Nigella sativa and Saudi honey diminish infections and improve the survival in a kostmann's syndrome patient: Case report

Severe chronic neutropenia is the main feature of infantile genetic agranulocytosis (Kostmann's Syndrome) associated with recurrent febrile bacterial infections episodes with fatal outcome. This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa seeds (Black seeds) and Saudi honey supplementation on the survival rate and frequency of febrile episodes of a Kostmann's syndrome patient. The patient was diagnosed with Kostmann's syndrome at 7 months of age and showed persistent neutropenia with an absolute neutrophilic count of 0.2 × 109/L and was admitted 26 times for infection in the first 2 years of his life. Unfortunately, he had no human leukocyte antigen matching donor for stem cell transplant and developed a cataract after being given granulocyte colony stimulating factor therapy Filgrastim. After supplementation with Nigella sativa and honey, the patient showed dramatic improvement. There was no admitting history to the hospital related to infection, and he has resumed a normal life style with regular school attendance. The patient is currently 15 years old. It would be concluded that a synergetic effect exists between Nigella sativa and honey which will improve the potency of the immune system with a marked reduction in infection and improved his survival. Further studies are needed to confirm the conclusion.