Nigella sativa oil (NSO) as an adjuvant in the management of mild COVID-19 infection in Kaduna state

Background: To assess the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in the management of mild COVID-19 infection in Kaduna state. Method: Quasi-experimental study among 51 mild COVID-19 cases enrolled in Hamdala isolation center from 27 th October, 2020 to 20 th May, 2021. Outcome variables were viral clearance, resolution of symptoms and duration of hospital stay after commencement of the different treatment regimen at level of significance P < 0.05 and effect size (Cohen's D 0.2= small, 0.5=medium and ≥0.8 = large). Result: Out of the 51 people enrolled in the study, 26 (51%) were placed on NSO plus usual care while 25 (49%) were on usual care alone with Mean age (SD) of 30.77±14.56 and 32.60±17.50 respectively. There were 16 (61.5%) females and 10 (38.5%) males in the NSO group and 19 (76%) females with 6 (24%) males in the usual care group. More patients on NSO have symptoms 12 (46.2%); ranging from fever, malaise, anosmia and loss of taste compared to 8 (32.0%) of the usual care group. Mean recovery time was significantly shorter 4.50±1.51 days in the NSO group, compared to 7.38±2.20 in the usual care with medium effect size (t-value = -3.483, Cohen's D = 0.7, P = 0.003). Repeat PCR test was significantly different 48hours after commencement of treatment between groups, with large effect size (t=2.706, Cohen's D=0.8, p=0.009). Conclusion: NSO as add-on therapeutic agent was associated with faster recovery, viral clearance and shorter duration of care than usual care alone in patients with mild COVID-19 infection.