Assessment of Nigella sativa (Black Seed) Supplementation in Improving Asthma Control among Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma in adolescents presents unique challenges due to developmental, behavioral, and environmental factors.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Nigella sativa (black seed) supplementation in improving asthma control among adolescents.

Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2023 to August 2024 at the International Islamic University, Islamabad, in collaboration with the Department of Pulmonology at Shifa International Hospitals, Islamabad. A total of 96 adolescents aged 12–18 years with partially controlled or uncontrolled asthma were enrolled. Participants were divided into two equal groups (n = 48 each). The intervention group received 500 mg Nigella sativa capsules twice daily for 12 weeks alongside standard asthma therapy, while the control group continued standard therapy alone. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, adherence, and adverse events were measured. Allocation concealment was maintained using sealed opaque envelopes. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: At baseline, both groups were comparable in age, gender, asthma duration, ACT scores, FEV₁, and FVC (p > 0.05). By Week 12, the Nigella sativa group showed a significant improvement in ACT scores from 16.3 ± 2.9 to 22.5 ± 2.2, compared to 16.5 ± 3.1 to 18.1 ± 3.0 in controls (mean difference: 4.4; 95% CI: 3.14–5.63; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.58). Similarly, FEV₁ increased from 71.85 ± 9.4% to 82.19 ± 8.1% in the intervention group versus 72.43 ± 8.7% to 74.02 ± 8.5% in controls (95% CI: 5.78–11.49; p < 0.001; d = 1.00). FVC also improved, rising from 78.26 ± 7.6% to 86.43 ± 6.9% in the Nigella group, versus 77.91 ± 7.9% to 79.16 ± 7.2% in controls (Δ = 7.27%; 95% CI: 5.27–9.48; p < 0.001; d = 1.08). Adherence was high (91.67%), and adverse effects were minimal and mild (6.25% gastrointestinal discomfort, 2.08% headache), comparable between groups (0.05). By Week 12, the Nigella sativa group showed a significant improvement in ACT scores from 16.3 ± 2.9 to 22.5 ± 2.2, compared to 16.5 ± 3.1 to 18.1 ± 3.0 in controls (mean difference: 4.4; 95% CI: 3.14–5.63; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.58). Similarly, FEV₁ increased from 71.85 ± 9.4% to 82.19 ± 8.1% in the intervention group versus 72.43 ± 8.7% to 74.02 ± 8.5% in controls (95% CI: 5.78–11.49; p < 0.001; d = 1.00). FVC also improved, rising from 78.26 ± 7.6% to 86.43 ± 6.9% in the Nigella group, versus 77.91 ± 7.9% to 79.16 ± 7.2% in controls (Δ = 7.27%; 95% CI: 5.27–9.48; p < 0.001; d = 1.08). Adherence was high (91.67%), and adverse effects were minimal and mild (6.25% gastrointestinal discomfort, 2.08% headache), comparable between groups.

Conclusion: Nigella sativa supplementation significantly improved asthma control and lung function in adolescents with minimal side effects and high adherence.