The effect of nigella sativa oil on the prevention of phlebitis induced by chemotherapy: a clinical trial

Introduction: Phlebitis, that disrupts chemotherapy, is the inflammation of the vein and the most common complication of intravenous injection of chemotherapy drugs. Aim: the aim was determine the effect of topical application of N. sativa oil on the prevention of phlebitis caused by chemotherapy. Methods: This single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 cancer patients. In the intervention group, five drops of N. sativa oil was applied on the distal area of the catheter, two times per day and every 12 hours from the first day of chemotherapy to the third day; no intervention was conducted for the subjects in the control group. Results: Results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups at 60 and 72 hours in regard with incidence of phlebitis. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at 12 and 72 hours in terms of severity (degree) of phlebitis. Conclusion: topical application of N. sativa oil is effective in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced phlebitis.