Health benefits of black seed (black cumin seeds)

Black seed or black cumin seeds(Nigella sativa) is a powerful medicinal plant, a miracle herb that researchers have already revealed about its vast medicinal potential. 

It is found in North Africa, Southern Europe, and Southwest Asia. In addition, it is cultivated in many countries globally like South Europe, the Middle Eastern Mediterranean region, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. 

Black seed has been widely used for centuries to treat various diseases in different world areas. 

A handy herb in traditional medicine

Black seed has been a part of traditional medicine and is widely used to treat various diseases associated with the respiratory system, kidneys, digestive system, liver, heart, and immune system.

The great Avicenna had mentioned black seeds in his famous book "The Canon of Medicine" with the description, "These are seeds which stimulate the body's energy and help recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness." 

Black cumin seeds(kalonji)

 In South Asian culture and the Middle East countries' societies, black seeds were used to treat several ailments and diseases such as respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis), arthritis, and other inflammations. That's why they've earned the name of "seed of blessing" in Arabic society.

Chemical nature

Most of the pharmacological properties of black seed are mainly attributed to some active compounds found in black seed such as thymoquinone (30%-48%), thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, p-cymene, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, t-anethol, sesquiterpene longifolene, α-pinene, thymol, and alpha-hederin.

Black seed oil

An oil obtained from black seeds have proven to have multiple health benefits and may help in the following complications:

• Asthma
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Inflammation
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune Disorders

 
Nutritional value 
Black seeds are a valuable source of micro and macronutrients 

• protein (26.7%), 
• fat (28.5%), 
• carbohydrates (24.9%),
• Crude fibre (8.4%) 

Black seeds also contain essential minerals and vitamins

• Copper (Cu)
• Phosphorous (P)
• Zinc (Zn)  
• Iron (Fe)  
• Carotene (liver converts it to vitamin A)
• Vitamin B

An exceptional source of iron

Do you know black seeds are rich source of iron? Many woman and men around the world are unable to get enough iron. Cumin seeds are rich in iron. One teaspoon of it contains almost 1.4 mg which is approximately 20% of our recommended daily allowance (RDI).

Anticancer 

Black seed contains a very useful chemical called alpha-hederin, a water-soluble pentacyclic triterpene. This compound is a potential anticancer agent reported by several studies.

Antibacterial activity

Black seed has potent antibacterial activity. One study has shown its evident growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. Two essential components of black seed, thymohydroquinone (TQ) and melanin are considered responsible for it [link]. They were effective against both positive and negative bacteria[link]. Other studies highlighted its effectiveness against H. pylori [link]. 

Antifungal activity

During a study, the methanolic extracts of black seed were found the most potent antifungal against various strains of Candida albicans [link].In another study, extracts of black seed have shown positive inhibitory effects on skin diseases-causing fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum and others [link].     

Anti-schistosomiasis activity

Black seed was also found effective against Schistosoma mansoni, the liver damage-causing infectious worm. A study was conducted using model animals (mice). Interestingly black seed extract reduced S. mansoni worms in the liver and lowered the total number of ova(cells) of that worm found in the liver and the intestine [link].

Antioxidant activity

Various studies have already confirmed the antioxidant activity of black seed and its compounds. You may be familiar with how often oxidants are produced in our bodies and how harmful they are, ranging from the effect of aging to cell damage and various diseases. 

On the other hand, antioxidants are molecules that neutralize oxidants and protect us from possible damages. A study suggests that dietary supplementation of black seed powder inhibits the possible oxidative stress.[link]. 

Antidiabetic activity

Research has reported that black seed can reduce elevated blood glucose level by significantly increasing insulin level in the body. 

In a study on animal model, black seed extract, its oil, and compounds were tested against animal tissues. The results were excellent because the treatments significantly decreased the diabetes-induced increases in tissue's Malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum glucose. Furtherly a significantly increase in serum insulin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was reported[link]

Effects on brain

Black seed has positive effects on the central nervous system, particularly the brain. It can reduce anxiety improve memory, and learning. An animal model-based research claims that long-term consumption of black seed is beneficial for brain health and enhances learning and memory.[link]

Effects on asthmatic patients

Black seed is proven to be very powerful for asthmatic patients, and its long-term usage can help asthmatic patients. Several studies reported its beneficial effects on the lungs of asthma patients. For example, a study reported that black seed has a bronchodilatory effect in asthmatic patients[link].

Other benefits

The number of benefits of black seed is countless, and it has enormous healing potential. However, the discoveries and novel research related to it are not completed yet. Some studies reported its benefits which are heart, liver, and kidney-related. Others discovered the benefits of black seed in metabolic syndrome and autoimmune diseases.