10.05.22
A supplement containing ThymoQuin, a black seed oil extract marketed by TriNutra, and omega-3 fatty acids, was linked to improvements in upper respiratory tract complaints and psychological mood state in a small group of marathon runners in a study appearing in EC Nutrition.
In elite athletes, stress-related gut dysbiosis and changes to immune response can be a significant challenge for exercise performance and overall wellbeing. In the study, researchers used endurance running as a model to challenge gut microbiome resilience and in order to test suppressed immune vigilance.
The study recruited 35 marathon runners who consumed an oil blend of 500 mg of black seed oil and 1,500 mg of fish oil (provided by GC Rieber VivoMega) daily or a placebo for four weeks. During the course of the four-week treatment period, three weeks before and one week after an intense endurance run, the subjects who took the supplement reported 62% fewer upper respiratory tract complaints, and better overall self-reported health and a more positive mood, with average scores in the Profile of Mood State and health log questionnaires 15% higher than placebo.
There were significant differences in biological markers as well. Those who took the supplement showed significantly greater omega-3 blood levels and higher levels of the beneficial gut bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus (+67%) and a 37% reduction in cortisol, both of which are associated with immune vigilance and psychological mood state.
“This linkage between body and mind across the ‘gut-immune axis’ involves many coordinated and interconnected aspects. When the entire system is balanced, as evidenced here in the supplement group, there is a noticeable benefit for physical health and mental wellness, suggesting that the two are linked through the microbiome and stress response pathways,” said Morris Zelkha, CEO of TriNutra. “Our ThymoQuin black seed oil is a potent ingredient on its own, and when combined with other extracts, it continues to show its ability to bolster the effectiveness of the combined product. We will continue researching our ThymoQuin and its synergetic effects to build upon our current research.”
In elite athletes, stress-related gut dysbiosis and changes to immune response can be a significant challenge for exercise performance and overall wellbeing. In the study, researchers used endurance running as a model to challenge gut microbiome resilience and in order to test suppressed immune vigilance.
The study recruited 35 marathon runners who consumed an oil blend of 500 mg of black seed oil and 1,500 mg of fish oil (provided by GC Rieber VivoMega) daily or a placebo for four weeks. During the course of the four-week treatment period, three weeks before and one week after an intense endurance run, the subjects who took the supplement reported 62% fewer upper respiratory tract complaints, and better overall self-reported health and a more positive mood, with average scores in the Profile of Mood State and health log questionnaires 15% higher than placebo.
There were significant differences in biological markers as well. Those who took the supplement showed significantly greater omega-3 blood levels and higher levels of the beneficial gut bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus (+67%) and a 37% reduction in cortisol, both of which are associated with immune vigilance and psychological mood state.
“This linkage between body and mind across the ‘gut-immune axis’ involves many coordinated and interconnected aspects. When the entire system is balanced, as evidenced here in the supplement group, there is a noticeable benefit for physical health and mental wellness, suggesting that the two are linked through the microbiome and stress response pathways,” said Morris Zelkha, CEO of TriNutra. “Our ThymoQuin black seed oil is a potent ingredient on its own, and when combined with other extracts, it continues to show its ability to bolster the effectiveness of the combined product. We will continue researching our ThymoQuin and its synergetic effects to build upon our current research.”
