Have honey and black cumin been proved to have benefits in treating COVID-19?

Pakistani researchers have documented in a "preprint" paper their study of a treatment combining honey and black cumin (Nigella sativa) for patients with COVID-19. Honey and black cumin each have "established antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties," the authors note. Black cumin has a long history of use in traditional medicine in India and in Islamic cultures. It is used as a diuretic and appetite stimulant, and may be beneficial as a diabetes and cancer treatment.

These researchers found that using the two substances in tandem reduced COVID-19 patients' recovery times by approximately 50%. Although possibly promising, the study has not been peer-reviewed, and the findings have not yet been evaluated. This means that the study's findings are currently of use to other scientists for discussion and comment, and not to practicing medical professionals.