Authors: Shawn M. Talbott, Julie A. Talbott.
We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) on upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs) and psychological mood state. Thirty-seven runners (13.1-mile half-marathon and 26.2-mile marathon distance) consumed 500mg of black cumin seed oil extract (commercial name ThymoQuin®3%) or placebo daily during the 4 week supplementation period (3 weeks before and 1 week following a marathon or half-marathon competition). We collected subjective and objective measures before and after supplementation. Before and after supplementation, each subject completed two subjective surveys; (1) the profile of mood state (POMS) psychological assessment and (2) a standardized health log assessing health status and URTCs, as well as provided saliva samples and fecal samples for objective measurement of cortisol and microbiome balance, respectively. Compared to placebo, subjects in the ThymoQuin supplementation group reported significantly fewer upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs such as cough, sore throat, sinus congestion, etc) and better overall well-being (e.g. lower stress, increased energy), as well as lower stress hormones (cortisol) and superior microbiome diversity (S. thermophilus). These results suggest that ThymoQuin black cumin seed oil extract may improve immune system vigilance and overall well-being following the stress of endurance training and competition, and that these immune-mood benefits may be mediated through the Gut-Immune-Axis.
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