Getting to know the Black Seeds (Nigella Sativa)

The Nigella sativa plant is native to southwestern Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa. Nigella sativa belongs to the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae ).It has been grown for centuries for its aromatic and medicinal seeds that can be used as a spice or as herbal medicine around the world in various civilizations.

Other Names of Nigella sativa:

Ajenuz, Aranuel, Baraka, Black Caraway, Black Cumin, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Charnuska, Cheveux de Vénus, Cominho Negro, Comino Negro, Cumin Noir, Cyah Dane, Fennel Flower, Fitch, Graine de Nigelle, Graine Noire, Habatul Sauda, Habbatusauda, Habbatul Baraka, Kalajaji, Kalajira, Kalonji, Ketsah, La Grainer Noire, Love in a Mist, Mugrela, Nielle, Nigella sativa, Nigelle de Crête, Nigelle Cultivée, Nutmeg Flower, Poivrette, Roman-Coriander, Schwarzkummel, Seed of Blessing, Siyah Dane, Shoniz, Small Fennel, Toute Épice, Upakuncika

Overview

Nigella sativa might have effects in the body that help boost the immune system, fight cancer, prevent pregnancy, reduce swelling, and lessen allergic reactions. People commonly use Nigella sativa for arthritis, asthma, gout, allergic problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, cancer, menstrual problems and many other conditions.

Recent scientific findings on Uses of Nigella sativa in treatment and management of diseases:

Asthma:

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system which is caused by severe inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract. This could be due to the allergy and immune system effects, and the inflammation. Both the causes of asthma could be addressed by Nigella as the compound in Nigella sativa, Thymoquinone works well in the regulation of the immune system and also in addressing the inflammatory system, by which one of the mechanisms is the inhibition of the release of pro inflammatory factors into the bloodstream.

Skin Problems and allergy:

Nigella sativa has anti allergic and anti-inflammatory effects which is excellent for various skin conditions. It is also has moderately strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and are extremely useful for certain fungal infections. It works very well on sinusitis and rhinitis y its actions on the immune system, inflammatory system and on its antibacterial effects. Nigella sativa can act as a natural antihistamine, helping to reduce symptoms like itchy, runny, or stuffy nose, and sneezing attacks. The other compounds in Nigella sativa, such as thymoquinone, help modulate the immune system, reducing allergic reactions

For people with Acne, Nigella sativa’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne severity. For eczema and psoriasis the anti-inflammatory effects of Nigella sativa can help manage the conditions by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin. Thymoquinone also promotes tissue growth and wound healing by increasing collagen production and providing moisturizing effects. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of black seeds can help treat various skin infections.

Arthritis:

Nigella sativa helps reduce inflammation in arthritic patients and this anti-inflammatory effect can significantly reduce arthritic pain in these patients. The primary compounds responsible for these effects are thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. Thymoquinone is the most studied compound in Nigella sativa. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting inflammatory pathways The antioxidants in black seeds help protect cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation. These properties make black seeds beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

Gout:

Nigella sativa, can be beneficial for managing gout due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The primary compound in Nigella sativa, thymoquinone, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks by inhibiting inflammatory pathways.

Nigella sativa are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This can help mitigate the underlying inflammatory processes in gout. Some studies suggest that black seeds may help lower uric acid levels, which is crucial in managing gout since high uric acid levels lead to the formation of painful uric acid crystals in the joints

Cancer:

Nigella sativa have shown potential in cancer prevention and treatment due to their bioactive compounds, particularly thymoquinone. The strong antioxidant Properties of Thymoquinone help to protect cells from oxidative stress and damage that can lead to cancer

Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of Nigella sativa can help reduce this risk and can also help in managing existing cancer cells. Thymoquinone has been found to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, which can help prevent the growth and spread of tumors. Nigella sativa can boost the immune system, enhancing the body’s natural defenses against cancer.

Cardiovascular Diseases:

Nigella sativa offer several benefits for cardiovascular health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties. The thymoquinone in Nigella sativa has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in blood vessels, improving overall cardiovascular health. The large quantity of strong antioxidants help protect the heart by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

Studies have shown that Nigella sativa can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol), which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood vessels and preventing atherosclerosis. Nigella sativa have been found to help lower blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart diseases. These properties make Nigella sativa a valuable addition to a heart-healthy diet.

Diabetes:

Nigella sativa have shown promising benefits for managing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Nigella sativa can help lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve overall glycemic control. This is due to their ability to enhance insulin production and reduce insulin resistance. Regular intake of Nigella sativa can increase the function of beta cells in the pancreas, Nigella sativa seeds help reduce inflammation, which is often associated with diabetes. The antioxidants in Nigella sativa, particularly thymoquinone, help protect pancreatic cells from oxidative stress, which can improve insulin sensitivity.

The ability of thymoquinone to detox the liver and improves liver functions can help the liver to regulate blood sugar more efficiently as the blood sugar is partly regulated by the liver. The antioxidant properties of thymoquinone also helps prevent oxidation and deterioration of certain organs and prevents diabetic complications.

These benefits make black seeds a valuable addition to a diabetes management plan.

This article was written by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Al Mohd, and is base on his research and findings.