Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Thymoquinone, the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa (black seed), has been studied for its potential to reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects. Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) suggest that thymoquinone exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties, which may help mitigate some toxicities associated with chemotherapy, such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and hematological damage. For example, several rodent studies have shown that thymoquinone can reduce the severity of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, likely by decreasing oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory pathways.

Despite these promising findings, robust clinical data in humans are limited. A handful of small-scale clinical trials and case reports have explored the use of Nigella sativa extracts or oil in cancer patients, but studies specifically isolating thymoquinone and focusing on chemotherapy side effect reduction are sparse. Most available evidence remains preclinical, and there is a lack of large, well-designed randomized controlled trials in humans.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and encouraging preclinical evidence suggesting thymoquinone may help reduce certain chemotherapy side effects, clinical validation in human populations is not yet strong. Thus, the overall evidence supporting its use for this purpose is moderate-to-weak at present (rated 2/5).

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