Review of the current clinical and preclinical evidence pertaining to the immunomodulatory effects of black seeds (Nigella sativa)

Abstract

Humans and other vertebrates are safeguarded from invading pathogenic microbes by the immune system. Black seed, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, has garnered attention for its potential immunomodulatory effects in both clinical and preclinical studies. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate and analyze the existing body of evidence surrounding the immunological impact of black seeds. In this review, we analyze the immunomodulatory potentials of black seeds (N. sativa). For the purpose of finding pertinent publications, the literatures was searched in web-based databases, including Web of Science, Medline/PMC/PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and reference lists. Several clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies have demonstrated that supplementation with black seeds (N. sativa) has potential immunomodulatory activity. Black seeds (N. sativa) may influence immune responses through a variety of mechanisms. By synthesizing and critically assessing the current state of knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of black seeds, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic uses and future research directions for harnessing the immunological benefits of this natural remedy.

Keywords

Black seeds / Immunomodulation / Immunostimulation / Immunosuppression / Interferon / Lymphocytes / Nigella sativa

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

None.

Author contributions

Conceptualization and methodology: Naina Mohamed Pakkir Maideen, Rajkapoor Balasubramanian; validation: Rajkapoor Balasubramanian, Arun Shanmugam; formal analysis: Arun Shanmugam; writing-original draft preparation: Naina Mohamed Pakkir Maideen, Rajkapoor Balasubramanian: writing-review and editing: Arun Shanmugam. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Ethical approval of studies and informed consent

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

None.

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