10 Incredible reasons to use Nigella Sativa
(Black Cumin) oil daily
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EVIDENCE BASED.
|
Nigella sativa tincture is used for different common regular issues, such as indigestion, anorexia, diarrhea, dropsy, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Topical application of Nigella sativa is common to treat skin rashes and worms. Antiseptic and local anesthetic effect of Nigella sativa oil can be obtained through external application.
Vomiting can be stopped by oral intake of roasted Nigella sativa seeds. Considering this wide range of health benefits of Nigella sativa, the Arabians has considered as the seed of blessing (Habbatul barakah). [1] In this article we unfold the various causes to use Nigella sativa oil supplement regularly to avoid or eliminate some common health issues that occur in our daily life, along with the fight against several progressive chronic conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer's, etc. 
|
10 REASONS
TO TAKE NIGELLA SATIVA 1. FIGHT INFECTIONS
2. FIGHT DIABETES 3. ANTI-CANCER 4. ANTI-INFLAMMATION/PAIN 5. CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS 6. KIDNEY/LIVER PROBLEMS 7. IMPROVE THYROID 8. GASTRIC HEALTH 9. PULMONARY HEALTH 10. NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS |
1. Fight against Infection
Infection is the result of the invasion of a variety of microorganism in our body compartment. Infection can be bacterial, viral or fungal. Surprisingly, Nigella sativa oil possesses strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is highly substantial that research study findings reported that the antibacterial effect of Nigella sativa oil is effective to control some of the multiple resistance bacterial infection.
Researchers also investigated the anti-fungal activity of Nigella sativa, and the study results showed that strong anti-fungal activity of Nigella sativa oil is effective against multiple fungal infections.[2,3]
The potent anti-parasitic effect of Nigella sativa oil is effective against Schistosoma mansoni. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 200 million people worldwide have schistosomiasis which is one of the most critical parasitic infection. [4]
Preclinical research study reported a combination of garlic extract and Nigella sativa oil can be effective to improve hematological and biochemical parameters by inducing oxidative stress against adult worms due to biocidal effects against Schistosoma mansoni induce infection. [5]
2. Fight against diabetes
National Diabetes Statistics Report of 2017 declared that the estimated number of diabetic patients globally has reached up to 30.3 million. Therefore, diabetes becomes a highly prevalent condition and can affect any age group. [6]
In this condition, prevention is one of the best ways to reduce the number of incidences. Daily intake of Nigella sativa oil can help to accomplish this drive. Nigella sativa can improve glucose tolerance by emphasizing glucose-induced insulin secretion and also decrease the rate of glucose absorption in the bloodstream from the intestinal mucosa.
In 2010, a clinical research study showed daily intake of Nigella sativa oil along with prescribed anti-diabetic medication can cause significant reduction of both fasting and postprandial blood glucose level by improving glycemic control in the diabetic patient.
The outcome of this lead to better control in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). All these outcomes are significantly beneficial for the diabetic patient. [7]
Infection is the result of the invasion of a variety of microorganism in our body compartment. Infection can be bacterial, viral or fungal. Surprisingly, Nigella sativa oil possesses strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is highly substantial that research study findings reported that the antibacterial effect of Nigella sativa oil is effective to control some of the multiple resistance bacterial infection.
Researchers also investigated the anti-fungal activity of Nigella sativa, and the study results showed that strong anti-fungal activity of Nigella sativa oil is effective against multiple fungal infections.[2,3]
The potent anti-parasitic effect of Nigella sativa oil is effective against Schistosoma mansoni. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 200 million people worldwide have schistosomiasis which is one of the most critical parasitic infection. [4]
Preclinical research study reported a combination of garlic extract and Nigella sativa oil can be effective to improve hematological and biochemical parameters by inducing oxidative stress against adult worms due to biocidal effects against Schistosoma mansoni induce infection. [5]
2. Fight against diabetes
National Diabetes Statistics Report of 2017 declared that the estimated number of diabetic patients globally has reached up to 30.3 million. Therefore, diabetes becomes a highly prevalent condition and can affect any age group. [6]
In this condition, prevention is one of the best ways to reduce the number of incidences. Daily intake of Nigella sativa oil can help to accomplish this drive. Nigella sativa can improve glucose tolerance by emphasizing glucose-induced insulin secretion and also decrease the rate of glucose absorption in the bloodstream from the intestinal mucosa.
