The Amazing Benefits of Black Seed Oil Derived From Nigella Sativa Plants

Dear Respected Readers,

Traditionally, Black Seed (Nigella sativa) is a well-known food supplement and herbal product that has a wide range of medical claims (including asthma) that originate from different historical backgrounds. Today in the era of Evidence-based medicine, it is hard to accept those traditional medical claims of medicinal plants without valid scientific experiments. Thus, randomized clinical trials is important to rational the uses of herbal products.

The development of new products from natural sources is also encouraged because it is estimated that, of the 300,000 herbal species that exist globally, only 15% have been explored for their pharmacological potential [6]. Among several medicinal plants, Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) has been considered one of the most treasured nutrient-rich herb in history around the world and numerous scientific studies are in progress to validate the traditionally claimed uses of small seed of this species [7, 8].

The seed of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) has been used in different civilization around the world for centuries to treat various animal and human ailments. So far, numerous studies demonstrated the seed of Nigella sativa and its main active constituent, thymoquinone, to be medicinally very effective against various illnesses including different chronic illness: neurological and mental illness, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and infertility as well as various infectious diseases due to bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. In spite of limited studies conducted so far, the promising efficacy of N. sativa against HIV/AIDS can be explored as an alternative option for the treatment of this pandemic disease after substantiating its full therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the strong antioxidant property of this valued seed has recently gained increasing attention with regard to its potential role as dietary supplement with minimal side effects. Besides, when combined with different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, it synergizes their effects resulting in reducing the dosage of concomitantly used drugs with optimized efficacy and least and/or no toxicity. A number of pharmaceutical and biological properties have been ascribed to seeds of N. sativa. 

Traditional medicinal plants have received much attention due to several factors such as low cost, ease of access, and lower adverse effect profiles as compared to synthetic medicines. Besides, various medicinal floras and their products are used on the basis of religious and cultural traditions. Among various plants, black cumin has been used by diverse human cultures around the world especially in Muslim population for centuries to treat numerous ailments. To date, a number of studies showed that black seed and its component including TQ have revealed a remarkable natural therapy for treatment of a wide range of illnesses including chronic noninfectious (neurologic disorders, DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, inflammatory disorders, cancer, etc.) and infectious disease (bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections). Both animal and human studies also showed that black seed and TQ have potential to treat male infertility and their antioxidant activities have recently gained greater attention due to their role as dietary supplements with minimal side effects.

Numerous Health Benefits Of Black Seed Oil

Here's the list of health benefits of black seed oil:

1. Powerful Anti-inflammatory Properties

Thymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Dithymoquinone, p-Cymen, Carvacrol, 4-Terpineol, t-Anethol, Longifolene Sesquiterpene, alpha-pinene, alpha-hederin, and Thymol are its most common active compounds. The seeds were identified as a fatty oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids, primarily Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Eicodadienoic Acid and Dihomolinoleic Acid. The therapeutic powers of black seed oil are due to medicinal properties it has such as being an immunostimulant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-ulcerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumorous, anti-pyretic, hypoglycaemic, immunomodulatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-depressant, anti-spasmic, hepatoprotective, anti-parasitary, etc.

2. Strong Antioxidants

Recently, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the consumption of black seed and its oil as a herbal remedy. Black Seed oil has Anti-diabetic function. Thymoquinone (TQ), the principal bioactive compound of black seed oil, is considered to be a strong antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antimutagenic agent. Several research studies have reported that use of black seed oil in Diabetics helps to regulate blood sugar levels, while also enhancing pancreatic function. Researcher Wong in his study found that, recommended use of 100 and 200mg of black seed extract, twice daily, for 2 months, was found to have a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with moderate Hypertension.

3. Fights Obesity

Benefits of black seed oil include its ability to fight obesity as well. A systematic analysis published in the Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders Journal in 2013 reported that black seed oil could be useful in treating Obesity. Black seed has been an outstanding herb for more than 3000yrs, it contains more than 100 useful properties. It is an important source of essential fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and other minerals. Even the seeds are rich in sterols; in particular beta-sitosterol, considered to have Anti-carcinogenic properties.

4. Fights Against Breathing Disorders

Wagner, a scientist further notes that Nigellone and Thymoquinone are two of the most volatile oils found in black seed. Nigellone provides both anti-spasmodic and broncho-dilating properties that add to the power of black seed against breathing disorders.

5. Reduces Skin Allergy

Black Seed oil also acts as an Antihistamine which helps to reduce the allergy sufferer's negative symptoms. Thymoquinone has excellent anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects. This is also a strong antioxidant and helps to clean up toxins in the body. The essential oil of black seeds is Antimicrobial, and effective in deworming. Researches in Jordan and the US have shown the black seed oil as being anti-leukemic.

6. Good For Respiratory System

Benefits of black seed oil include many studies indicating that this same active ingredient can function as an immune system booster and have proven effective in the treatment of Asthma and Whooping Cough.

7. Strengthens Bone

Some studies suggest that Anti-osteoporotic effects can account for the potent antioxidant properties of black seeds & it's volatile oil or Thymoquinone. Alpha-hederin, a pentacyclictriterpenesaponin isolated from black seeds, is a powerful in vivo anti-tumour activity. It increases interferon production, protects normal cells from harmful invader effects and helps to destroy tumour cells.

8. Strong Antibacterial Effect

Black Seed oil has been shown to be a more effective Antibacterial treatment for some forms of bacteria, including those that are most resistant to Antibiotics. Study showed that black seed oil could provide a solution to the resistant anti-fungal problem people have with yeasts and molds. Thymoquinone was also found to be the best anti-fungal agent against all Dermatophytes and Yeasts tested. Researchers promoted the traditional use of black seed as Rheumatic Remedy and associated inflammatory diseases with anti-oxidant activity, and inhibited the production of Eicosanoids in cells. Several studies have since verified its anti-inflammatory effects, making Black seed oil a potentially safe and safer alternative to conventional Rheumatic and Rheumatoid drugs. Black seed has enzyme-inhibiting properties that also inhibit the development of other Prostaglandins. This is more evidence that the rich and complex blend of elements found in black seed works together for a synergistic effect.

(Also read: Benefits Of Raw Garlic For Health, Beauty: How To Use, Natural Remedies)

9. Cancer Prevention

Clinical trials in the field of AIDS research showed that black seed enhanced the ratio between the activity of the helper T-cell and NK cell. These results indicate that black seed may play a significant role in the treatment of Cancer, AIDS and other states of immune deficiency.

10. Aids Good Sleep

Black Seed oil serves a natural sleep remedy. Research shows that black seed oil can help eliminate sleep disturbances and make one sleep better. Those with Insomnia can take one teaspoon of black seed oil and one teaspoon of Honey in warm Milk, one hour before they go to sleep. The benefits of black seeds are immense - you can add these seeds to casseroles, stir-fries, salad dressings (try them combined with Lemon, Cilantro etc). and baked goods, or sprinkle them on salads. Therefore, several researchers claim, black seed oil is probably the most essential oil you can bring into your system.