Black Seed Oil:The remedy for multiple hair problems
WRITTEN BY DR. NITA SHARMA DAS, PHD, ND, PHDHM, B PHARM. August 02, 2018
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYRIGHTED FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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There are multiple hair problems which affect both men and women. Hair problems can be due to scalp and hair follicles infections, or even due to a digestive disorder.
The use of chemicals, exposure to pollutants, and administration of chemotherapeutic agents are also responsible for hair loss, and graying hair. There are many synthetic hair replenishing agents available in the market which has inadequate information about adverse effects associated with long-term use of these products. Naturopathy has found the solution for multiple hair problems in the Back seed. Black seed oil, extracted from black seed by cold compression process is the most suitable formulation to treat all hair related problems such as hair loss, baldness, gray hair, scalp infection etc. The benefits of black seed oil against hair problem was discovered centuries ago. Queen Nefertiti used to apply black seed oil to maintain the luster of her hair.[1] The efficacy of black seed oil has been established by several naturopathy experts through their clinical experiences of treating hair fall. [2] The effectiveness of black seed oil in different hair problems is explained in this article. |
The underlying cause of hair problems
Hair fall is not a disease but a symptom of underlying causes. In this section, I will discuss various possible causes which can cause hair problems.
Hair fall due to scalp disorder
Scalp disorder like Telogen effluvium is a condition associated with anomalous hair cycle, which causes excessive hair (telogen) loss. Chronic Telogen effluvium can occur due to other co-morbidities like malnutrition, severe iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid disorder, chronic autoimmune diseases and use of synthetic medications.
However, excessive stress may also be a cause of Telogen effluvium. The stress generates corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) which inhibits hair growth. [3] Neurogenic inflammation is mediated through activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor and releases tachykinin neuropeptides like Substance P, which also suppresses hair growth.
Substance P also activates mast cells and macrophages and releases different inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ, which damages hair follicles. According to the medical researchers, the activation of GPR44 induces elevation of prostaglandin D2 synthase in the scalp tissue, which inhibits hair growth. [4]
Activation of GPR44 also causes miniaturization of the hair follicle and accelerate hair fall by preventing stem cells maturation. Inflammation of hair follicle decreases its size and causes significant reduction of progenitor cells.
Hair fall is not a disease but a symptom of underlying causes. In this section, I will discuss various possible causes which can cause hair problems.
Hair fall due to scalp disorder
Scalp disorder like Telogen effluvium is a condition associated with anomalous hair cycle, which causes excessive hair (telogen) loss. Chronic Telogen effluvium can occur due to other co-morbidities like malnutrition, severe iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid disorder, chronic autoimmune diseases and use of synthetic medications.
However, excessive stress may also be a cause of Telogen effluvium. The stress generates corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) which inhibits hair growth. [3] Neurogenic inflammation is mediated through activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor and releases tachykinin neuropeptides like Substance P, which also suppresses hair growth.
Substance P also activates mast cells and macrophages and releases different inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ, which damages hair follicles. According to the medical researchers, the activation of GPR44 induces elevation of prostaglandin D2 synthase in the scalp tissue, which inhibits hair growth. [4]
Activation of GPR44 also causes miniaturization of the hair follicle and accelerate hair fall by preventing stem cells maturation. Inflammation of hair follicle decreases its size and causes significant reduction of progenitor cells.
Hair fall due to stress
Increased stress level up-regulates keratinocyte apoptosis, enhances degranulation of mast cell, and activates macrophages which further results in perifollicular inflammatory infiltration. In addition, stress also enhances substance P receptor activation and causes hair growth-inhibitory effect. [5]
Hair loss due to an endocrine disorder
Thyroid gland dysfunction is responsible for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and both the conditions can cause hair loss. Thyroid hormones are essential for the metabolism of foods and absorption of nutrients into the GI tract. Hypothyroidism causes insufficient energy level and impaired nutrient absorption due to decreased release of gastric acid. This leads to compromised hair growth. [6]
Read: Nigella Sativa Treats Underactive Thyroid
Increased stress level up-regulates keratinocyte apoptosis, enhances degranulation of mast cell, and activates macrophages which further results in perifollicular inflammatory infiltration. In addition, stress also enhances substance P receptor activation and causes hair growth-inhibitory effect. [5]
Hair loss due to an endocrine disorder
Thyroid gland dysfunction is responsible for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and both the conditions can cause hair loss. Thyroid hormones are essential for the metabolism of foods and absorption of nutrients into the GI tract. Hypothyroidism causes insufficient energy level and impaired nutrient absorption due to decreased release of gastric acid. This leads to compromised hair growth. [6]
Read: Nigella Sativa Treats Underactive Thyroid
How Black seed oil treat underlying causes and resolve hair loss?
Black seed oil helps to sustain hair growth and stop hair fall. Naturopathy experts believe that the antioxidant property and antimicrobial effect of black seed oil prevent hair damage, restores hair follicle strength and prevents hair fall.[1]
The scientific name of black seed is Nigella Sativa. A study was conducted to specify the role of black seed oil in scalp disorder such as Telogen effluvium. The study result has confirmed the efficacy of black seed oil against Telogen effluvium.
Through this study, the researchers have successfully demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of black seed oil as the primary benefit to treat scalp disorder. Black seed oil directly acts on brain tissues, inhibits NF-kB activation and controls inflammatory cell infiltration in the scalp tissue. Thymoquinone, the phytochemical present in black seed oil has anti-inflammatory property.
It inhibits cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) pathway and prevents prostaglandin synthesis. Black seed oil application improves the maturation of stem cells and promotes progenitor cells proliferation which helps to convert vellus-like hair into normal, thick and pigmented, terminal hair.
The anti-inflammatory property of black seed oil reduces the release of inflammatory mediators and re-establish the hair cycle and speed-up the healing of hair follicle. Three months continuous application of black seed oil provides marked improvement and resolve acute Telogen effluvium. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in women with acute Telogen effluvium and the study result showed a significant improvement in hair density and thickness in 70 percent of the participants who had applied black seed oil for 3 months.
However, after 6 months, the hair growth became stagnant without further worsening the condition. No adverse effect was reported during the study period, which indicates that the use of black seed oil in the scalp is safe for human. In addition, black seed oil also treats inflammatory pattern related peripilar sign and symptoms. [3]
Fig: Representation of patients treated with black seed oil (a) or placebo (b), at baseline (T0) and at the 6 months follow-up (T6).
Black seed oil antagonizes substance P receptor activity and acts against stress. [7] In addition, the potent antioxidant property of black seed oil decreases the deleterious effects of stress. The anxiolytic effect of black seed oil reduces the plasma nitrite and brain GABA content, which controls stress level. [8] A study conducted in animals showed that black seed oil can control keratinocyte apoptosis. [9] Black seed oil treatment also inhibits degranulation of mast cell and controls the release of inflammatory mediators.
Black seed oil improves thyroid status by repairing the thyroid gland. Black seed oil protects the hyperplastic changes of thyroid parenchyma due to its antioxidant property. Reduction of serum anti-thyroid peroxidase also helps to treat autoimmune thyroid diseases. [10] Thus, black seed oil can treat hair loss by rectifying the underlying thyroid gland disorder.
Black seed oil helps to sustain hair growth and stop hair fall. Naturopathy experts believe that the antioxidant property and antimicrobial effect of black seed oil prevent hair damage, restores hair follicle strength and prevents hair fall.[1]
The scientific name of black seed is Nigella Sativa. A study was conducted to specify the role of black seed oil in scalp disorder such as Telogen effluvium. The study result has confirmed the efficacy of black seed oil against Telogen effluvium.
Through this study, the researchers have successfully demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of black seed oil as the primary benefit to treat scalp disorder. Black seed oil directly acts on brain tissues, inhibits NF-kB activation and controls inflammatory cell infiltration in the scalp tissue. Thymoquinone, the phytochemical present in black seed oil has anti-inflammatory property.
It inhibits cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) pathway and prevents prostaglandin synthesis. Black seed oil application improves the maturation of stem cells and promotes progenitor cells proliferation which helps to convert vellus-like hair into normal, thick and pigmented, terminal hair.