In 2010, a clinical research study showed daily intake of Nigella sativa oil along with prescribed anti-diabetic medication can cause significant reduction of both fasting and postprandial blood glucose level by improving glycemic control in the diabetic patient.
The outcome of this lead to better control in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). All these outcomes are significantly beneficial for the diabetic patient. [7]
3. Fight against cancer
All of us are aware of cancer and its outcome. Every individual possesses some fear in their mind due to the increasing trend of cancer prevalence. Several types of research conducted various researches to check the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil against cancer and the study findings recommended that Nigella sativa oil caused cell death (apoptosis)in 24 hours.
Thymoquinone present in Nigella sativa oil is effective to inhibit tumor formation and suppress tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis. It suppresses nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and further promotes apoptosis. (death of cells) [8]
In addition, Nigella sativa has cancer cell-specific cytotoxic effect and promotes apoptosis by regulating antigen-specific T cell activity. A wide range of organ-specific cancer protection including colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer can be obtained by daily intake of Nigella sativa oil.
The potent antioxidant effect and presence of Thymoquinone are the most important therapeutic potential that Nigella sativa possess. [9]
All of us are aware of cancer and its outcome. Every individual possesses some fear in their mind due to the increasing trend of cancer prevalence. Several types of research conducted various researches to check the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil against cancer and the study findings recommended that Nigella sativa oil caused cell death (apoptosis)in 24 hours.
Thymoquinone present in Nigella sativa oil is effective to inhibit tumor formation and suppress tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis. It suppresses nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and further promotes apoptosis. (death of cells) [8]
In addition, Nigella sativa has cancer cell-specific cytotoxic effect and promotes apoptosis by regulating antigen-specific T cell activity. A wide range of organ-specific cancer protection including colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer can be obtained by daily intake of Nigella sativa oil.
The potent antioxidant effect and presence of Thymoquinone are the most important therapeutic potential that Nigella sativa possess. [9]
4. Fight against inflammation and reduce associated pain
Inflammation and related pain are very common in our daily health problems. Several chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, different allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis have a negative impact on quality of life of the affected individual.
The cancer progression is also related to internal inflammation. Nigella sativa oil has significant anti-inflammatory effect as it follows multiple inhibitory pathways like reduction of prostaglandin release and synthesis of interleukins, TNF- alpha and blocking cyclooxygenase pathway.
By following these pathways, Nigella sativa not only reduces inflammation but also acts as an analgesic in the related condition. Moreover, Nigella sativa provides symptomatic relief from allergic rhinitis by reducing nasal itching, nasal mucosal congestion, runny nose, sneezing attacks, etc. [9,10]
Inflammation and related pain are very common in our daily health problems. Several chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, different allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis have a negative impact on quality of life of the affected individual.
The cancer progression is also related to internal inflammation. Nigella sativa oil has significant anti-inflammatory effect as it follows multiple inhibitory pathways like reduction of prostaglandin release and synthesis of interleukins, TNF- alpha and blocking cyclooxygenase pathway.
By following these pathways, Nigella sativa not only reduces inflammation but also acts as an analgesic in the related condition. Moreover, Nigella sativa provides symptomatic relief from allergic rhinitis by reducing nasal itching, nasal mucosal congestion, runny nose, sneezing attacks, etc. [9,10]
5. Fight against cardiovascular diseases
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme present in our body. Environmental pollution is often a cause of cardiac insufficiency.
The environmental pollutants decrease SOD activity and increase the oxidative stress. In addition, reduction of systolic blood pressure, increase the concentration of interleukins leads to inflammation and pollutant rich blood causes platelet aggregation.
