Nigella Sativa Supplementation Modulates Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year 2025, Volume: 16 Issue: 2, 347 - 367, 30.08.2025

Roy Irawan , Heri Wahyudi , Mokhamad Bawono , Ananda Bakti , Abdul Rohim Tualeka

https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1652627

Abstract

Intense physical exercise can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which may impair muscle recovery and athletic performance. Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however, limited studies have examined its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers post-exercise. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the impact of N. sativa supplementation on malondialdehyde (MDA) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels following eccentric exercise. Forty-two recreationally active males (aged 18–21 years) were randomly assigned to either the N. sativa group (500 mg/day, n=21) or the placebo group (starch capsules, n=21) for 28 days. After supplementation, participants performed a standardized eccentric step-down protocol to induce muscle damage, and blood samples were collected at three time points: pre-exercise (T0), immediately post-exercise (T1), and 24 hours post-exercise (T2). MDA and HMGB1 levels significantly increased post-exercise (T1) in both groups (p<0.001); however, the N. sativa group exhibited significantly lower MDA and HMGB1 levels compared to the placebo group at T1 and T2 (p<0.001). These findings suggest that N. sativa supplementation may play a protective role against exercise-induced muscle damage by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and optimal dosages in athletic populations.

Keywords

Exercise , Habbatussauda , Inflammation , Oxidative stress , Sports injured

Ethical Statement

This study complied with ethical guidelines and received approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Public Health, Airlangga University, under the assigned identification number 104/EA/KEPK/2023

Supporting Institution

Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Universitas Airlangga

Thanks

This research was supported by the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences and Research and Community Service (LPPM), Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), through the Research and Community Service grant program in 2025. The author also gratefully acknowledges the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences and Research and Community Service (LPPM), Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), for the research funding that facilitated this work. Special thanks to all students who participated in this study, particularly those from the Sports Science Department, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, for their invaluable contributions. The author also extends appreciation to the research team from Faculty of Public Health Universitas Airlangga Surabaya for their collaboration and support in conducting this study

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