Nigella sativa and Honey can Beat
the Coronavirus
THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY DR. NITA SHARMA NAS, PHD, NATURAL DOCTOR
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITTEN FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WE MAY GET A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU BUY ANY SUGGESTED PRODUCTS ON THIS PAGE.
PLEASE SEE OUR PRIVACY POLICY.
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITTEN FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WE MAY GET A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU BUY ANY SUGGESTED PRODUCTS ON THIS PAGE.
PLEASE SEE OUR PRIVACY POLICY.
|
Around 190 countries across the globe have been affected by a newly appeared severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and completely change every aspect of human life.
Both systematic and respiratory disorders significantly affect human health. Cough, fever, and fatigue are the most common systematic disorders. Whereas respiratory disorder symptoms include sore throat, rhinorrhea, sneezing, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress symptoms. [1] Currently, some specific antiviral drugs have been invented with high therapeutic potential to treat this emerged viral infection. |
All medical researchers are working hard to discover potential compounds that can act as a prophylactic treatment for an uninfected person and act as a supportive therapy with the existing standard Covid treatment.
Ultimately, on 10th November 2020, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited launched a novel patented formulation, Thymotas, for Covid-19 treatment. A unique combination of thymoquinone, a bioactive phytochemicals present in the oil of Nigella sativa, and honey are the two primary ingredients present in Thymotas formulation. [2]
The selection of these two ingredients, i.e., thymoquinone and honey, against Covid-19 infection, has a cost-effective therapeutic approach without any risk of developing side-effects.
Ultimately, on 10th November 2020, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited launched a novel patented formulation, Thymotas, for Covid-19 treatment. A unique combination of thymoquinone, a bioactive phytochemicals present in the oil of Nigella sativa, and honey are the two primary ingredients present in Thymotas formulation. [2]
The selection of these two ingredients, i.e., thymoquinone and honey, against Covid-19 infection, has a cost-effective therapeutic approach without any risk of developing side-effects.
Why Nigella sativa and Honey are selected to formulate coronavirus curative and prophylactic treatment ingredients?
The spreading of Coronavirus has become a major global concern in this pandemic. Research and development of different Pharma companies give continuous effort to discover vaccine and specialized treatment for COVID-19 infection. But still now no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available in the market. Social distancing and isolation are generalized measures to control the disease transmission. [3] In such conditions, boosting immunity is the only way to fight against Coronavirus.
Both Nigella sativa and Honey are traditional therapeutic ingredients which boost immunity with multiple medicinal properties, including antiviral effect. Nigella sativa seed oil is a specifically rich source of thymoquinone. Approximately 0.4% to 2.5% essential oil present in Nigella sativa seed oil and thymoquinone is a major component of the essential oil.
Different extraction methods are used to isolate the volatile oil from the Nigella sativa seeds. Combination of thymoquinone along with other multiple phytochemicals present in Nigella sativa oil boost immunity and prevent infection and associated complications. [4]
Whereas honey is another natural ingredient that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and specifically acts against viral infections. Research results had found honey could be used effectively against varicella-zoster and herpes simplex virus 1 infection. [5] Therefore, the antiviral effect of honey could be an excellent alternative treatment for viral infection.
Both Nigella sativa and Honey are traditional therapeutic ingredients which boost immunity with multiple medicinal properties, including antiviral effect. Nigella sativa seed oil is a specifically rich source of thymoquinone. Approximately 0.4% to 2.5% essential oil present in Nigella sativa seed oil and thymoquinone is a major component of the essential oil.
Different extraction methods are used to isolate the volatile oil from the Nigella sativa seeds. Combination of thymoquinone along with other multiple phytochemicals present in Nigella sativa oil boost immunity and prevent infection and associated complications. [4]
Whereas honey is another natural ingredient that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and specifically acts against viral infections. Research results had found honey could be used effectively against varicella-zoster and herpes simplex virus 1 infection. [5] Therefore, the antiviral effect of honey could be an excellent alternative treatment for viral infection.
