Black cumin (Nigella sativa), also known as black cumin, is a plant native to Southwest Asia that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. An important part of it are the seeds from which the oil is extracted and used in various forms such as capsules, oil for external use or powder. In recent years, black cumin has become the subject of much scientific research, as it shows great promise as a health-promoting herb.
The main active component in black cumin seeds is thymoquinone (30-48%), which has a number of medicinal effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumour properties. The higher the proportion of thymoquinone in the oil, the higher the quality of the oil.
Key ingredients and properties of black cumin oil and possible health benefits:
- Thymoquinone: The main bioactive constituent in black cumin oil is thymoquinone, which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound (1).
- Antioxidant properties: Black cumin oil contains a number of 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 its thymoquinone content and other active ingredients, black cumin oil helps to control inflammation in the body, which is beneficial in various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma and respiratory infections (4, 7).
- Antibacterial: Research has shown that black cumin oil works against a variety of pathogens, including bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics, helping to fight infections (2, 3).
- Respiratory support: Black cumin oil is often used to relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. It has bronchodilator effects, which means that it helps to dilate the airways and improve airflow to the lungs (4, 7, 8).
Side effects and caution:
Although black cumin oil is generally safe to use, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it, especially if you suffer from allergies, take medication or have certain medical conditions.
Warnings:
- Not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding 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 this article, the authors investigate the in-vitro antioxidant effect of thymoquinone, which is the main bioactive compound in black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds. Thymoquinone is known for its potential therapeutic properties, including antioxidant activity that helps protect cells against oxidative stress, which is associated with various diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In the study, the authors used various methods to assess the antioxidant activity of thymoquinone, including the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and other methods to measure its 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 damaging effects of free radicals. The paper confirms that thymoquinone with its antioxidant properties offers promising possibilities for medical applications.
Morsi NM. Antimicrobial effect of crude extracts of Nigella sativa on multiple antibiotics-resistant bacteria. Acta Microbiol Pol 2000; 49(1): 63-74
In an article by Morsi (2000), the author investigated the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds) against bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics. The author tested the efficacy of different 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 Nigella sativa extracts have significant antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including those resistant to several 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 the article by Chaieb et al. (2011), the authors investigate the antibacterial activity of Thymoquinone, an active principle of Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds) and its potency to prevent bacterial biofilm formation. Biofilms are structures in which bacteria organise themselves and are often resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat infections. 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 broad spectrum of pathogens. In addition, thymoquinone effectively inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilms, which means that it can help prevent infections that are often resistant to standard treatment. The study highlights the potential of thymoquinone as a natural treatment for infections, especially for biofilm-forming, drug-resistant bacteria.
4. Source:
Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on 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 seeds), 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, anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory properties. The authors have analysed a number of studies which have shown that the active compounds in Nigella sativa, in particular thymoquinone, are responsible for a number of therapeutic effects, including protection against oxidative stress, improvement of liver function, lowering blood sugar levels, and alleviation of inflammatory processes. The article highlights the potential of Nigella sativa as a medicinal plant for a variety of diseases including cancer, diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the authors note that much clinical research is still 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 anticarcinogenic properties of Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds). The authors analysed various studies that examined the impact of Nigella sativa and its bioactive constituents, mainly thymoquinone, on cancer prevention and treatment. The paper summarises the evidence that Nigella sativa extracts have several mechanisms by which they can prevent the growth of cancer cells, including inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, blocking angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumours) and inhibiting 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 paper concludes that Nigella sativa, mainly due to the presence of thymoquinone, represents a promising natural therapy to fight cancer, but further research and clinical testing are needed to fully understand its potential and mechanisms of action in the fight against cancer.
6. Source:
Banerjee, S., Kaseb, A.O., Wang, Z., Kong, D., Mohammad, M., Padhye, S., Sarkar, F.H. and Mohammad, R.M. (2009). Antitumor activity of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin is augmented by thymoquinone in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res., 69: 5575-5583.
In Banerjee et al. (2009), the authors investigated the synergistic effect of thymoquinone (the active compound from Nigella sativa) in combination with two chemotherapeutic drugs, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The authors carried out investigations in pancreatic cancer cells and animal models and found that thymoquinone enhances the antitumour effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. Thymoquinone acted as a potentiating agent that improved the cytotoxicity of these chemotherapeutic agents, leading to a greater reduction in tumour 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 paper 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 by Amin and Hosseinzadeh (2016), the authors present an overview of the analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects of Nigella sativa (black cumin seeds) and its main bioactive compound, thymoquinone. Thymoquinone has been identified as a key component responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of this plant, including the reduction of pain and inflammation. The authors reviewed various studies analysing the effects of thymoquinone in models of pain and inflammation, both in animal models and in-vitro. They found that thymoquinone acts through a variety of mechanisms, including inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines, and reduction of oxidative stress. In addition, thymoquinone increases the activity of the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, which helps to relieve pain. The article also points out that these effects of thymoquinone are important for the treatment of various inflammatory and pain conditions such as arthritis, airway inflammation and musculoskeletal pain. The authors conclude that Nigella sativa and thymoquinone represent a promising natural alternative for the treatment of pain and inflammation, but that 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 paper, the authors present a review of existing research in humans and animal models that has shown that Nigella sativa (in powder, oil or extract form) can reduce symptoms of obstructive respiratory diseases such as coughing, breathing difficulties and oxygen deficiency 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 constituent, thymoquinone, which helps to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative damage and improve immune response and bronchial patency, are highlighted. Nigella sativa was found to be a promising natural remedy for the management of obstructive respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and bronchodilator properties, it has the potential to be used as part of a holistic treatment for these diseases. The article highlights 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, M.N., El Rabey, H.A., Zamzami, M.A., Alnefayee A.M. (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 this paper, the authors investigated 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, the rats received different treatments of olive oil and Nigella sativa oil and were studied for their effects on liver injury parameters 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 reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and protect liver cells from CCl₄-induced damage. These findings support the use of these natural oils as potential therapeutic agents to protect the liver against toxic substances, opening up the possibility for further research and development of natural therapeutic approaches for the treatment of liver diseases.
10. Source :
Dehkordi, F.R. and Kamkhah, A.F. (2008), Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology. 22, 447-452.
This paper investigates the antihypertensive effect (blood pressure lowering effect) of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild high blood pressure (hypertension). The aim of the study was to investigate whether Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed extract has a blood pressure-lowering effect in people who have mild hypertension (mildly elevated blood pressure), which means that their blood pressure is not so high as to require immediate medical 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. The study confirms that Nigella sativa seed extract has the potential to lower blood pressure in patients with mild high blood pressure. This means that Nigella sativa could serve as a natural supplement or adjunct in the management of mild hypertension, along with traditional treatment methods.
