Effect of Nigella sativa on general health and immune system in young healthy volunteers; a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is traditionally used as an immune enhancer in different communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect N. sativa on immunity related parameters young healthy subjects. This a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial. Fifty-two subjects (48 male and 4 female) 18-25 years old were enrolled study. They randomly divided into four groups; first received charcoal capsules served controls other three 0.5, 1 g, 2 g powdered capsules, respectively. Two blood samples obtained from all participant, before initiation trial at end weeks intervention. One sample for routine health screening by evaluating liver renal functions well complete count differential. second measure certain cytokines including; IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF. A third fourth last cohort after treatment; measuring immunoglobulins CD profile gene expressions (INF-γ, NF-κ-B, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-13, IL-8, IL-6). Only dose produced significant elevation total lymphocyte count, CD3+ CD4+ counts. gram N. increased absolute 1850±0.24 2170±0.26 (p=0.008), 1184.4±75.60 1424±114.51 (p=0.009), 665.6±141.66 841±143.36 (p=0.002). T cells lost increasing 2g. rest not changed significantly doses. results show promising immunopotentiation elevating helper optimum age group seems be g.