Afro-Egypt J Infect Endem Dis 2012 December;2(4):149-154
Effect of Intrapulmonary Inhalation of Honey, Nigella Sativa and Curcumin on Liver Function in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Mostafa EF, Ibrahim AM, Hamed EF
Internal Medicine Department, Zagazig University, Egypt
hobanoh@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Background and study aim:Evidence indicates, that honey, nigella sativa and Curcumin can exert several health-beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of honey, curcumin and nigella sativa inhalation on liver function in patients with chronic liver disease.
Patients and methods: The study was conducted in 58 Patients (group1) with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C and or B infection, with abnormal liver function test regarding liver enzymes, serum albumin, serum total bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR). Another 43 patients(group2) with chronic liver disease with abnormal liver functions test as a control diseased subjects. Patients were subjected to inhalation of honey solution diluted with water with total 5 ml solution with 1 ml of curcumin solution, then adding of 2 drops of nigella sativa oil , the patients subjected to 2 times inhalation per day for 3 months. The other 43 control subjects received inhalation of 10% dextrose for the same duration.
Results :: there was significant difference in patients group before and after mixed solution inhalation for 3 months with decrease in serum level of ALT and less significant decrease in AST, also there was significant decrease in serum total bilirubin and INR level, already with significant increase in serum albumin. Correlation between duration of exposure to the mixed solution inhalation and change of liver functions after one and 3 months duration, showed significant negative correlation between duration and decrease in ALT, AST, INR and serum bilirubin with positive correlation with serum albumin. No significant changes was detected in liver functions in control subjects after inhalation of 10% dextrose for the same duration.
Conclusion : Natural medications like honey, curcumin and nigella sativa administered by new methods like inhalation my contribute in improving liver functions with high safety profile.