TriNutra has highlighted a recent study on its ThymoQuin oil and the phytochemical compound thymoquinone found in it. Published in the Journal of Food & Nutritional Sciences, the study aimed to observe the ingredient’s immune health-modulating effects in combination with vitamin D3 on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and on mice.
The in vitro portion of the study treated MSCs with ThymoQuin, a commercial black seed oil, and their respective combinations with vitamin D3. Researchers examined the effects of each on MSC proliferation, levels of inflammatory biomarkers, changes in lipid droplet number and size, adipocyte differentiation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and stem cell function. MSCs can modulate inflammatory responses and sense different inflammatory signals and so are a practical option to explore the effects of ThymoQuin and vitamin D3 for immune health support. In addition to the in vitro portion of the study, four groups of mice were fed a high-fat diet, with three groups receiving either ThymoQuin, vitamin D3, or both during the last eight weeks of the diet.
While the company’s oil was effective according to the measured outcomes, the combination of ThymoQuin and vitamin D3 showed the most significant improvements across the board. Black seed oil with high free fatty acid content (more than 8%) was significantly less effective in comparison to either. The combination of ThymoQuin and vitamin D3 dramatically reduced average lipid droplet size and effectively increased the small lipid droplet area. Additionally, there was a recognisable increase in mitochondrial activity and healthy regulation of inflammatory cytokines.
“I have long discussed the synergistic properties that are unique to black seed oil standardised to 3% thymoquinone and with very low free fatty acids,” said Morris Zelkha, co-founder and CEO of TriNutra. “While previous focus has been mainly on its synergy with omega-3s, we are happy to share the results of ThymoQuin combined with vitamin D3 for improved immune support. Vitamin D3 is commonly recognised as a necessary part of good health, so seeing that we can enhance its effects with ThymoQuin opens a lot of possibilities for new products and further research.”
ThymoQuin is TriNutra’s proprietary black seed oil. Cold press extracted, standardised to 3% thymoquinone, and with low free fatty acid, oil’s unique composition sets it apart from other commercially available black seed oils because of its wider spectrum of benefits and its synergistic potential.