Evidence supporting the use of: Thymoquinone
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Thymoquinone is a bioactive compound found in the volatile oil of Nigella sativa (black seed), a traditional medicinal plant. The use of black seed and its derivatives for treating coughs and other respiratory ailments has roots in traditional medicine, particularly within Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document the use of Nigella sativa seeds and oil for "spastic" or persistent coughs, often as part of polyherbal remedies or in decoctions.
Scientific evidence directly supporting the use of thymoquinone itself for spastic cough is limited and mostly preclinical. Some animal studies have shown that thymoquinone possesses anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, which may theoretically help alleviate cough severity. For example, studies in rodents have demonstrated a reduction in airway inflammation and hyperreactivity with thymoquinone administration. There is also some evidence of antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects of Nigella sativa oil in animal models, but very few clinical trials have evaluated thymoquinone or black seed in humans specifically for cough.
Overall, the use of thymoquinone for spastic cough is primarily justified by traditional use, with limited and indirect scientific support. The evidence is mostly based on historical use and preclinical studies, with a lack of robust clinical trials in humans for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
pear
platycodon root
plum fruit
pomegranate
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
prickly ash
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
juniper berries
dodder
sweet flag
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
acacia
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bayleaf
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cnidium
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Thymoquinone
AbscessesAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema