NIGELLA SATIVA: TREAT PARKINSON'S DISEASE NATURALLY
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Overview of Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease is a central nervous system (CNS) disorder that causes irregular and uncontrolled body movement which are progressive in nature.
Mild tremors in upper limb are not prominently noticeable at the initial stage, but gradually the progressive nature of this disease induces uncontrolled vigorous tremor. The body becomes stiff with very slow movement in an advanced stage which hampers the quality of life of the patient. There are multiple symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, such as uncontrolled tremor in hand even during relaxing, dragging of feet while walking which further slows down the movement and difficulty in walking and standing from a sitting position. The other symptoms involve poor posture balance which increases the risk of fall down. Other automatic movements like blinking, laughing, and hand movement during walking become difficult. The trouble with speaking and writing can be noticed in Parkinson's disease.
Certain abnormal genetic mutation and continual exposure to environmental toxins lead to some particular neuronal damage in the brain tissues. In addition, neuronal damage also suppresses the dopamine release. Dopamine is one of the major neurotransmitter responsible to transmit neural signals. Therefore, decreased level of dopamine causes abnormal neuronal signal transmission, which leads to anomalous brain functioning. Parkinson's disease is an age-related disorder which often gets revealed at the older age. Male individuals are more susceptible to develop Parkinson's disease than females. The disease may have a slight hereditary involvement. However, individuals with continuous exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides and herbicides have increased the risk to develop Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a non-curable condition and is associated with many complications including depression, disturbed emotional status, cognitive impairment, insomnia, swallowing difficulty, constipation, and bladder retention problem due to difficulty in urinating. [2] |
Written and Reviewed by Dr. Nita Sharma D., PHD - See her bio here Black Seed Expert and Natural Doctor.
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Role of Nigella sativa in managing Parkinson's disease
There is no medication available till date to completely cure Parkinson's disease. Therefore the foremost aim of the available treatment options are:
• Slowing disease progression rate,
• Providing symptomatic relief
• Avoiding Parkinson's disease-related complication
• Improving the patient quality of life
• Developing preventive measure to avoid Parkinson's disease
Nigella Sativa can provide all the above mentioned therapeutic benefits without any serious side effects, which is more common with chemical or synthetic medications. The Nigella sativa possess multiple therapeutic properties which make this natural herbal ingredient to be a promising therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease.
There is no medication available till date to completely cure Parkinson's disease. Therefore the foremost aim of the available treatment options are:
• Slowing disease progression rate,
• Providing symptomatic relief
• Avoiding Parkinson's disease-related complication
• Improving the patient quality of life
• Developing preventive measure to avoid Parkinson's disease
Nigella Sativa can provide all the above mentioned therapeutic benefits without any serious side effects, which is more common with chemical or synthetic medications. The Nigella sativa possess multiple therapeutic properties which make this natural herbal ingredient to be a promising therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease.
Antioxidant property
The free radicals burden increases the risk of Parkinson's disease by inducing neuronal damage. The bioactive phytochemicals like thymoquinone, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, t-anethole and essential oils are the primary constituents of Nigella sativa which act as free radical scavengers.[3]
These phytochemicals hold potent antioxidant effect which is effective against a variety of ROS, including hydroxyl radicals (HO), superoxide radical anion (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These free radicals cause harmful mechanism including generation of lipid peroxidation, modification of protein structure in the body, and rupture the DNA strand. Nigella sativa supplement is effective to restrict free radical formation by increasing SOD and glutathione level in the blood serum. [4]
These are natural antioxidant enzymes in the body. In addition, administration of Nigella sativa supplement significantly increases the activity of quinone reductase and glutathione transferase. These two enzymes have the detoxifying ability and are effective against environmental toxins, which can cause Parkinson's disease. [5]
There are research studies conducted to evaluate the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa and provide satisfactory data to confirm the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa. [6]
Anti-neurodegenerative property
The environmental toxin-induced neuronal damage can be prevented by administering Nigella sativa supplement because this herbal preparation has anti-neurodegenerative property.
A research study showed that Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone carry protective effect in brain and neuroprotective effect against chronic exposure to the environmental toxin.
Research evidence showed that Nigella sativa protects hippocampus (a region of brain structure) and prevents histopathological changes that occur due to neuronal damage. Thus, it can slow down the Parkinson's disease progression and act as a preventive measure. [7]
The free radicals burden increases the risk of Parkinson's disease by inducing neuronal damage. The bioactive phytochemicals like thymoquinone, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, t-anethole and essential oils are the primary constituents of Nigella sativa which act as free radical scavengers.[3]
These phytochemicals hold potent antioxidant effect which is effective against a variety of ROS, including hydroxyl radicals (HO), superoxide radical anion (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These free radicals cause harmful mechanism including generation of lipid peroxidation, modification of protein structure in the body, and rupture the DNA strand. Nigella sativa supplement is effective to restrict free radical formation by increasing SOD and glutathione level in the blood serum. [4]
These are natural antioxidant enzymes in the body. In addition, administration of Nigella sativa supplement significantly increases the activity of quinone reductase and glutathione transferase. These two enzymes have the detoxifying ability and are effective against environmental toxins, which can cause Parkinson's disease. [5]
There are research studies conducted to evaluate the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa and provide satisfactory data to confirm the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa. [6]
Anti-neurodegenerative property
The environmental toxin-induced neuronal damage can be prevented by administering Nigella sativa supplement because this herbal preparation has anti-neurodegenerative property.
