A Systematic Review of the Potential Effects of Nigella sativa on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Considering the different untoward effects of the drugs prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there has been an increasing interest in adjuvant therapies devoid of such unfavorable reactions. Although the beneficial effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on RA have been established, it seems that its mechanisms of action have not still been reviewed. The present review is designed to evaluate the effects of N. sativa on RA systematically. We searched these electronic databases until April 2019: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, ProQuest, and Google scholar. No restriction was conducted based on language or publication date. We selected all of the related clinical, animal, and in vitro studies. Review papers, abstracts in conferences, book chapters, and papers regarding the effects of N. sativa combined with other herbs, as well as articles regarding the effects of N. sativa on other diseases, were excluded. Each article was assessed critically for the possible risk of bias. Nineteen articles were reviewed. Animal and in vitro investigations supported the favorable effects of N. sativa on clinical, inflammatory, oxidative, and immunologic parameters on RA, whereas results of limited clinical studies did not illustrate any change or improvement of inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in RA. N. sativa could control RA via multiple ways such as decreasing inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, and modulating the immune system. This paper provides persuasive clues to defend the efficacy of N. sativa in RA and justifies the significance of subsequent clinical trials.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety

“…Due to potent anti-inflammatory action, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) were shown to be effective against arthritis, including RA. As some reviews have already highlighted anti-arthritic potential of NSO and TQ elsewhere [ 262 , 263 ], we better addressed some recent progress. For example, NSO (1.82 mL/kg) reduced proinflammatory mediators (such as IL-6) and improved (56%) adjuvant induced-arthritis in the rat model [ 264 ].…”

The Influence of Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis—A Systematic Review

“…According to the meta-analyses, Nigella sativa reduces body weight [ 51 , 52 ]. A systematic review by Khabbazi [ 53 ] suggested that Nigella sativa might be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially in animal and in vitro studies, as well as in humans (a decrease in the disease activity score 28 (DAS28) was especially noted). It is also supposed to alleviate the course of other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune encephalomyelitis [ 54 ], ulcerative colitis [ 55 ], and psoriasis [ 56 ].…”

Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Glycemic Control Indices in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

“…SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and myeloperoxidase play a key role in combating ROS by converting hydrogen peroxide to H20. NS exerts its antioxidant effect by increasing SOD, GPx, and CAT, and decreasing MPO [32,[34][35][36][37]. Moreover, other mechanisms such as upregulation of anti-inflammatory hormone (like adiponectin) [38], reduction of IL-1β and IL-6, and increase in IL-10 are effective in creating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of NS [39,40].…”