Black cumin (Nigella sativa), also known as black cumin , is a plant that originates from Southwest Asia and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its healing properties. Its important part is the seeds, from which the oil is obtained, which is used in various forms, such as capsules, oil for external use or powder. Black cumin has become the subject of much scientific research in recent years, as it appears to be a very promising herb for health support.
The main active component in black cumin seeds is thymoquinone (30-48%) , which has many medicinal effects, including antioxidant , anti-inflammatory , antiviral and antitumor properties. The higher the proportion of thymoquinone in the oil, the higher the quality of the oil.
Black cumin oil key ingredients and properties and potential health benefits:
- Thymoquinone : The main bioactive ingredient in black cumin oil is thymoquinone, which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. (1)
- Antioxidant properties : Black cumin oil contains many compounds that help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which is key to preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. (1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Anti-inflammatory effects : Due to the content of thymoquinone and other active ingredients, black cumin oil helps to control inflammation in the body, which is useful in various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma and inflammation of the respiratory tract. (4, 7)
- Antibacterial activity : Research has shown that black cumin oil works against various pathogens, including bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics , which helps fight infections. (2, 3)
- Support for the respiratory system: Black cumin oil is often used to relieve the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. It has bronchodilator effects, which means it helps widen the airways and improves airflow to the lungs. (4, 7, 8)
Side effects and caution:
Although black cumin oil is generally safe to use, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using it, especially if you have allergies, are taking medication, or have certain medical conditions.
Warnings:
- Not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers
If you want more information about black cumin, you can read the literature listed below !!!
Literature:
- Source:
Khither, H., Sobhi, W., Khenchouche, A., Mosbah, A. and Benboubetra, M. In-vitro Antioxidant Effect of Thymoquinone. Annual Research & Review in Biology 2018, 25(5), pp. 1-9. doi: 10.9734/ARRB/2018/40165
In the article, the authors investigate the in-vitro antioxidant effect of thymoquinone, which is the main bioactive compound in black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa). Thymoquinone is known for its potential therapeutic properties, including its antioxidant activity, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress associated with various diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In the study, the authors used various methods to evaluate the antioxidant activity of thymoquinone, including the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test and other methods to measure the ability to prevent oxidation. The results showed that thymoquinone effectively reduces oxidative stress and may represent a potential natural therapeutic agent to protect against the harmful effects of free radicals. The article confirms that thymoquinone with antioxidant properties offers promising possibilities for use in medicine.
Morsi NM. Antimicrobial effect of crude extracts of Nigella sativa on multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Acta Microbiol Pol 2000; 49(1): 63-74
In the article by Morsi (2000) , the author investigated the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds) against bacteria resistant to various antibiotics. The author tested the effectiveness of various extracts (including ethanolic and aqueous extracts) against several bacteria, including carriers of resistance to common antibiotics such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and others. The results showed that extracts of Nigella sativa have significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including those resistant to multiple antibiotics. The study confirms the potential of Nigella sativa as a natural alternative treatment for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is particularly important in light of the growing problem of bacterial drug resistance.
3. Source:
Chaieb K, Kouidhi B, Jrah H, Mahdouani K, Bakhrouf A. Antibacterial activity of Thymoquinone, an active principle of Nigella sativa and its potency to prevent bacterial biofilm formation. BMC Compl Altern Med 2011; 11: 29
In an article by Chaieb et al. (2011), the authors investigate the antibacterial activity of thymoquinone, the active ingredient of Nigella sativa (black cumin seed), and its ability to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms. Biofilms are structures in which bacteria organize and are often resistant to antibiotics, making treatment of infections difficult. The authors tested the effect of thymoquinone on a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that thymoquinone has significant antibacterial activity against a wide range of pathogens. In addition, thymoquinone effectively inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilms, meaning it can help prevent infections that are often resistant to standard treatments. The study highlights the potential of thymoquinone as a natural treatment for infections, especially for bacteria that form biofilms and are resistant to drugs.
4. Source:
Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337-352. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1
In a review by Ahmad et al. (2013), the authors discussed the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa (black cumin seed), which has long been valued for its medicinal properties in traditional medicine. The article examines the various biological effects of this plant, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. The authors analyzed a number of studies that showed that the active compounds in Nigella sativa, especially thymoquinone, are responsible for a number of therapeutic effects, including protection against oxidative stress, improvement of liver function, lowering of blood sugar levels and mitigation of inflammatory processes. The article highlights the potential of Nigella sativa as a medicinal plant for a variety of ailments, including cancer, diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the authors note that much clinical research is needed to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of this plant.
5. Source:
Khan, A., Chen, H.-C., Tania, M., & Zhang, D.-Z. (2011). Anticancer Activities of Nigella sativa (Black Cumin). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5S). doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5ss.10
In an article by Khan et al. (2011), the authors examined the anticancer properties of Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds). The authors analyzed various studies that examined the impact of Nigella sativa and its bioactive components, especially thymoquinone , on the prevention and treatment of cancer. The article summarizes evidence that Nigella sativa extracts have several mechanisms through which they can prevent the growth of cancer cells, including induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, blocking of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors), and inhibition of metastasis (the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body). Studies have shown that Nigella sativa can affect various types of cancer , including breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer. The article concludes that Nigella sativa, mainly due to the presence of thymoquinone, represents a promising natural anti-cancer therapy, but further research and clinical testing are needed to fully understand its anti-cancer potential and mechanisms of action.
