Summary
Researchers investigated the effects of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSSO) and the bioactive compound thymoquinone (TQ) on the modulation of the intestinal microbiome in healthy adults. The study involved eight participants, divided into two groups: one that received NSSO capsules containing TQ and another that did not receive supplementation. Fecal samples were collected at five time points and analyzed for microbial diversity. Although no significant differences were observed in the overall microbiome diversity between the groups, some specific species showed changes, such as the increase of Mediterraneibacter lactaris and the decrease of Terrisporobacter mayombei. TQ and its metabolites were detected in the urine of participants who received NSSO, confirming the absorption of the compound. This pilot study suggests that repeated ingestion of NSSO is feasible for collecting microbiome and urinary metabolite samples, as well as providing preliminary evidence of taxonomic changes in healthy adults. The results may guide future controlled studies on the microbiome in perioperative contexts.
Key points
- The ingestion of NSSO for 20 days did not alter the overall diversity of the intestinal microbiome, but caused changes in specific species.
- Mediterraneibacter lactaris significantly increased (p=9×10⁻⁵) with NSSO supplementation.
- Terrisporobacter mayombei significantly decreased (p=3×10⁻⁴) in the group that received NSSO.
- TQ and its metabolites were detected in urine, confirming absorption after NSSO ingestion.
- The study is a pilot, with limitations such as the small number of participants and the lack of a blinded control group.
✦ For you
If you are interested in improving your intestinal health, consider including foods that promote microbial diversity, such as probiotics and fibers. Observing how your body reacts to different foods can be useful. If you notice persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, seek a qualified health professional.
For practitionersExpand
This study suggests that the inclusion of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSSO) may be beneficial for patients preparing for gastrointestinal surgery, especially regarding microbiome modulation. Assessing individual responses to NSSO and considering monitoring microbial diversity may be useful in clinical practice.