The anti-inflammatory property of black seed oil reduces the release of inflammatory mediators and re-establish the hair cycle and speed-up the healing of hair follicle. Three months continuous application of black seed oil provides marked improvement and resolve acute Telogen effluvium. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in women with acute Telogen effluvium and the study result showed a significant improvement in hair density and thickness in 70 percent of the participants who had applied black seed oil for 3 months.
However, after 6 months, the hair growth became stagnant without further worsening the condition. No adverse effect was reported during the study period, which indicates that the use of black seed oil in the scalp is safe for human. In addition, black seed oil also treats inflammatory pattern related peripilar sign and symptoms. [3]
Fig: Representation of patients treated with black seed oil (a) or placebo (b), at baseline (T0) and at the 6 months follow-up (T6).
Black seed oil antagonizes substance P receptor activity and acts against stress. [7] In addition, the potent antioxidant property of black seed oil decreases the deleterious effects of stress. The anxiolytic effect of black seed oil reduces the plasma nitrite and brain GABA content, which controls stress level. [8] A study conducted in animals showed that black seed oil can control keratinocyte apoptosis. [9] Black seed oil treatment also inhibits degranulation of mast cell and controls the release of inflammatory mediators.
Black seed oil improves thyroid status by repairing the thyroid gland. Black seed oil protects the hyperplastic changes of thyroid parenchyma due to its antioxidant property. Reduction of serum anti-thyroid peroxidase also helps to treat autoimmune thyroid diseases. [10] Thus, black seed oil can treat hair loss by rectifying the underlying thyroid gland disorder.
Fig: Representation of patients treated with black seed oil (a) or placebo (b), at baseline (T0) and at the 6 months follow-up (T6).
Black seed oil antagonizes substance P receptor activity and acts against stress. [7] In addition, the potent antioxidant property of black seed oil decreases the deleterious effects of stress. The anxiolytic effect of black seed oil reduces the plasma nitrite and brain GABA content, which controls stress level. [8]
A study conducted in animals showed that black seed oil can control keratinocyte apoptosis. [9] Black seed oil treatment also inhibits degranulation of mast cell and controls the release of inflammatory mediators.
Black seed oil improves thyroid status by repairing the thyroid gland. Black seed oil protects the hyperplastic changes of thyroid parenchyma due to its antioxidant property. Reduction of serum anti-thyroid peroxidase also helps to treat autoimmune thyroid diseases. [10] Thus, black seed oil can treat hair loss by rectifying the underlying thyroid gland disorder.
Black seed oil antagonizes substance P receptor activity and acts against stress. [7] In addition, the potent antioxidant property of black seed oil decreases the deleterious effects of stress. The anxiolytic effect of black seed oil reduces the plasma nitrite and brain GABA content, which controls stress level. [8]
A study conducted in animals showed that black seed oil can control keratinocyte apoptosis. [9] Black seed oil treatment also inhibits degranulation of mast cell and controls the release of inflammatory mediators.
Black seed oil improves thyroid status by repairing the thyroid gland. Black seed oil protects the hyperplastic changes of thyroid parenchyma due to its antioxidant property. Reduction of serum anti-thyroid peroxidase also helps to treat autoimmune thyroid diseases. [10] Thus, black seed oil can treat hair loss by rectifying the underlying thyroid gland disorder.
The direction of application of Black seed oil to improve hair health
It has been found that excessive application of chemical cosmetics causes dryness of scalp skin and roughens the hair, which leads to premature hair graying, excessive hair fall and lack of hair luster.
Therefore, the use of selected natural herbal products should be encouraged instead of using chemical based cosmetics.
One of the most well-researched ingredients for hair health improvement is Black seed oil which has sufficient efficacy and safety data to support hair restoration. Black seed oil in combination with other herbal ingredients provides a better result.
Instructions
It has been found that excessive application of chemical cosmetics causes dryness of scalp skin and roughens the hair, which leads to premature hair graying, excessive hair fall and lack of hair luster.
Therefore, the use of selected natural herbal products should be encouraged instead of using chemical based cosmetics.
