Topical Nigella Sativa for nasal symptoms in elderly.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of intranasal application of black seed (Nigella Sativa) oil (NSO) and isotonic sodium chloride solution (ISCS) on nasal symptoms of the elderly.

METHODS

In this prospective, crossover randomized controlled trial, 42 geriatric patients with nasal dryness and related symptoms were randomized to receive either 2 weeks of isotonic sodium chloride solution (ISCS) followed by 2 weeks of N. sativa oil (NG oil) or the same treatment in the opposite order. There was a washout period of 3 weeks in between the treatment periods. Subjective symptoms including nasal dryness, burning, obstruction, itching and crusting were evaluated by a visual analog scale. Mucociliary function was evaluated with saccharin test.

RESULTS

Nasal dryness, obstruction and crusting improved significantly with the use of NSO compared to ISCS without any evidence of relevant carryover effects (p<0.05 for all for the difference in treatment). There was no significant difference between the effect of NSO and ISCS on nasal burning and itching (p>0.05 for all). There was no change in mucociliary clearance during any of the treatment periods.

CONCLUSION

NSO is a better alternative to ISCS to treat nasal mucosa symptoms due to aging.