Herbal oils have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and one particular example that has stood the test of time is black seed oil. Not to be confused with black cumin (Bunium bullocastanum).1 Black seed oil is obtained from the Nigella sativa plant, which grows in southern Europe, southwestern Asia, and the Middle East.2 The seeds are shaped like small Brazil nuts and (as the name suggests) are coal-black.
It is believed that black seed oil may help protect against and cure diseases. It has antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, to name a few.3 Research also shows great potential to help prevent cancer.
Research proves black seed oil's anti-cancer properties
About Intel's new coronavirus infectionFour In a Substack article, Canadian physician William Makis published a summary of five papers highlighting the anti-cancer properties of black seed oil. According to research,Five,6,7,8,9 N. sativa may help prevent many types of cancer in humans, including:
- Breast cancer – Research on phytotelapiaTen They found that the phytochemicals thymoquinone (TQ), carvacrol, and trans-anethole in black seed oil, even in small amounts, were more effective against breast cancer cells than high concentrations of these chemicals individually. We have discovered that it is highly effective in preventing the spread of.
- Pancreatic cancer – The study was published in the journal Frontiers of Oncology.11 They point out that thymoquinone „controls pancreatic cancer development and progression at multiple levels through multiple intercommunicating targets.“
- Colorectal cancer — researchers pointed out12 We found that TQ-LNC (thymoquinone lipid nanocapsules) helped reduce tumor size in mice with colorectal cancer.
- Prostate and colon cancer — According to research,13 N. sativa oil helped slow the growth of prostate and colon cancer cells, especially when high doses of thymoquinone were administered.
- Liver cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia, etc. — Researchers use nanotechnology to14 We observed anticancer effects of TQ alone or in combination with other cancer treatments.
Five studies focused on thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of black seed oil, as the main compound responsible for its anticancer effects.
Mechanism of action of thymoquinone
Thymoquinone, chemically known as 2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1,4-benzoquinone, can alter certain molecular and signaling pathways associated with cancer and other inflammatory and degenerative diseases. It is a known monoterpene molecule.15
According to a notable study,16 Thymoquinone reduces cancer risk by inhibiting cell proliferation, causing apoptosis (cancer cell death), and preventing cancer cell migration without harming healthy cells. One study points out that:17
“TQ (thymoquinone) is the main bioactive component of N. sativa that has been intensively studied in vitro and in vivo and has been shown to have several therapeutic properties, including anticancer activity. The efficacy of TQ against cancer has been demonstrated in mouse model studies where TQ enhances higher survival rates, reduced tumor volume, reduction of precancerous molecules, and elevation of anti-tumorigenic biomarkers.
Meanwhile, in vitro studies have shown that TQ inhibits cancer staging such as migration, proliferation, and invasion as well as the induction of apoptosis by suppressing the activation of key pathways such as JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. shows the ability to ”
In the special article,18 Makis summarizes thymoquinone's mechanism of action and explains that the unique feature of this phytochemical is its ability to activate specific proteins that prevent tumor formation. It also turns off oncogenes, which are genes that promote cancer growth.
Considering that cancer is now the leading cause of death worldwide, with 10 million people dying from the disease in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).19 — The rise of natural interventions like black seed oil is certainly an advantage, especially since today's conventional cancer treatments are fraught with side effects.
“Cancer continues to threaten mortal humans, with rapid gains from the scientific community. Most efforts to tame cancer, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, come at the cost of serious side effects. Ta.
On the other hand, bioactive compounds derived from plants have the inevitable advantages of being safer, more bioavailable, and less toxic than modern chemotherapy. ” One of the research reports.20
Black seed oil may also protect against COVID-19
At the height of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it was discovered that N. sativa was one of the natural remedies that could potentially be beneficial against viral infections. found.a studytwenty one A paper published in 2021 investigated the active ingredients in black seed oil, primarily thymoquinone, alpha-hederin, and nigeridine, and found that they may help fight COVID-19.twenty two
These black seed oil compounds not only have significant antihistamine effects, but also help downregulate the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3, which is essential for bacterial and viral innate immune responses.twenty three
Thymoquinone may also help promote autophagy, the body's mechanism for eliminating damaged cells. 2018 surveytwenty four We discovered that thymoquinone helps promote autophagy in the heart muscle. This is critical because COVID-19 has been shown to suppress autophagy. Therefore, the effect of thymoquinone on autophagy indicates its antiviral potential.