All these phenomena provide a negative impact on the cardiac system. The potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Nigella sativa oil improve SOD functioning, decrease interleukins level, rectify blood pressure level and decrease prothrombotic events and platelets number, which recovers cardiac functioning.
However, Nigella sativa cannot prevent platelet aggregation or plaque formation. [11]
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme present in our body. Environmental pollution is often a cause of cardiac insufficiency.
The environmental pollutants decrease SOD activity and increase the oxidative stress. In addition, reduction of systolic blood pressure, increase the concentration of interleukins leads to inflammation and pollutant rich blood causes platelet aggregation.
All these phenomena provide a negative impact on the cardiac system. The potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Nigella sativa oil improve SOD functioning, decrease interleukins level, rectify blood pressure level and decrease prothrombotic events and platelets number, which recovers cardiac functioning.
However, Nigella sativa cannot prevent platelet aggregation or plaque formation. [11]
6. Fight against gastro-intestinal conditions
Ulcer formation in the gastrointestinal tract is one of the common health issues. Nigella sativa containing thymoquinone is considered as a novel gastro-protective natural therapeutic agent because this herbal remedy has an inhibitory effect against acid secretion, proton pump, and neutrophil infiltration.
Besides these, Nigella sativa enhances mucin secretion and nitric oxide production. Therefore, Nigella sativa can provide a safeguard against excessive gastric acid secretion and the related consequences. In addition, the anti-microbial effect of Nigella sativa can also control H. pylori-induced ulcer formation. Therefore, individuals having higher risk can incorporate Nigella sativa oil in their daily diet to obtain natural ulcer protection. [9, 12]
7. Fight against liver diseases
The liver is one of the most important accessory gastrointestinal organs to detoxify our body. Chronic exposure to multiple metabolic toxins often harms liver functioning by inducing oxidative stress and leads to lipid peroxidation level.
Increasing toxic load in the liver often causes hepatic ischemia. This condition can be prevented by regular intake of Nigella sativa oil. It can provide antioxidant effect and reduce lipid peroxidation rate, and also improve anti-oxidative enzyme activity for restoring liver functioning. [13, 14]
8. Fight against kidney problem
The kidney is a primary renal organ which is involved in blood purification. Kidney problem can appear due to an intrinsic deficient control of renal transportation of organic anion and cation. A sufficient thymoquinone concentration in Nigella sativa oil can regulate renal expression of anion and cation transporters. The researchers examined that Nigella sativa has a protective effect against ischemia-perfusion induced kidney tissue injury.
Daily intake of Nigella sativa supplement can control blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine level and reduce the risk of kidney damage. [15]
9. Fight against asthma and related pulmonary conditions
The enlargement of respiratory tract due to inflammatory condition leads to narrowing of the air passage is the main pathophysiology involved in the development of asthma. Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition that can be developed at any age. However, childhood asthma is a major health concern nowadays.
Wheezing is a common symptom that occurs in respiratory condition due to insufficient pulmonary functioning. Nigella sativa can improve pulmonary functioning due to its bronchodilatory effect. The outcome of this can cause improvement of asthma symptom score, decrease asthma severity, reduce the frequency of symptoms including wheezing. In addition, allergic pulmonary symptoms can also be treated with Nigella sativa due to its anti-histaminic effect. [16, 17]
Ulcer formation in the gastrointestinal tract is one of the common health issues. Nigella sativa containing thymoquinone is considered as a novel gastro-protective natural therapeutic agent because this herbal remedy has an inhibitory effect against acid secretion, proton pump, and neutrophil infiltration.
Besides these, Nigella sativa enhances mucin secretion and nitric oxide production. Therefore, Nigella sativa can provide a safeguard against excessive gastric acid secretion and the related consequences. In addition, the anti-microbial effect of Nigella sativa can also control H. pylori-induced ulcer formation. Therefore, individuals having higher risk can incorporate Nigella sativa oil in their daily diet to obtain natural ulcer protection. [9, 12]
7. Fight against liver diseases
The liver is one of the most important accessory gastrointestinal organs to detoxify our body. Chronic exposure to multiple metabolic toxins often harms liver functioning by inducing oxidative stress and leads to lipid peroxidation level.
