Black Seed Oil Benefits include inflammation reduction, and immune system boost, and a host of other benefits
Nigella sativa (N. sativa), a spice used for many years, belongs to the Family Ranunculaceae. It has a wide range of pharmacological activities and is widely used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-histamine, analgesic, immunogogue, galactogogue, hepatoprotective, and renal protective properties.
N. sativa seeds are widely used in many Indian cuisines. In addition to their use in food processing, the seeds are also used as insect repellents in linen and wool clothes. The essential oils are being used in a range of beauty products. This review provides a detailed summary of scientific research on the health benefits of Nigella sativa.
Black seeds have been used in the Middle East since ancient Egypt. In Islamic literature, they are mentioned as one of the greatest forms of healing and possess prophetic qualities. If you want to deepen your knowledge about black seeds, there are abundant studies available.
The seeds of Nigella sativa can treat a wide variety of diseases and ailments. Black seed oil can be easily purchased online and taken raw or mixed with honey. If you want to take care of yourself naturally and avoid getting sick often. Here are some of the black seed oil properties:
anti-hypertensive,
liver tonics
anti-inflammatory
diuretics
digestive
anti-diarrhea
appetite stimulant
analgesics
anti-bacterial
#1 Pancreatic protective activity
Black seed oil or extract decreased oxidative stress, thus preserving pancreatic β-cell integrity. The improvement of β-cell structure and function could be evidenced by an increase in insulin levels in a laboratory rats study. Oral administration of thymoquinone (a most abundant compound in Black seeds) 20–80 mg/kg (body weight) for 45 days has improved glycemic status in induced diabetic rats. In addition, a significant decrease in glucose and HbA (1C) levels were noted. Altered carbohydrate metabolic enzymes were also restored to near normal.
#2 Antioxidant activity
Thymoquinone has been shown to suppress oxidative stress and renal proliferation of carcinogenesis in lab rats. It is likely that thymoquinone can inhibit oxidative stress caused by oxidized hydrogenated oils, something so common in our present diet. Black seeds, when used for 6 weeks, prevent oxidative stress in the liver by increasing the activity of enzymes such as myeloperoxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, CAT, adenosine deaminase, myeloperoxidase and by decreasing hepatic lipid peroxidation.
#3 Anti-inflammatory activity
A study found that black seed extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In an animal model study, inflamed glial cells (cells from the neural system thus vulnerable to the diabetes inflammatory process) were tested with black seed leaf extract. A significant inflammatory reduction was noted in these cells after 0.2 to 1.6 mg/mL of black seed extract from the seeds was administered.
#4 Cardiovascular activity
The black seed extract is a potent cardiovascular protector. It works by reducing systemic inflammation. In a study, laboratory rats were exposed to heavy doses of diesel exhaust particles. This exposure has created lung inflammation and reduced systolic blood pressure. The diesel exhaust intoxication was designed in order to simulate platelet aggregation and cardiovascular impairment. The use of Black seed extract has restored blood pressure to normal levels and reduced leukocytosis, which is a hallmark of inflammation, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and heart disease.
#5 Kidney protective activity
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetes complications, both microvascular and cardiovascular. Oxidative stress also aggravates kidney disease, one of the main complications of diabetes. Nigella sativa oil helps lower the high levels of Serum Creatinine and BUN and increases serum antioxidant activity, protecting and reversing kidney disease.
#6 Hepatoprotective activity
In one study, it was shown that Black seed oil relieves the effects of injury to the liver. It protects the liver also from the toxic effects of lead and attenuates hepatic lipid peroxidation. Treatment with the oil resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzymatic activities.
Black Seeds is a small plant that grows up to 20–90 cm tall; its leaves are fine and long, resembling branches of a miniature tree. The flowers and pods are markedly beautiful and have unusual shapes. Its flowers can be white, yellow, pink, pale blue, or pale purple and are strikingly bright.
#7 Penile Erections
The latest findings have confirmed that Nigella sativa seed extract directly impacts the penile erection response by relaxing the blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum of male rats. This result may provide support for the use of Nigella sativa seed as a remedy for enhancing sexual function. Further research is necessary to investigate the mechanism of action of Nigella sativa seed as an aphrodisiac.
#8 Testicular protective activity
The protective role of black seed oil on testicular toxicity in male mice was investigated. Mice were injected with methotrexate, a substance known to cause edema and severe disruption to the seminiferous system in the testicles. The administration of black seed oil reversed the changes in methotrexate's harmful action significantly. It was suggested that black seed oil compounds may decrease the destructive effects of methotrexate on the testicular tissue of patients using this agent[103]. These induce harmful effects of methotrexate and are similar to the effects of age on the testicles.
