Introduction:

Th17 and Treg cells have important roles in the development and progression of the allergic diseases, such as asthma. Several studies reported that Nigella sativa could improve chronic airway inflammation, and inhibit airway remodeling by regulating the immune system. To examine the effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on Th17/ Treg cells, and asthma control test score in asthmatic children.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-eight children with asthma meeting the inclusion criteria in Saiful Anwar Hospital, Indonesia, participated in this study. All subjects took the standard treatment based on asthma guidelines. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is given as additional treatment at the dose of 15–30 mg/kg/day for eight weeks in a randomized, single-blind-controlled trial. Th17 and Treg in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry tool. Improvement of asthma control was accessed by ACT (Asthma Control Test) Score.

Results:

There was a significant decrease of Th17, and an increase of Treg percentages in NSO treatment group. Th17/ Treg ratio was lower in NSO group compared to the standard treatment group (1.06±0.33 vs. 2.30±1.08, p=0.001). The ACT score improvement was significantly higher in NSO compared to that in the standard treatment group (3.71±1.634 vs. 1.86±0.864, p=0.033). However, there was no significant correlation between Th17/Treg ratio and ACT score in pre- and post-treatment (p=0.552, p=0.344 respectively).

Conclusion:

NSO supplementation improves Th17/Treg balance and clinical symptoms in asthmatic children.

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