Increasing toxic load in the liver often causes hepatic ischemia. This condition can be prevented by regular intake of Nigella sativa oil. It can provide antioxidant effect and reduce lipid peroxidation rate, and also improve anti-oxidative enzyme activity for restoring liver functioning. [13, 14]
8. Fight against kidney problem
The kidney is a primary renal organ which is involved in blood purification. Kidney problem can appear due to an intrinsic deficient control of renal transportation of organic anion and cation. A sufficient thymoquinone concentration in Nigella sativa oil can regulate renal expression of anion and cation transporters. The researchers examined that Nigella sativa has a protective effect against ischemia-perfusion induced kidney tissue injury.
Daily intake of Nigella sativa supplement can control blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine level and reduce the risk of kidney damage. [15]
9. Fight against asthma and related pulmonary conditions
The enlargement of respiratory tract due to inflammatory condition leads to narrowing of the air passage is the main pathophysiology involved in the development of asthma. Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition that can be developed at any age. However, childhood asthma is a major health concern nowadays.
Wheezing is a common symptom that occurs in respiratory condition due to insufficient pulmonary functioning. Nigella sativa can improve pulmonary functioning due to its bronchodilatory effect. The outcome of this can cause improvement of asthma symptom score, decrease asthma severity, reduce the frequency of symptoms including wheezing. In addition, allergic pulmonary symptoms can also be treated with Nigella sativa due to its anti-histaminic effect. [16, 17]
10. Fight against neurological problems
Anxiety and mood swing due to the over-stressed condition are different mental health issues that we regularly face but chronic anxiety gradually induces several neurological problems by irregular neurotransmitter release. The outcome of this leads to a reduction of cognitive functioning.
Pretreatment with Nigella sativa induces GABA-ergic condition and provide anxiolytic effects. [18] The potent antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa can decrease oxidative stress in brain intracellular by decreasing glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione level due to its potent antioxidant property. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Nigella sativa provides neuroprotective effect against the cerebral ischemic condition. [19]
Seizure associated neurological problems often induce convulsion. The potent antioxidant property of Nigella sativa oil can restore Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus and reduce oxidative stress burden in the brain.
Experts suggested that addition of Nigella sativa oil reduces the side effect burden of the synthetic medications. [20]
Anxiety and mood swing due to the over-stressed condition are different mental health issues that we regularly face but chronic anxiety gradually induces several neurological problems by irregular neurotransmitter release. The outcome of this leads to a reduction of cognitive functioning.
Pretreatment with Nigella sativa induces GABA-ergic condition and provide anxiolytic effects. [18] The potent antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa can decrease oxidative stress in brain intracellular by decreasing glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione level due to its potent antioxidant property. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Nigella sativa provides neuroprotective effect against the cerebral ischemic condition. [19]
Seizure associated neurological problems often induce convulsion. The potent antioxidant property of Nigella sativa oil can restore Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus and reduce oxidative stress burden in the brain.
Experts suggested that addition of Nigella sativa oil reduces the side effect burden of the synthetic medications. [20]
Conclusion
There are multiple reasons to incorporate Nigella sativa oil in our daily diet. Nigella sativa oil is a nutraceutical and is used as alternative maintenance therapy for multiple chronic conditions. Nigella Sativa is not only good for cancer and alzheimers. It should be taken as a multiple vitamin as it has more than 100 nutrients and vitamins.
I personally love to take my Nigella sativa with organic cherry juice. It is so easy to do.
There are multiple reasons to incorporate Nigella sativa oil in our daily diet. Nigella sativa oil is a nutraceutical and is used as alternative maintenance therapy for multiple chronic conditions. Nigella Sativa is not only good for cancer and alzheimers. It should be taken as a multiple vitamin as it has more than 100 nutrients and vitamins.
I personally love to take my Nigella sativa with organic cherry juice. It is so easy to do.