About this seeds
The pods are shaped like unions or small inflated balloons or capsules changing from green to pale violet. These capsules are divided into 3–7 united follicles, each housing numerous seeds. The seeds are small and angular, measuring about 2–3.5 mm, black externally and white inside with a slightly aromatic and bitter taste. Don’t confuse black seeds with black chia seeds; they are different plants.
Available Forms
Common Names
black seeds, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, black caraway, Roman coriander Latin Name: Nigella sativa
The seeds and their oil have been used for centuries to treat many health problems and have an important historical and religious past. It is an important medicine in the Unani and Ayurveda medicine. It is considered a great healing herb among Muslims. From the Prophetic hadith, “black seeds is the remedy for all diseases except death.” Nigella sativa is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia, and it is cultivated throughout the Middle Eastern Mediterranean region, India, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Important compounds in black seeds are:
Thymoquinone (30% — 48%)
thymohydroquinone
thymoquinone
p-cymene (7%-15%)
carvacrol (6%-12%)
4-terpineol (2%-7%)
t-anethole (1%-4%)
sesquiterpene longifolene (1%-8%)
α-pinene
thymol
Black seeds also contain compounds in trace amounts:
Isoquinoline alkaloids
nigellicimine
nigellicimineN-oxide
pyrazole alkaloids
nigellone
nigericin
The active components in N. sativa are thymoquinone (30-48%), P-cymene (7-15%), T-anethole (1-4%), sequiterpene longifolene (1-8%), nigellicimine, nigellicimine N-oxide, α-pinene, and thymol.
Black seeds also contain alpha-herein, a water-soluble pentacyclic triterpene, and saponin, a potential anticancer agent. Black seeds have been mostly used as an anti-hypertensive, diuretic, anti-diarrheal, liver tonic, appetite stimulant, analgesic, skin disorders, and anti-bacterial.
Extensive studies have also concluded that a wide range of pharmacological actions is possible, including anti-diabetic, immunomodulator, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, gastro-protective, and antioxidant. These benefits can be attributed in great part to the therapeutic properties of thymoquinone, a major component of the essential black seed oil.
Brands I recommend
Great quality at a great price
I like black seed oil from Amazing Herbs because of its balanced flavor. I love the amazing, hearty taste of black seed oil, but there are many tastes. Black seed oil is like wine; the taste is very complex. Amazing Herbs has a mild taste but not too bland. It's good for a standard everyday tasting experience. If you don’t like the taste at all, I recommend their mild Egyptian brand below.
It is a bit pricy but good
Dosages and how to use it
I prefer taking black seed oil in its natural form right out of the bottle and not in capsules. But if you can’t stand the taste, mix the capsules with honey. I love the taste of the oil. It might take a little while to get used to it, but you’ll crave it once you do. Start with low doses and increase as tolerated.
When your body comes in contact with the oil for the first time, your stomach might protest a little. But this initial getting to know each other is brief, and soon, there will be no side effects at all.
Start with 1/2 teaspoon every day with meals for one week. The second week, start with a full teaspoon every day with meals. Then progress to two full teaspoons once a day with meals. For seasoned black seed oil takers, go to 2 tsp twice a day.
It is best to take it before meals or on an empty stomach. Because black seed oil has analgesic properties, it works as a relaxant and might be taken before bed as a sleep aid.
If you are fighting disease, inflammation, or infection, take 2 tsp twice a day; if you are using it for maintenance or prophylaxis for many diseases, take one or two tsp daily.
Precautions and possible interactions
Black seed oil or capsule has no known side effects. Caution is necessary only if you are using very high dosages. Three oil tablespoons a day may be a safe dosage; start for a few days and then go up to 2 or 3. Don’t take black seed oil on a full stomach. For better results, mix it with another liquid. Most people mix it with honey or juice, but if you are diabetic, you might want to mix it with yogurt and have it one hour before a meal. If you eat the seeds, never eat them without heating them; they might cause an upset stomach. Ideally, if you have one of those cast iron pans or something similar, roast them on a high fire for a few minutes.
Other precautions:
Don’t use back seeds if you are pregnant; black seeds can slow down or stop uterus contractions. There might be some issues with breast-feeding as well
If you have low blood pressure issues, you should avoid black seeds as it can lower blood pressure
Avoid mixing with other medications, especially blood thinners such as warfarin, coumadin, and aspirin
Avoid altogether if you have any bleeding disorder. Black seed can make bleeding disorder worse.
Diabetics should be extra careful when taking black seeds because it will lower blood glucose, so if you are taking glucose-lowering drugs, such as metformin, glipizide, or insulin, it might lower your blood sugar to dangerous levels.
If you are going to have surgery, stop taking black seeds at least two weeks prior to surgery. It might increase the chance of bleeding, it can increase sleepiness, and it might interfere with blood sugar control in anesthesia during and after surgery.
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