Additionally, the researchers noted that thymoquinone may help inhibit enzymes that produce leukotrienes and prostaglandins.twenty five Both are inflammatory factors.
“Given the anti-inflammatory properties of N. sativa seeds and its various extracts, they may be used not only for the treatment but also for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 viral infections.” researchers report.26
Black seed oil is listed as one of the first-line treatments for COVID-19 recommended by the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC).27 Also includes ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and zinc.
What else can black seed oil do?
In various cultures, N. sativa has been used for centuries to alleviate disease. Indians consider it an important element in the traditional medical systems of Unani and Ayurveda. Muslims, on the other hand, highly value it as one of the „greatest forms of curative medicine.“ In fact, a prophetic hadith that summarizes Muhammad's teachings refers to the black seed as „a cure for all diseases except death.“28
To help you understand how useful black seed oil is, we have listed below how black seed oil can benefit your health.
• Helps reduce asthma and other respiratory diseases — Diffusing the oil may relieve asthma attacks. A 2019 study points to the possibility of treating allergies as well as obstructive pulmonary disease.29
• Promotes normal blood pressure levels — Double-blind, randomized experiment published in Phytotherapy Research30 They found that participants given black seed oil daily had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels compared to those given only a placebo.
• May help manage diabetes — malaysia research31 investigated the ability of N. sativa to repair pancreatic damage associated with type 1 diabetes in animal subjects. They found that people given the oil had increased serum insulin levels and decreased blood sugar levels.
• Helps protect against the toxic effects of aflatoxin — These are substances produced by certain types of mold, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Exposure to aflatoxin can lead to an increased risk of liver cancer.32
In a study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences, animal subjects exposed to aflatoxin and given black seed oil had reduced effects on the kidneys and liver, demonstrating its cytoprotective effects.33
Black seed oil may also help with skin diseases
N. sativa oil is also effective against skin diseases and promotes healthier skin. A review of the literature published in the Journal of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery states:34 Black seed oil was found to be helpful in reducing the effects of vitiligo in lizards as well as promoting wound healing in livestock.
“In a randomized, double-blind clinical study, when patients applied N. sativa oil to their vitiligo lesions twice daily for 6 months, there were no significant side effects and there was a significant reduction in the vitiligo area score index. .” researchers pointed out.35
In another clinical study,36 This time, in humans, we found that acne vulgaris was reduced after using 10% black seed oil lotion for two months, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects. According to the study, 67% of patients were „completely satisfied“ with their treatment and 28% were „partially satisfied.“
“10% Nigella Sativa Oil Lotion has no side effects, compared to other topical treatments such as tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, which have local and systemic side effects such as local irritation, burning, and dryness. Considered to be very safe. No skin, flaking, or teratogenic effects.
Current research recommends the use of 10% Nigella Sativa Oil Lotion as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris because it is a natural plant extract. ” The researchers concluded.37
However, be aware that applying black seed oil topically may still cause certain side effects for sensitive people. One study noted that this oil caused contact dermatitis in two people.38 However, no adverse effects were reported when the oil was used internally. To be on the safe side, dilute pure black seed oil with a safe carrier oil and apply a small amount to your skin to see if there are any side effects.
Black seed oil contains linoleic acid, so be careful with your intake
As N. sativa is a seed oil, it contains 50% to 60% unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (LA). Other fatty acids include oleic acid (20%), eicosadienoic acid (3%), and dihomolinoleic acid (10%).39
It's recommended to avoid omega-6 fats, especially in LA, but if you're only using black seed oil as a supplement, you don't need to worry too much (like consuming ultra-processed foods or fried foods with seed oil). rather than overdosing on LA).
One teaspoon of black seed oil contains about 1.7 grams of LA, so avoid consuming more than that. Ideally, you should limit your LA intake to less than 5 grams per day. This is close to what our ancestors consumed. Black seed oil also contains oleic acid, which is almost as harmful as LA.
Track your diet and LA intake using online tools like Cronometer.com. The key is to carefully weigh your food using a digital scale so you can enter the exact amount in grams.
Once you've entered your meals for the day, go to the „Fat“ section in the bottom left. To find out how much LA is in your diet that day, all you have to do is find out how many grams of omega-6 are present. Approximately 90% of the omega-6 you eat is LA. If you want to know more about the dangers of excess linoleic acid, I recommend reading my article „.Linoleic acid — the most harmful component in your diet. ”