Effects of Nigella sativa Supplementation on Post-Exercise Inflammation and Muscle Damage in Recreationally Active Individuals

Authors : Roy Irawan, Mokhamad Bawono, Dita Yuliastrid, Abdul Rohim Tualeka, Putri Alayyannur
Pages : 252-263
Doi:10.62425/rses.1672140
View : 231 | Download : 504
Publication Date : 2025-12-25
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to muscle fiber disruption, inflammation, and elevated biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK). Effective recovery strategies are crucial to mitigate inflammation and accelerate muscle repair. Nigella sativa (NS), rich in thymoquinone, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its role in post-exercise IL-6 and CK regulation remains unclear. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of NS supplementation on IL-6 and CK levels following high-intensity eccentric exercise in 40 recreationally active males. Participants received either NS (500 mg twice daily for 7 days pre-exercise or a placebo. They performed an eccentric exercise protocol (Nosaka & Miyama model), with blood samples collected at baseline (T0), post-exercise (T1), and 24 hours post-exercise (T2). IL-6 and CK were analyzed using ELISA and an automated biochemical analyzer, and data were processed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Post-exercise, IL-6 and CK levels increased significantly in both groups, confirming an inflammatory response. However, IL-6 and CK levels were significantly lower in the NS group at both T1 and T2 (p < 0.001), indicating that NS supplementation effectively reduced inflammation and muscle damage. NS has the potential to act as a natural anti-inflammatory and muscle-protective agent, similar to BCAAs, curcumin, and omega-3. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, long-term effects, and possible synergies with other recovery strategies.
Keywords : Nigella Sativa, IL-6, kreatin kinaz, kas hasarı, inflamasyon, spor iyileşmesi

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