Study of Black Cumin Seed Oil (BCSO) (Nigella sativa L.) as an Immunomodulator in The Healthy Active Smoker Volunteer

Abstract

A Black cumin seed oil (BCSO) contains many unsaturated fatty acids and essential oils that are antioxidative. The Black Cumin Seed Oil (BCSO), both in vitro and in vivo, has been used as an immunomodulatory compound and is expected to increase lymphocytes number and IL-2 expression. The purpose of this study is to find out how BCSO influences the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes and IL-2 expression in active smokers. A total of 36 healthy, active volunteer smokers aged> 18 years were divided into four groups. Group I (placebo) was given a 3x1 capsule/day placebo; group 2, 3, and 4 were given a dose of BCSO 3x1, 3x2, and 3x3 capsule/day. Placebo and BCSO interventions were provided for 30 days. A flow cytometer determined the percentage of lymphocytes and IL-2 expression. There were no significant differences between groups. Based on IL-2 test subjects’ average rate, the lowest IL-2 expression was in the placebo group (1.67%) and increased in the BCSO group (3.54%, 3.49%, and 3.72%). The effect of BCSO administration on the percentage of lymphocytes and IL-2 expression were not statistically significant.