The influence of Nigella sativa for asthma control: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The efficacy of Nigella sativa supplementation for asthma control remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of Nigella sativa supplementation on asthma control.

Methods: We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through June 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of Nigella sativa supplementation for asthma control. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results: Four RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for asthma, Nigella sativa supplementation is associated with increased ACT scores (Std. MD = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.88; P = 0.01), FEV1 (Std. MD = 1.84; 95% CI = 0.07 to 3.60; P = 0.04), but demonstrates no obvious impact on PEF (Std. MD = 3.11; 95% CI = -1.30 to 7.52; P = 0.17), IL-4 (Std. MD = -0.31; 95% CI = -1.21 to 0.59; P = 0.50), or IFN-γ (Std. MD = 1.11; 95% CI = -0.44 to 2.67; P = 0.16).

Conclusions: Nigella sativa supplementation may provide additional benefits for the treatment of asthma.

Keywords: Asthma; Asthma control test; Nigella sativa; Randomized controlled trials.