One of the most well-researched ingredients for hair health improvement is Black seed oil which has sufficient efficacy and safety data to support hair restoration. Black seed oil in combination with other herbal ingredients provides a better result.
Instructions
- • Make a paste with black seed oil, coconut oil, dry Indian gooseberry powder, henna powder, dry Bermuda Grass and Fenugreek powder; and apply it on the scalp to decrease 90 percent of hair fall within 3 months. [11] This is a cost-effective treatment to control hair fall.•
- To treat complete hair loss in certain areas of the scalp, take an equal amount of black seed oil and olive oil and mix them. Apply the oil on the bald area, leave for 45 minutes and then wash it with cold water. [12]
- • Oral intake of black seed oil (1 teaspoon) mixed with honey at bedtime improve sleep, which is essential to maintain hair health. [1]
And of course the ultimate question is which black seed oil do I use? I use this oil here and will always recommend it as it is the best oil in the world. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this article and will learn how to remedy your hair problems.
References
- Deena AS Hussain, M. Musharraf Hussain. Nigella sativa (black seed) is an effective herbal remedy for every disease except death – a Prophetic statement which modern scientists confirm unanimously: A review. Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research Vol. 4(2), pp. 27-57, April 2016 ISSN: 2354-2152 Review. Online available at http://www.netjournals.org/pdf/AMPR/2016/2/16-008.pdf
- Dr. Rohit's Natural remedies for hair loss. Online available at http://www.alopeciacure.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgNCPh5z42gIVAmKOCh39VQd1EAEYASAAEgJGTfD_BwE
- Alfredo Rossi, Lara Priolo, Alessandra Iorio, EnricaVescarelli, Martina Gerardi, Daniele Campo, et.al. Evaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2013, 3, 9-16. Online available at https://file.scirp.org/pdf/JCDSA_2013081513583870.pdf
- Luis A. Garza, Yaping Liu, Zaixin Yang, Brinda Alagesan, John A. Lawson, Scott M. Norberg, Dorothy E. Loy, Tailun Zhao, Hanz B. Blatt, David C. Stanton, Lee Carrasco, Gurpreet Ahluwalia, Susan M. Fischer, Garret A. FitzGerald, George Cotsarelis. Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia. SciTransl Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 Apr 5. Published in final edited form as: SciTransl Med. 2012 Mar 21; 4(126): 126ra34. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003122. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3319975/
- Vladimir A. Botchkarev. Stress and the Hair Follicle: Exploring the Connections. Am J Pathol. 2003 Mar; 162(3): 709–712. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1868107/
- What’s the Link Between Thyroid and Hair Loss? Online available at https://drhedberg.com/thyroid-and-hair-loss/
- Reasons Why Your Cortisol is Low or High: HPA or Stress Response Triggers. https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/reasons-cortisol-low-high/
- FarimahBeheshti, Majid Khazaei, Mahmoud Hosseini. Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016 Jan-Feb; 6(1): 104–116. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884225/
- Ebtsam F. Okasha, Naglaa A. Bayomy, Eman Z. Abdelaziz. Effect of Topical Application of Black Seed Oil on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Lesions in the Thin Skin of Adult Male Albino Rats. The Anatomical Record. Volume301, Issue1, January 2018. Pages 166-174. Online available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ar.23690
- MahdiehAbbasalizadFarhangi, ParvinDehghan, SiroosTajmiri, Mehran MesgariAbbasi. The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016; 16: 471. Published online 2016 Nov 16. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1432-2. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5112739/
- ShahinoorRahamanDulal, Hasib Sheikh, Mohammad Abu Taher , Mohammad Sayeed Ur Rahaman, Zakia Rahman and M.A. Malek , Formulation and finding out the efficacy of the herbal hair oil over simple coconut oil (Purified) – A formulation and clinical study in Bangladesh, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research , 2014; Vol. 5(5): 1801-1805. ISSN: 0975-8232; P-ISSN: 2320-5148. Online available at http://ijpsr.com/bft-article/nigella-sativa-seed-a-novel-beauty-care-ingredient-a-review/?view=fulltext
- Fix hair loss with Black seed Oil. Online available at https://www.thealternativedaily.com/black-seed-oil-for-hair-loss/
