Effect of combination of Nigella sativa and Bee’s honey on lung function, respiratory muscle power, and asthma control in patients with persistent asthma
Background: Persistent asthma is a serious global medical problem, usually controlled by long term use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). However, ICS are expensive particularly in the developing countries and despite their use, a proportion of patients still suffer from uncontrolled symptoms and may progress into intractable airflow limitation. Nigella sativa and Bee’s honey are relatively cheap and safe natural products with anti- inflammatory and anti-allergic properties; they are used traditionally in treatment of so many diseases.Methods: In this study, we investigated the adjuvant effect of combination of Nigella Sativa and Bee’s honey on lung function, respiratory muscle power and asthma control in patients with persistent asthma. An oral dose of Nigella sativa (2 mg once daily), and bee’s honey (7.5 ml twice a day) were given to patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma (n=30, 14 females and 16 males with mean age of 43.91±5.8) for three months duration. Lung function tests (FEV1, FVC and PEFR) and respiratory muscle power indicators (MEP, MIP) were measured initially as baseline records and monthly for 3 months. The baseline score for asthma control test (ACT) was calculated for all patients and repeated after three months.Results: There was statistically significant improvement in lung function and respiratory muscle power. The need for asthma relieving β2 agonists was remarkably decreased and a significant improvement in asthma control test score in both asthma groups was observed.Conclusions: Combination of Nigella sativa and Bee's Honey as an adjuvant therapy with ICS decreases asthma severity grade and hence the need for both asthma controlling and relieving drugs and improves patient’s quality of life.