How a combination of Nigella sativa and Honey effective against coronavirus infection?
The antiviral property of Nigella sativa
Nigella Sativa is a medicinal plant and has a wide range of anti-microbial properties, including strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic actions. Nigella Sativa seed oil was found to suppress viral load possibly by increasing the number and stimulate the functioning of CD4+ve T cells with increasing production of interferon- (INF-) gamma. Thus, Nigella Sativa seed oil stimulates immune response and lower down viral load. [4]
Evidence
A human trial result reported that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who could not receive IFN-α/ribavirin therapy significantly improved viral load by administering Nigella Sativa seed oil. The laboratory parameters of both the diabetic and non-diabetic study participants with HCV showed effective results with symptomatic improvement like reducing lower limb edema indicate Nigella Sativa seed oil could manage HCV infection. [4]
Another trial result reported that intake of 10 mL of Nigella Sativa seed oil for six months could help to regain health condition in a 46 years HIV positive patient. Moreover, a combination of honey and Nigella Sativa seed oil with a 10 ml dose could reduce HIV viral load in a pregnant woman and protect her born children from HIV even after breastfeeding. [4]
The antiviral property of honey
Honey is a bee product that attributes several properties like favorable osmotic effect, low pH and multiple beneficial bioactive compounds mutually endorse its antiviral activity.
Honey containing flavonoids like quercetin and its derivatives such as quercitrin, isoquercetin, isorhamnetin, and rutin have an antiviral effect against influenza virus, human respiratory syncytial, human rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and betacoronavirus (SARS‐CoV). These phytochemicals have an inhibitory effect against specific enzymes [3‐chymotrypsin‐like cysteine protease (3C‐likepro)]present in beta coronavirus(SARS‐CoV). [3]
This mechanism may target novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) also, though yet now no research confirmed the antiviral effect of honey alone could effectively treat COVID-19 infection. [3] But recently published report by Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited indicates that a combination of honey with thymoquinone can prevent as well as reduce the severity of coronavirus infection. [2] Thus, this combination can be used as a prophylactic as well as an adjuvant therapy for infected patients with prescribed conventional treatment.
Evidence
Experts suggest that the antiviral effect of honey is effective against respiratory viruses. An in vitro research conducted in 2014 found that the Manuka honey obtained from Australia and New Zealand could inhibit the influenza viral replication. This study finding reported that the honey had a virucidal effect and could synergistically act with other antiviral medications. [3]
Apart from the antiviral property, Nigella sativa and honey have the following specific therapeutic benefits, which help improve and prevent Coronavirus infection and associated symptoms.
The antioxidant property of Nigella Sativa
Nigella Sativa oil and its primary constituent, thymoquinone, have a strong antioxidant property that can reduce oxidative stress by decreasing the free radical burden and oxidative stress. Herbal research experts suggested that Nigella Sativa oil could be used as an essential nutrient for healthy living and disease prevention. [4] Nigella Sativa oil can be used as a functional food to reduce oxidative stress during Coronavirus pandemic as a regimen to promote health and prevent this infectious disease.
Nigella Sativa is a medicinal plant and has a wide range of anti-microbial properties, including strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic actions. Nigella Sativa seed oil was found to suppress viral load possibly by increasing the number and stimulate the functioning of CD4+ve T cells with increasing production of interferon- (INF-) gamma. Thus, Nigella Sativa seed oil stimulates immune response and lower down viral load. [4]
Evidence
A human trial result reported that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who could not receive IFN-α/ribavirin therapy significantly improved viral load by administering Nigella Sativa seed oil. The laboratory parameters of both the diabetic and non-diabetic study participants with HCV showed effective results with symptomatic improvement like reducing lower limb edema indicate Nigella Sativa seed oil could manage HCV infection. [4]
Another trial result reported that intake of 10 mL of Nigella Sativa seed oil for six months could help to regain health condition in a 46 years HIV positive patient. Moreover, a combination of honey and Nigella Sativa seed oil with a 10 ml dose could reduce HIV viral load in a pregnant woman and protect her born children from HIV even after breastfeeding. [4]
The antiviral property of honey
Honey is a bee product that attributes several properties like favorable osmotic effect, low pH and multiple beneficial bioactive compounds mutually endorse its antiviral activity.
