Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is traditionally used in several systems of medicine, but its application for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has also been explored in scientific studies, albeit with limited and preliminary evidence. The active compound, thymoquinone, is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bronchodilatory properties, which are relevant to COPD—a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and oxidative stress.

Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies have investigated Nigella sativa seed oil or extracts in patients with asthma and COPD. For instance, a 2017 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that supplementation with Nigella sativa oil improved pulmonary function and reduced symptoms in COPD patients compared to placebo. Other studies have demonstrated the herb’s ability to reduce airway inflammation and oxidative markers, both key factors in COPD pathogenesis.

Despite these findings, the clinical evidence is still limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and lack of standardization in dosing and formulation. There is a need for larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm these benefits and determine safety and efficacy profiles. Thus, while scientific investigation does exist, it is preliminary, and Nigella sativa should not replace standard COPD therapies. Its use is better considered as adjunctive and experimental.

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Designs For Health Annatto-E® Synergy (formerly Annatto Tocotrienols)