Nigella - Black Cumin Seed Oil
Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa oil, has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to southwestern Asia. While it has been used for over 3000 years, it has most recently gained popularity on social media, during this time when many people are seeking out more natural remedies.
Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants, including thymoquinone, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions. Some of the most common uses of black seed oil include:
- Boosting the immune system: Black seed oil has immune-boosting properties, and some people take it as a natural way to support their immune system. (1,2)
- Reducing inflammation: Black seed oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.(3)
- Supporting respiratory health: Black seed oil may help to support respiratory health, and some people use it to manage asthma or allergies.(4)
- Improving skin health: Black seed oil is often used in skincare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and heal the skin. (5)
- Supporting digestive health: Black seed oil has been shown to have a positive effect on digestion, and it may help to reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and other digestive issues. (6)
- Managing blood sugar levels: Black seed oil may help to regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential natural treatment for diabetes. (7)
- Improving cardiovascular health: Black seed oil may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help to protect the liver from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies have shown that black seed oil can help to reduce the level of liver enzymes that are often elevated in cases of liver damage or disease.
Secondly, black seed oil may help to improve liver function by reducing the accumulation of fat in the liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that can lead to liver damage, and black seed oil has been shown to be effective in reducing fat accumulation in the liver.
Finally, black seed oil may help to protect the liver from the harmful effects of toxins and other environmental pollutants. The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, and black seed oil may help to support this process by reducing the toxicity of certain chemicals and pollutants. (10) The liver plays a vital role in the body's immune system
by filtering out bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the blood. It performs over 500 functions in the body, making it one of the most important organs for maintaining overall health and well-being. (11)
Provita’s Nigella supplement contains the oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa, rich in linoleic acid (LA).
Linoleic acid is a double unsaturated essential fatty acid (EFA) used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cell membranes. The black cumin seed oil also contains Thymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Thymol (also found in Thyme essential oil), and Nigellone.
It seems that the well-known saying "In the black seed is healing for every disease, except for death" may hold some truth, which could be a compelling reason to incorporate it into our daily routines.
SOURCES:
- Khader, M., Eckl, P. M., & Thielecke, F. (2010). The impact of Nigella sativa oil on the immune response. Journal of immunotoxicology, 7(3), 201-206.
- Salem, M. L. (2005). Immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties of the Nigella sativa L. seed. International immunopharmacology, 5(13-14), 1749-1770.
- A 2019 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that black seed oil had significant anti-inflammatory effects in rats with induced inflammation. (Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874118351177)
- Salem EM, Yar T, Bamosa AO, Al-Quorain A, Yasawy MI, Alsulaiman RM, Randhawa MA. Comparative study of Nigella Sativa and triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology. 2010 Jan;16(1):207. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2881617/
- Togni S, Maramaldi G, Bonetta A, Giacomelli L, Di Pierro AM. A cosmeceutical formulation based on Boswellia serrata extract for the treatment of erythematous eczema and psoriasis. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. 2017;10:249. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5485961/
- Nabih ES, Hussein RE, Mostafa MG, Hafez YM, Abdelfatah HS. Protective effect of Nigella sativa oil against an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2014 Mar-Apr;46(2):176. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972255/
- Bamosa AO, Kaatabi H, Lebdaa FM, Al-Elq AH, Al-Sultanb A. Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2010 Oct-Dec;54(4):344-54. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21675032/
- Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, Khan SA, Najmi AK, Siddique NA, Damanhouri ZA, Anwar F. A review on the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2013 May;3(5):337-52. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/
- Gali-Muhtasib HU, Roessner A, Schneider-StoAmin B, Hosseinzadeh H. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) and its active constituent, thymoquinone: an overview on the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Planta Medica. 2016 Apr;82(1-2):8-16. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26714348
- https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-liver/)