An Overview of Conventional and Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella sativa) Therapy in the Management of Nipah Viral Infection

The recent outbreaks of Nipah viral infection were associated with severe respiratory illness, lethal encephalitis, and an extremely high mortality rate. As there are no approved antiviral medications, patients with NiV infections are currently treated with repurposed or investigational antivirals and supportive care. This review examines the potential health benefits of N. sativa in the treatment of NiV infection. To identify relevant studies, the literature was searched in online databases like Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and reference lists. Through its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, immunomodulatory, bronchodilatory, and other properties, a number of studies have demonstrated that N. sativa is effective against a variety of viral infections, inflammatory conditions, neurological and respiratory illnesses, and other conditions. As a result, in the treatment of NiV-infected patients, N. sativa could be added as an adjuvant treatment alongside repurposed or investigational antivirals and supportive care. The efficacy of N. sativa in the treatment of NiV infection will be determined by the results of upcoming randomized controlled clinical trials.