Honey containing flavonoids like quercetin and its derivatives such as quercitrin, isoquercetin, isorhamnetin, and rutin have an antiviral effect against influenza virus, human respiratory syncytial, human rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and betacoronavirus (SARS‐CoV). These phytochemicals have an inhibitory effect against specific enzymes [3‐chymotrypsin‐like cysteine protease (3C‐likepro)]present in beta coronavirus(SARS‐CoV). [3]
This mechanism may target novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) also, though yet now no research confirmed the antiviral effect of honey alone could effectively treat COVID-19 infection. [3] But recently published report by Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited indicates that a combination of honey with thymoquinone can prevent as well as reduce the severity of coronavirus infection. [2] Thus, this combination can be used as a prophylactic as well as an adjuvant therapy for infected patients with prescribed conventional treatment.
Evidence
Experts suggest that the antiviral effect of honey is effective against respiratory viruses. An in vitro research conducted in 2014 found that the Manuka honey obtained from Australia and New Zealand could inhibit the influenza viral replication. This study finding reported that the honey had a virucidal effect and could synergistically act with other antiviral medications. [3]
Apart from the antiviral property, Nigella sativa and honey have the following specific therapeutic benefits, which help improve and prevent Coronavirus infection and associated symptoms.
The antioxidant property of Nigella Sativa
Nigella Sativa oil and its primary constituent, thymoquinone, have a strong antioxidant property that can reduce oxidative stress by decreasing the free radical burden and oxidative stress. Herbal research experts suggested that Nigella Sativa oil could be used as an essential nutrient for healthy living and disease prevention. [4] Nigella Sativa oil can be used as a functional food to reduce oxidative stress during Coronavirus pandemic as a regimen to promote health and prevent this infectious disease.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic property of Nigella Sativa
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is one of the fatal outcomes of Coronavirus infection and the major reason for admission in the intensive care unit (ICU). High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to lung inflammation. Nigella Sativa oil containing thymoquinone can inhibit inflammatory responses by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to exert anti-inflammatory outcomes.
Also, the antioxidant property of thymoquinone antagonizes the side effects caused by an increase in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Thymoquinone also defeats mRNA expression, which downregulates interferon genes and other inflammatory responses. All these positive mechanisms indicate Nigella Sativa oil has the potentiality to give therapeutic benefits against Coronavirus infection. [6]
Besides this, the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of Nigella Sativa can offer symptomatic relief of Coronavirus infection. We know that body-ache is a common symptom in Coronavirus infection. The conventional synthetic analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines have multiple side-effect risks.
The volatile oil present in Nigella Sativa oil can block both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme activity. Thus, it inhibits arachidonic acid formation and gives relief from pain symptoms. Also, thymoquinone present in Nigella Sativa oil decreases the histamine and leukotrienes release but increases the PGE2 from the mast cells. Thus, Nigella Sativa oil is effective to reduce dyspnoea due to allergic attacks or asthma-like symptoms. [4]
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is one of the fatal outcomes of Coronavirus infection and the major reason for admission in the intensive care unit (ICU). High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to lung inflammation. Nigella Sativa oil containing thymoquinone can inhibit inflammatory responses by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to exert anti-inflammatory outcomes.
