Black seed and honey a novel natural remedy for Coronavirus infection

Physically we unlocked ourselves from the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic by accepting the social distancing and isolation for controlling the disease transmission. But these generalized measures unable to control the addition of new cases. WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard displayed the current global situation of confirmed cases (55,326,907) and death rate (1,333,742) on 18th November 2020. [1] I do not want to generate fear among readers by presenting this data, but surely want to alert them about the necessity of boosting immunity. Many of us may use different natural remedies during this pandemic to improve our immune system functioning. But you may not know that the zed black colored tiny triangular shaped black seeds in combination with honey are an excellent natural remedy to fight against Coronavirus infection. 

Evidential background for the recommendation

A mixture of Black seed and honey has the potential benefits to prevent as well as reduce the severity of Coronavirus infection. The Hindu ePaper published an article on their BusinessLine Page On 9th November 2020. The report mentioned that a multicentre randomized, controlled clinical trial showed a combination of 1 gm/kg/day of honey and 80 mg/kg/day of Black seed (scientifically known as Nigella sativa) treatment for 13 days was effective to clear viral load and alleviated symptoms of Coronavirus infection. This study result found that anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, cardio-protective, and broncho-dilatory properties of honey and the Black seed mixture could reduce the mortality rate among high-risk patients who had diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorders, or asthma. [2] Based on this promising study result, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited has recently launched its new patented tablet formulation, Thymotas. Thymoquinone and honey are the two primary ingredients present in Thymotas formulation.[3] Your Black seed is a rich source of Thymoquinone.

Why we have to depend on black seed and honey mixture or such natural remedies to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic?

Research and development departments of different Pharma companies are working hard to speed up to launch of vaccines as well as specialized treatment for COVID-19 infection as early as possible. But no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for coronavirus infection till now available in the market. In such conditions, nature offers a new remedy. A mixture of Black seed and honey to strengthen our immune system to fight against Coronavirus infection.

How a combination of black seed and honey is effective against Coronavirus infection?

Both Black seed and honey are common traditional remedies used in different airway disorders such as throat infections, bronchitis, flu, and pneumonia. [4,5] Moreover, Black seed oil is a useful treatment for chronic pain symptoms such as headache and back pain, etc. Therefore, these traditional applications indicate these two natural ingredients have the potential to use in COVID-19 infection. The scientific explanation is a little detailed. But this detailed explanation helps readers to understand why this combination they should include in their regular regimen during this pandemic.

The combination of bioactive phytochemicals presents in black seeds and the unique nutritional composition of honey not only an effective remedy to boost immunity for preventing Coronavirus infection but also has the potential to reduce the risk of severity of the symptoms of Coronavirus infected patients. Research experts recommended black seed containing Thymoquinone in combination with honey can be used as an adjuvant therapy with conventional standard prescribed treatment to obtain better therapeutic outcomes against Coronavirus infection. [3]

Thymoquinone is the chief bioactive phytochemicals present in Black seeds. Along with Thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, thymol, dithymoquinone, carvacrol, and β-Pinene present in the Black seed are worked together and exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, and reno-protective effects. All these therapeutic benefits are essential treatment approaches for Coronavirus infected patients. [5] Whereas, the flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds present in honey may impart antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. [6]