A research study showed that Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone carry protective effect in brain and neuroprotective effect against chronic exposure to the environmental toxin.
Research evidence showed that Nigella sativa protects hippocampus (a region of brain structure) and prevents histopathological changes that occur due to neuronal damage. Thus, it can slow down the Parkinson's disease progression and act as a preventive measure. [7]
Nigella Sativa is a natural neuroprotective agent which is highly effective against Parkinson's disease. To know the exact role of Nigella sativa it is imperative to know the over-all physiological process that leads to the disease.
The metabolism is a continuous physiological exercise that generates free radicals through regular enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. With the increasing age, the progressive free-radical reactions adversely affect the physiological system, but the exposure to environmental pollutants and genetic factors enhance the free-radical load in our body compartments.
The accumulation of free radicals or ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) induces many non-contagious ailments, including neurodegenerative diseases. ROS also act as a contributing factor for increasing complications of such chronic conditions. [1]
The brain is a very vulnerable organ, which gets affected due to increasing load of free radicals. The brain requires high energy supply to stay operational and the continual metabolic process increases the load of ROS. Additionally, the environmental toxins, chemical drugs, and genetic involvement are the factors that induce ROS load in the brain and produce neurotoxicity. This neurotoxicity is responsible to cause Parkinson's disease.
Nigella sativa supplement is a natural antioxidant which can a regulate the free radical formation in brain tissues and provide neuroprotective effect against neurotoxicity which can prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease.
The metabolism is a continuous physiological exercise that generates free radicals through regular enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. With the increasing age, the progressive free-radical reactions adversely affect the physiological system, but the exposure to environmental pollutants and genetic factors enhance the free-radical load in our body compartments.
The accumulation of free radicals or ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) induces many non-contagious ailments, including neurodegenerative diseases. ROS also act as a contributing factor for increasing complications of such chronic conditions. [1]
The brain is a very vulnerable organ, which gets affected due to increasing load of free radicals. The brain requires high energy supply to stay operational and the continual metabolic process increases the load of ROS. Additionally, the environmental toxins, chemical drugs, and genetic involvement are the factors that induce ROS load in the brain and produce neurotoxicity. This neurotoxicity is responsible to cause Parkinson's disease.
Nigella sativa supplement is a natural antioxidant which can a regulate the free radical formation in brain tissues and provide neuroprotective effect against neurotoxicity which can prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease.
Anti-Parkinson property
Nigella sativa and its active constituents contain specific antiparkinson property. Thymoquinone and Carvacrol are two specific phytochemicals present in Nigella sativa which have antiparkinson properties.
These two bioactive compounds reduce the oxidative stress level in the brain and prevent synthesis of lipid peroxidation and free radicals. The result of these research studies showed significant benefits of administering Nigella sativa in Parkinson's disease condition, such as:
• Increase the glutathione activity and reverse the increased level of lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels.
• Reduce muscle rigidity
• Prevents the loss of substantia nigra pars compacta neuronal activity. It also reduces the enhanced levels of malondialdehyde and that indicate a reduction of oxidative stress, as malondialdehyde acts as oxidative stress marker.
• Increase the activity of the antioxidant enzyme, including catalase. [7]
Nigella sativa and its active constituents contain specific antiparkinson property. Thymoquinone and Carvacrol are two specific phytochemicals present in Nigella sativa which have antiparkinson properties.
These two bioactive compounds reduce the oxidative stress level in the brain and prevent synthesis of lipid peroxidation and free radicals. The result of these research studies showed significant benefits of administering Nigella sativa in Parkinson's disease condition, such as:
• Increase the glutathione activity and reverse the increased level of lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels.
• Reduce muscle rigidity
• Prevents the loss of substantia nigra pars compacta neuronal activity. It also reduces the enhanced levels of malondialdehyde and that indicate a reduction of oxidative stress, as malondialdehyde acts as oxidative stress marker.
• Increase the activity of the antioxidant enzyme, including catalase. [7]
Cognitive functioning improvement and treatment of Insomnia
Insomnia and thinking inability due to impairment of cognitive functioning are two very common complications associated with Parkinson's disease. The strong neuro-pharmacological effect of Nigella sativa can able to improve cognitive functioning in elderly patients.
The herbal preparation made of Nigella sativa has an anxiolytic property which can effectively prevent and treat insomnia. In addition, research findings also showed that locomotor activity of the brain, which controls our body movement, is improved by administering Nigella sativa.
