moreover, Nigella sativa significantly reduced serum VEGF concentrations in these patients. Considering observed health- promoting effect of this medicinal plant in ameliorating the disease severity, it can be regarded as a useful therapeutic approach in management of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Trial registration

Iranian registry of clinical trials (registration number IRCT2015021719082N4- Registered March-15-2015).