Medicinal Property	Mechanism of Action	Research Evidence
Boosts immunity and reduces viral load	Black seed increases CD4 count and production of interferon- (INF-) gamma with and also activates T cell functioning. [5] Honey has attributed antiviral effect due to its osmotic effect, naturally low pH, and presence of bioactive natural compounds. [4] Flavonoids and its other derivatives present in honey exert a broad-spectrum antiviral effect. [4] Honey targets the 3‐chymotrypsin‐like cysteine protease enzyme of SARS‐CoV, which is one of the most promising targets for drug discovery against coronaviruses. [4]	The clinical trial result reported Black seed is effective against hepatitis C virus. Treatment with Black cumin seed oil exerts symptomatic relief and improves laboratory parameters. [5] The antiviral effect of Black seed is effective against multiple viral infections, such as murine cytomegalo virus infection, avian influenza (H9N2), Chistosoma Mansoni Infection, PPR virus, Broad bean mosaic virus, HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus, and Papaya Ring Spot Virus. [7] Honey inhibits the viral replication of the influenza virus due to its virucidal effects. It synergistically interacted with the other antiviral medicines. [4]  Apart from the influenza virus, honey is also effective against human respiratory syncytial, human rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and betacoronavirus. [4] Although the antiviral effect of honey against the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has not been confirmed yet, [4] but a combination of honey and Black seed is effective to prevent and reduce the severity of coronavirus. [2] The combination of Black seed and honey is also offered protection against HIV transmission from pregnant women to the fetus. [5] Recently, a trial result confirmed that a combination of Black seed and honey is also offering protection and reduce the severity of COVID-19. [2]
Bronchodilator	Thymoquinone‚ the main component of Black seed reduces tracheal contraction, and anti-inflammatory effect reduces bronchial inflammation. The antispasmodic effect relaxes the smooth muscles present in the airways. [5] Honey is a natural demulcent that soothes cough symptoms. It increases cytokine release and provides apparent benefit in the common cold. [9]	A preclinical research result supported that Black Seed has a preventive effect against pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. [8]   A clinical trial result concluded that honey is a cost-effective cough treatment. [9]
Antioxidant property	Black seed consumption increases antioxidant enzymes like erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and also reduces free radicals (plasma malondialdehyde).  [5]   Phenolic and flavonoid components of honey responsible for the antioxidant property.  [6]	A human trial result reported that consumption of Black seed oil for eight weeks significantly diminishes the superoxide dismutase free radical (SOD) level. [5] The strong antioxidant property of honey improves the nutrition quality and provides positive benefits for human health. [6]
Antidiabetic property	Black seed intake improves the pancreatic β-cells degeneration, reduces pancreatic inflammation, and congestion. [5]   Honey containing oligosaccharides as well as Palatinose-based balanced formula improve glycaemic response in diabetic patients.  [10]	A human trial result reported that administration of black seed oil with a dose of 3ml per day for 20 days showed a marked reduction of random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels. [5]   Multiple clinical studies showed positive antidiabetic outcomes with honey supplementation.  [10]
Antihypertensive	Black seed and its active component, thymoquinone can act as a calcium channel blocker and increase urine output due to its potent antioxidant property. [5]   The antioxidant property of Honey regulates oxidative stress and effective to control blood pressure.  [11]	A human trial result showed that Black Seed oil significantly lowers systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure along with heart rate, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. [5]   Honey supplementation reduces elevated systolic blood pressure levels. [11]
Reno-protective	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitoxic properties of Black seed and its phytochemical thymoquinone help to maintain kidney function. [12] Better management of oxidative stress by supplementation with honey gives kidney protection.  [11]	The pre-clinical trial result showed a positive benefit of Black seed on kidney tissue.  [12] Pre-clinical research showed the positive benefits of honey supplementation. [11]

 

I hope you can understand now why NitaNaturale recommends you to add a combination of black seeds and honey. The antiviral, broncho-dilatory property, broad-spectrum antioxidant property, and regulating or boosting immune functioning. Along with improving the possible comorbid conditions like regulating blood sugar, pressure, and kidney functioning of the combination of black seeds and honey indicate that we can use this combination as a self-care treatment against SARS-CoV-2. [3]

Tips to use Black seed and honey

• I hope you use the whole Black seed in your kitchen. Whole Black seed is a common flavoring spice often used for seasoning purposes. Whole Black seed is completely safe and does not have any side effects. According to the different research studies, I have found that Black seed oil has optimal therapeutic benefits in comparison with Black seed powder. Therefore, it is better to intake Black seed oil than the whole black seed to gain therapeutic benefits. But NitaNaturale will give additional tips for those who use the whole Black seed as a kitchen ingredient and do not want to spend extra to buy Black seed oil.
• Take a teaspoon of Black seed and ground them freshly. Add the powder into a small cup of boiling water. Close the lid and wait for a minute. Then put off the flame. After 7 to 10 minutes, add one teaspoon of honey and enjoy the warm drink every morning.  This small lifestyle change may give you protection not only from Covid-19 but helps to prevent other microbial infections, normalize blood glucose, cholesterol, and can also regulate blood pressure.
• I have committed to explaining all the science behind the tips given in the NitaNaturale. Therefore, I just wanted to add that instead of using Black seed oil, fresh Black seed powder has enough efficacy to fight against Covid-19. I found during my research that a human trial result confirmed that boiled extract of Black seed had a potent bronchodilatory effect. [13] Another research also confirmed that ground black seed has an antimicrobial effect.  [14] Even Black seed powder provides better plasma lipid control. [15]
• Select Arabian origin-based organic Black seed, which is better compared to other origins in respect of therapeutic value. [16] Another important tip is to use Manuka honey, which has better therapeutic benefits than other varieties. [17]

What precautionary measures essential to know about Black seed and honey?

If any individual has an allergic tendency towards Bee products, then honey may not be a suitable option for them. During pregnancy, Black seed intake is not recommended as it can delay uterine contraction. Individuals who are under blood clotting medications should not take Black seed without consulting with the doctor. [18]

 

References

1. https://covid19.who.int/
2. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/honey-and-nigella-sativa-help-in-covid-19-viral-clearance-and-reduce-severity-study/article33056708.ece
3. https://indiadailymail.com/technology/intas-launches-thymotas-as-adjunct-to-covid-treatment-business-journal/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536959/
5. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/1528635/
6. https://www.ejmo.org/pdf/IN%20Silico%20Approach%20of%20Some%20Selected%20Honey%20Constituents%20as%20SARSCoV2%20Main%20Protease%20COVID19%20Inhibitors-36102.pdf
7. https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2019/vol2/PhOL_2019_2_NL007_Molla.pdf
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987441/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909917/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270456/
12. https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/486829
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387228/
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22238497/
15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26875640/
16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22238497/
17. https://www.intechopen.com/books/honey-analysis-new-advances-and-challenges/health-benefits-of-honey
18. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kalonji-nigella-seeds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11