Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, has been studied for its potential influence on the immune response, including the Th1 (T-helper type 1) immune response. Research suggests that Nigella sativa may enhance the immune system through several mechanisms:

1. Immune Regulation: Nigella sativa has shown immune-regulatory effects, particularly through its active components like thymoquinone, nigellidine, and α-hederin. These compounds can potentially influence immune responses at the molecular level¹.

2. Increase in T Cells: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Nigella sativa can significantly elevate total lymphocyte count, as well as CD3+ and CD4+ T helper cell counts. This suggests an enhancement of the immune system's capacity to respond to infections².

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Nigella sativa has anti-inflammatory properties that may help modulate immune responses. Its capability to inhibit pathways involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, also contributes to its potential to regulate immune processes³.

4. Balancing Cytokine Production: Various studies have reported its role in balancing cytokine production, which is crucial in modulating the Th1 immune response. However, more detailed research specifically regarding Th1 response modulation is needed¹.

The optimal dose for inducing a beneficial immunopotentiation effect appears to be around 1 g of Nigella sativa based on current studies².

Footnotes

1. Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar, "Potential influence of Nagella sativa (Black cumin) in reinforcing immune system: A hope to decelerate the COVID-19 pandemic," NCBI, 2020. ↩ ↩²

2. Ayad Salem, "Effect of Nigella sativa on general health and immune system in young healthy volunteers; a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial," NCBI, 2023. ↩ ↩²

3. Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar, "Preventive effects of N. sativa in COVID-19 patients," NCBI, 2020. ↩

Research on Nigella sativa (black cumin) and its effects on diabetes primarily focuses on its supplemental forms like capsules or seeds, rather than liquid measurements in milliliters. However, dosing can vary widely based on the form used, such as oil, seeds, or extract.

In clinical studies, doses of Nigella sativa for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes often range from 1 to 2 grams per day when using seeds or in capsule form. If using Nigella sativa oil, studies have often used doses ranging from 1 to 3 teaspoons per day, which is roughly equivalent to 5 to 15 milliliters.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and safe dosage for your specific needs, especially when managing a condition like diabetes. They can provide guidance based on current research and your individual health circumstances.