The Nigella sativa seeds can improve antioxidant enzyme activity and offer preventive action against the elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). [8]
Insomnia and thinking inability due to impairment of cognitive functioning are two very common complications associated with Parkinson's disease. The strong neuro-pharmacological effect of Nigella sativa can able to improve cognitive functioning in elderly patients.
The herbal preparation made of Nigella sativa has an anxiolytic property which can effectively prevent and treat insomnia. In addition, research findings also showed that locomotor activity of the brain, which controls our body movement, is improved by administering Nigella sativa.
The Nigella sativa seeds can improve antioxidant enzyme activity and offer preventive action against the elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). [8]
Direction to use
Nigella sativa seed are of herbal origin, so excessive processing to develop formulations can change the level of chemical constituents, therefore, it is not preferred to develop any dosage form of Nigella sativa. Raw Nigella sativa or Black Cumin Seed Oil
Dose
Authentic product selection and accurate dose calculation are two vital approaches to get optimum benefit from this preparation. The oil of Nigella sativa possess all the phytochemical constituents, therefore, one teaspoon twice a day dose is sufficient to provide therapeutic benefit. It is always preferable to choose cold pressed organic Nigella sativa oil from an authentic supplier. [9]
Nigella sativa seed are of herbal origin, so excessive processing to develop formulations can change the level of chemical constituents, therefore, it is not preferred to develop any dosage form of Nigella sativa. Raw Nigella sativa or Black Cumin Seed Oil
Dose
Authentic product selection and accurate dose calculation are two vital approaches to get optimum benefit from this preparation. The oil of Nigella sativa possess all the phytochemical constituents, therefore, one teaspoon twice a day dose is sufficient to provide therapeutic benefit. It is always preferable to choose cold pressed organic Nigella sativa oil from an authentic supplier. [9]
Famous Notables who have or had Parkinson's Disease
Alan Alda made his diagnosis public in 2018, saying "I was diagnosed three-and-a-half years ago and I've had a full life since then."
Alan Alda
Muhammad Ali George H.W. Bush Billy Connolly Neil Diamond Michael J. Fox Billy Graham Brian Grant Bob Hoskins Rev. Jesse Jackson Dave Jennings Ozzy Obourne Pope John Paul II Janet Reno Linda Ronstadt Robin Williams Source |
The list to the left is part, not all famous people who either had or has Parkinson's. RIP to those who are no longer with us.
The sad part is most of these people relied on conventional treatments to solve their problems and from the list you can tell that many died in pain. Ozzy Osbourne is the most recent to be added to the list and Sharon, his wife was so emotional. His family stated that he has had many symptoms for years. Sharon said they were taking Ozzie to Switzerland to meet with a doctor to maximize his immune system. I wish we had a way to tell them about Nigella Sativa and the studies done proving its success. But I hail her in relying on natural doctors to improve the immune system. |
References
- V. Lobo, A. Patil, A. Phatak, N. Chandra. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jul-Dec; 4(8): 118–126. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.70902. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
- Parkinson's Disease. Mayo Clinic Stuff. Online available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
- Burits M, Bucar F. Antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa essential oil. Phytother Res. 2000 Aug;14(5):323-8. . Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10925395
- Alenzi FQ, Alsakran Altamimi MA, Kujan O, Tarakji B, Tamimi W, et al. (2013) Antioxidant Properties of Nigella sativa. J Mol Genet Med 7: 77. doi:10.4172/1747-0862.1000077. Online available at https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/410e/c4bf43c90590ecc14dd821b98c3b137bd860.pdf
- Nagi MN, Almakki HA. Thymoquinone supplementation induces quinone reductase and glutathione transferase in mice liver: possible role in protection against chemical carcinogenesis and toxicity. Phytother Res. 2009 Sep;23(9):1295-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2766. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19277968
- Nejdet Şen, Yakup Kar, Yener Tekeli. Antioxidant activities of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds cultivating in different regions of Turkey. Journal of Food and Biochemistry. Online available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1745-4514.2009.00309.x
- Mohammad Reza Khazdair. The Protective Effects of Nigella sativa and Its Constituents on Induced Neurotoxicity. J Toxicol. 2015; 2015: 841823. Published online 2015 Oct 29. doi: 10.1155/2015/841823. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4641935/
- Farimah Beheshti, Majid Khazaei, Mahmoud Hosseini. Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa. J Toxicol. 2015; 2015: 841823. Published online 2015 Oct 29. doi: 10.1155/2015/841823. Online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884225/
- Paul Fassa. Study: Black seed oil helps Parkinson's - Can be used for anti-depressant and anti-anxiety treatment. Health Impact News Online available at https://healthimpactnews.com/2017/study-black-seed-oil-helps-parkinsons-can-be-used-for-anti-depressant-and-anti-anxiety-treatment/