Roy Januardi Irawan, Mokhamad Bawono, Dıta Yuliastrid, Abdul Rohim Tualeka, Putri Ayuni Alayyannur
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to muscle fiber disruption, inflammation, and elevated biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK). Effective recovery strategies are crucial to mitigate inflammation and accelerate muscle repair. Nigella sativa (NS), rich in thymoquinone, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its role in post-exercise IL-6 and CK regulation remains unclear. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of NS supplementation on IL-6 and CK levels following high-intensity eccentric exercise in 40 recreationally active males. Participants received either NS (500 mg twice daily for 7 days pre-exercise) or a placebo. They performed an eccentric exercise protocol, with blood samples collected at baseline (T0), immediately post-exercise (T1), and 24 hours post-exercise (T2). IL-6 and CK were analyzed using ELISA and an automated biochemical analyzer, and data were processed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Post-exercise, IL-6 and CK levels rose significantly in both groups, indicating inflammation. However, the NS group showed markedly lower IL-6 and CK at T₁ and T₂ (p<.001), suggesting that NS supplementation attenuates inflammation and muscle damage after intense exercise. NS shows promise as a natural anti-inflammatory and muscle-protective agent, comparable to BCAAs, curcumin, and omega-3, though further research is required to clarify optimal dosing, long-term effects, and potential synergies. © 2025, Ataturk Universitesi. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Faculty of Sports Science and Health, Sports Science Department, Surabaya, Indonesia; Universitas Airlangga, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Surabaya, Indonesia