Also, the antioxidant property of thymoquinone antagonizes the side effects caused by an increase in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Thymoquinone also defeats mRNA expression, which downregulates interferon genes and other inflammatory responses. All these positive mechanisms indicate Nigella Sativa oil has the potentiality to give therapeutic benefits against Coronavirus infection. [6]
Besides this, the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of Nigella Sativa can offer symptomatic relief of Coronavirus infection. We know that body-ache is a common symptom in Coronavirus infection. The conventional synthetic analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines have multiple side-effect risks.
The volatile oil present in Nigella Sativa oil can block both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme activity. Thus, it inhibits arachidonic acid formation and gives relief from pain symptoms. Also, thymoquinone present in Nigella Sativa oil decreases the histamine and leukotrienes release but increases the PGE2 from the mast cells. Thus, Nigella Sativa oil is effective to reduce dyspnoea due to allergic attacks or asthma-like symptoms. [4]
Honey boosts immunity
Honey can improve immunocompetence by stimulating the immune system. This helps to reduce the severity of coronavirus induced pneumonia. It has already been mentioned that honey is an effective treatment against the influenza virus (H9N2). Study reference supported that the addition of honey to drinking water (22 g/L) increased the production of antibodies against the H9N2 virus. Honey could reduce the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio to improve the immune response against this virus. [3]
The combination of Nigella sativa and honey has multiple therapeutic benefits, including antiviral effect, immune system stimulatory effect, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are promising alternative treatments for severe viral respiratory infections including Coronavirus infection and can be useful in prophylaxis, specific treatment, and even symptomatic treatment of COVID‐19.
This combination is generally well tolerated and readily available, which can contribute to wide access in times of pandemic as a self-care treatment regimen.
Honey can improve immunocompetence by stimulating the immune system. This helps to reduce the severity of coronavirus induced pneumonia. It has already been mentioned that honey is an effective treatment against the influenza virus (H9N2). Study reference supported that the addition of honey to drinking water (22 g/L) increased the production of antibodies against the H9N2 virus. Honey could reduce the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio to improve the immune response against this virus. [3]
The combination of Nigella sativa and honey has multiple therapeutic benefits, including antiviral effect, immune system stimulatory effect, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are promising alternative treatments for severe viral respiratory infections including Coronavirus infection and can be useful in prophylaxis, specific treatment, and even symptomatic treatment of COVID‐19.
This combination is generally well tolerated and readily available, which can contribute to wide access in times of pandemic as a self-care treatment regimen.
YOUTUBE REMOVED THIS VIDEO - YOU DECIDE IF IT IS HARMFUL AND DECEPTIVE. |
References
- Siukan Law, Albert Wingnang Leung, Chuanshan Xu. (2020) Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19): From causes to preventions in Hong Kong. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 94, Pages 156-163. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971220301922
- Prashasti Awasthi. (2020). Honey and Nigella Sativa helps in COVID-19 viral clearance and reduce severity: Study. BUSINESS JOURNAL. https://indiadailymail.com/technology/intas-launches-thymotas-as-adjunct-to-covid-treatment-business-journal/
- William G. Lima, Júlio C. M. Brito, Waleska S. da Cruz Nizer. (2020). Bee products as a source of promising therapeutic and chemoprophylaxis strategies against COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Phytother Res.10.1002/ptr.6872. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6872. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536959/
- Ebrahim M. Yimer, KaldBeshirTuem, Aman Karim, Najeeb Ur-Rehman, Farooq Anwar. (2019) "Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses," Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Article ID 1528635, 16 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1528635. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/1528635/
- TingminKoe. (2020). Can honey, omega-3, resistant potato starch help fight COVID-19? Researchers to examine via clinical trials.https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2020/04/20/Can-honey-omega-3-resistant-potato-starch-help-fight-COVID-19-Researchers-to-examine-via-clinical-trials#
- Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar, Rongrong Li, Khalid Mehmood, Muhammad Waqas, Kun Li, Jiakui Li. (2020). Potential influence of Nigella sativa (Black cumin) in reinforcing immune system: A hope to decelerate the COVID-19 pandemic. Phytomedicine.10: 153277.doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153277.
