Therapeutic Effects of Nigella sativa on Occupational Contact Dermatitis

Amal Saad1, Safia Besher1, Nagwa Ammar2, and Hanaah Emam3

1 Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine Department
2 Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department
3 Community Medicine Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

Corresponding author: Dr. Amal Saad
    Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine Department
    National Research Center
    Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
    Fax number: 0202-3444429

CEJOEM 2001, Vol.7. No.1.:26-38


Key words:
Nigella sativa, occupational contact dermatitis, natural killer, IgE, liver and kidney functions.


Abstract:
Nigella seeds have high nutritive value and traditional therapeutic effects. The therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa powdered in the form of capsules, lipoidal matter extract and the aqueous alcoholic extract of Nigella seeds in the form of two ointments were studied in occupational chronic contact dermatitis complaining volunteers. The potential effects of using protective clothes were also evaluated. Blood picture, IgE and natural killer (NK) cells were recorded before and after two weeks of therapy. Treatment with Nigella lipoidal extract ointment, alcoholic extract ointment and powdered seed capsules led to complete recovery of the signs and symptoms of the eczematous lesions in 89%, 46%, and 63%, respectively. Clinical improvement of the eczematous lesions by these three treatments was statistically significant, while placebos achieved no significant improvement. NK cell fraction was significantly augmented in treated groups. Due to Nigella therapies no harmful effects on the liver and the kidney functions were found.


Received:  11 May 2001
Accepted:  18 August 2001

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