Clinical Study: Topical Benefits of Nigella Sativa in Diabetic Neuropathy Compared to Synthetic Drugs
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Synthetic drugs available on the market have side effects and limitations for diabetic patients, the majority of whom are elderly.
In this context, based on Persian medicinal sources, it has been demonstrated that Nigella sativa (N. sativa) has beneficial effects on neuropathic pain and neurological disorders. This study investigates the effect of topically applied N. sativa in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
This study was conducted as a double-blind clinical trial involving 120 neuropathic patients. The patients were divided into three groups.
The first group received a topical product based on N. sativa as an ointment, the second group received a topical placebo, and the third group received gabapentin capsules of 300 mg. The blinding was performed in the first two groups.
Diabetic neuropathy was assessed before the study using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Additionally, neuropathy symptoms were evaluated after the experimentation using the MNSI questionnaire.
Data were obtained from patients’ responses to a series of questions in the Michigan questionnaire.
There were statistically significant differences between the group that received the topical N. sativa product and the other two groups.
Regarding numbness in the legs and feet (p-value = 0.001), burning in the feet or legs (p-value = 0.001), muscle cramps in the feet or legs (p-value = 0.001), tingling in the feet or legs (p-value = 0.001), pain in the skin when bed covers touch it (p-value = 0.005), worsened symptoms at night (p-value = 0.001), and leg pain during walking (p-value = 0.032).
However, the three studied groups did not show statistically significant differences in distinguishing between hot and cold water.
According to the results of this study, the topical use of N. sativa, compared to current medications, has acceptable improvement effects in diabetic neuropathic patients.
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Source: Khodaie SA, Nikkhah H, Namiranian N, Abotorabi M, Askari M, Khalilzadeh SH, Khatibi Aghda A, Kamalinejad M. Topical Nigella sativa L. product: a new candidate for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Inflammopharmacology. 2023 Nov 13. doi: 10.1007/s10787-023-01338-2. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37957516.