6. Source:
Banerjee, S., Kaseb, AO, Wang, Z., Kong, D., Mohammad, M., Padhye, S., Sarkar, FH and Mohammad, RM (2009). Antitumor activity of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin is augmented by thymoquinone in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res., 69: 5575-5583.
In an article by Banerjee et al. (2009), the authors investigated the synergistic effect of thymoquinone (an active compound from Nigella sativa) in combination with two chemotherapy drugs, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The authors performed tests on pancreatic cancer cells and in animal models and found that thymoquinone enhances the antitumor effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. Thymoquinone acted as a potentiating agent that enhanced the cytotoxicity of these chemotherapeutics, which helped to further reduce tumor growth. The authors showed that thymoquinone affects several mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and reduction of cancer cell resistance to treatment. The study also suggested that thymoquinone may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy by helping to protect normal tissues from damage. The article concludes that the combination of thymoquinone with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin represents a promising strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, but further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop clinical applications.
7. Source:
Amin B., Hosseinzadeh H. (2016) Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone: An Overview on the Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects. Planta Medica. 82, 8-16
In the article Amin and Hosseinzadeh (2016), the authors presented a review of the analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects of Nigella sativa (black cumin seed) and its main bioactive compound, thymoquinone. Thymoquinone has been identified as the key component responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of this plant, including the reduction of pain and inflammation. The authors reviewed various studies that analyzed the effects of thymoquinone on models of pain and inflammation, both in animal models and in-vitro. They found that thymoquinone works through a variety of mechanisms, including inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines and reducing oxidative stress. In addition, thymoquinone increases the activity of the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, which helps relieve pain. The article also points out that these effects of thymoquinone are important for the treatment of various inflammatory and painful conditions, such as arthritis, inflammation of the respiratory tract and pain in the musculoskeletal system . The authors conclude that Nigella sativa and thymoquinone represent a promising natural alternative for the treatment of pain and inflammation, but further clinical research is needed to confirm their therapeutic benefits in a broader treatment context.
8. Source:
Gholamnezhad G., Keyhanmaneshb R., Hossien Boskabady M. (2015) Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory aspects of Nigella sativa for its preventive and bronchodilatory effects on obstructive respiratory diseases: A review of basic and clinical evidence. Journal of Functional Foods. 17, 910-927.
In the article, the authors presented a review of existing research in humans and in animal models that showed that Nigella sativa (in the form of powder, oil or extract) can reduce symptoms of obstructive respiratory diseases such as cough, difficulty breathing and lack of oxygen in the blood . Studies have shown that regular use of Nigella sativa can improve the quality of life of patients with asthma and COPD by reducing the exacerbation of the disease. The potential therapeutic effects of its active ingredient, thymoquinone , which helps reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative damage, and improve the immune response and bronchial permeability, are highlighted. They concluded that Nigella sativa has shown promise as a natural remedy for the management of obstructive respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating and bronchodilating properties, it has the potential to be used as part of the holistic treatment of these diseases. The article points out that Nigella sativa could be a useful adjunct to traditional treatments for obstructive respiratory diseases, but further research is needed to confirm the exact mechanisms and safety of long-term use.
9. Source:
Al-Seeni, MN, El Rabey, HA, Zamzami, MA, Alnefayee AM (2016) The hepatoprotective activity of olive oil and Nigella sativa oil against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 16, 438
In the article, the authors studied the hepatoprotective (liver protective effects) properties of two types of oils: olive oil and Nigella sativa (black cumin) oil. In this study, male rats were exposed to CCl₄ to induce liver damage. After exposure to CCl₄, rats received different treatments with olive oil and Nigella sativa oil and studied how these oils affect parameters of liver damage such as enzyme levels (e.g. ALT, AST), oxidative stress and histological changes in liver tissue. The results showed that both olive oil and Nigella sativa oil reduced oxidative stress and inflammation and protected liver cells from damage caused by CCl₄. These findings support the use of these natural oils as potential therapeutic agents to protect the liver from toxic substances , opening the door for further research and development of natural therapeutic approaches for the treatment of liver diseases.
10. Source:
Dehkordi, FR and Kamkhah, AF (2008), Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology. 22, 447-452.
The article examines the antihypertensive effect (blood pressure-lowering effect) of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mildly elevated blood pressure (hypertension). The purpose of the research was to examine whether Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed extract has a blood pressure-lowering effect in people who have mild hypertension (slightly elevated blood pressure), meaning their blood pressure is not high enough to require immediate medical attention. treatment but is still elevated. After treatment with Nigella sativa extract, patients showed a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure , both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect was particularly noticeable after a certain period of treatment. Research confirms that Nigella sativa seed extract has the potential to lower blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension. This means that Nigella sativa could serve as a natural adjunct or supplement in the management of mild hypertension, along with traditional treatment methods.
