In addition, inhibitory effect of the essential oil of N. sativa (5.8 mg/ml) on human neutrophil elastase (HNE) activity was shown suggesting the therapeutic effect of the plant on lung damages caused by some diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema (Kacem and Meraihi, 2006 ▶). The gene discussed is ELANE; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.