My recommended black seed oils are here
References
- Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK, Ramankutty . Chennai: Orient Longman Pvt Ltd; 2004. Indian medicinal plants-a compendium of 500 species; pp. 139–142.
- Hannan A, Saleem S, Chaudhary S, Barka M, Arshad MU. Anti-bacterial activity of Nigella sativaagainstclinicalisolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2008;20(3):72–74. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19610522
- Aljabre SH, Randhawa MA, Akhtar N, Alakloby OM, Alqurashi AM, Aldossary A. Antidermatophyte activity of ether extract of Nigella sativa and its active principle, thymoquinone. J Ethnopharm. 2005;101(1–3):116–119. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15908151
- Parasites - Schistosomiasis. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis/index.html
- El Shenawy NS, Soliman MF, Reyad SI. The effect of antioxidant properties of aqueous garlic extract and Nigella sativa as anti-schistosomiasis agents in mice. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2008;50(1):29–36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18327484
- Estimates of Diabetes and Its Burden in the United States. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf
- Bamosa AO, Kaatabi H, Lebdaa FM, Elq AM, Al-Sultanb A. Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian J PhysiolPharmacol. 2010;54(4):344–354. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21675032
- Peng L, Liu A, Shen Y, Xu HZ, Yang SZ, Ying XZ, et al. et al. Antitumor and anti-angiogenesis effects of thymoquinone on osteosarcoma through the NF-κB pathway. Oncol Rep. 2013;29(2):571–578. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23232982
- Aftab Ahmad, Asif Husain, MohdMujeeb, Shah Alam Khan, AbulKalamNajmi, Nasir Ali Siddique, Zoheir A. Damanhouri, Firoz Anwar. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013 May; 3(5): 337–352. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/
- Nikakhlagh S, Rahim F, Aryani FH, Syahpoush A, Brougerdnya MG, Saki N. Herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis: the use of Nigella sativa. Am J Otolaryngol. 2011;32(5):402–407. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20947211
- Nemmar A, Al-Salam S, Zia S, Marzouqi F, Al-Dhaheri A, Subramaniyan D, et al. et al. Contrasting actions of diesel exhaust particles on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and the effects of thymoquinone. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;164(7):1871–1882. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246712/
- Salem EM, Yar T, Bamosa AO, Al-Quorain A, Yasawy MI, Alsulaiman RM, et al. et al. Comparative study of Nigella sativa and triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2010;16(3):207–214. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003218/
- Yildiz F, Coban S, Terzi A, Ates M, Aksoy N, Cakir H, et al. et al. Nigella sativa relieves the deleterious effects of ischemia reperfusion injury on liver. World J Gastroenterol. 2008;14(33):5204–5209.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744011/
- Zafeer MF, Waseem M, Chaudhary S, Parvez S. Cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and its abrogation by thymoquinone. J BiochemMolToxicol. 2012;26(5):199–205. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22539463
- AliBH The effect of Nigella sativa oil on gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. Am Chin Med. 2004;32(1):49–55. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15154284
- Kanter M. Effects of Nigella sativa seed extract on ameliorating lung tissue damage in rats after experimental pulmonary aspirations. ActaHistochem. 2009;111(5):393–403.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19428057
- Boskabady MH, Javan H, Sajady M, Rakhshandeh H. The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patients. FundamClinPharmacol. 2007;21(5):559–566.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17868210
- Perveen T, Haider S, Kanwal S, Haleem DJ. Repeated administration of Nigella sativa decreases 5-HTturnover and produces anxiolytic effects in rats. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2009;22(2):139–144. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19339222
- Akhtar M, Maikiyo AM, Khanam R, Mujeeb M, Aqil M, Najmi AK. Ameliorating effects of two extracts of Nigella sativa in middle cerebral artery occluded rat. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2012;4(1):70–75. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3283961/
- Ezz HS, Khadrawy YA, Noor NA. The neuroprotective effect of curcumin and Nigella sativa oil against oxidative stress in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy: a comparison with valproate. Neurochem Res. 2011;36(11):2195–2204. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21751034
