Blackseed against different illnesses

Blackseed has been used for treating and managing various illnesses for centuries. Whereas people use black seed, its oil, and powder as precautionary measures to prevent multiple diseases. This is because they are a natural source of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, thiamine, niacin, phosphorus, and folic acid, which are essential nutrients for our body, and deficiency of these nutrients can lead to various health problems. Here are some of the illnesses for which black seed (Nigella Sativa) is miraculously beneficial.

Acne 

Eid et al., (2017) conducted research that was aimed to investigate the impact of blackseed on acne. Daily intake of 4-5 black seeds or one capsule of blackseed oil provides long-term benefits for acne. This research was based on a secondary review of previous literature regarding the effectiveness of black seed for cosmeceutical applications. It was found that black seed has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin regeneration properties. Therefore, it is concluded that black seed can be used orally as well as for cosmeceutical applications to treat and prevent acne.

Source: Eid, A. M., Elmarzugi, N. A., Abu Ayyash, L. M., Sawafta, M. N., & Daana, H. I. (2017). A Review on the Cosmeceutical and External Applications of Nigella sativa. Journal of tropical medicine, 2017.

Allergy 

Research conducted by Kalus et al., (2003) was aimed to identify the effectiveness of black seed for treating or managing allergic diseases including asthma, eczema, and rhinitis. It was recommended that 10 ml of black seed oil for skin allergy and 7-10 black seeds should be consumed for respiratory allergies. The research was based on 4 clinical and experimental studies in which 152 allergic patients were subjected with black seed followed by subjective and laboratory observations. Using a defined scale, the treated patients subjectively observed an improvement in their symptoms. Laboratory analyzes determined that allergy severity decreased in all 152 patients with decreased triglycerides, while lymphocyte subpopulations, endogenous cortisol levels, and ACTH release remained reduced.

Source: Kalus, U., Pruss, A., Bystron, J., Jurecka, M., Smekalova, A., Lichius, J. J., & Kiesewetter, H. (2003). Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on subjective feeling in patients with allergic diseases. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 17(10), 1209-1214.

Arthritis

A recent study by Khabbazi et al., (2020) confirmed the effects of black seed on rheumatoid arthritis as the goal of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of black seed for arthritis.The study was formulated by systematically reviewing 19 articles retrieved from an electronic medical database. The results showed that black seed consumption decrease inflammation, inhibit oxidative stress, and boost the immune system in the arthritis patient following reduced pain. The conclusion is that black seed is an effective natural and organic product for the treatment of arthritis.  The arthritis patients were recommended to intake a 10 ml capsule of black seed oil daily.

Source: Khabbazi, A., Javadivala, Z., Seyedsadjadi, N., & Mahdavi, A. M. (2020). A systematic review of the potential effects of Nigella sativa on rheumatoid arthritis. Planta medica, 86(07), 457-469.

Asthma 

Asthma is a respiratory disease in which the airways are obstructed resulting in coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. A.Koshak, E.Koshak, and Heinrich, (2017) researched to find out the use of black seed for asthma so that they can be used in herbal medicines for asthma treatment. It was also found that 1-2 grams of black seed once a day is enough for treating asthma. The research was conducted by reviewing medical databases and selecting 14 preclinical studies related to the medicinal use of black seed for asthma. The results of this secondary study showed that black seed helps in bronchodilation, have anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, and anti-leukotrienes effects, and it also improved asthma symptoms and pulmonary functions. It is concluded that black seed is medically beneficial for dilating airways, reducing inflammation, and controlling asthma symptoms.

Source: Koshak, A., Koshak, E., & Heinrich, M. (2017). Medicinal benefits of Nigella sativa in bronchial asthma: A literature review. Saudi pharmaceutical journal, 25(8), 1130-1136.

Cancer 

Majdalawieh and Fayyad, (2016) published a comprehensive and analytical study with the goal of analysing the anti-cancer properties of black seed. 15 grams of black seed powder was recommended to intake orally for the treatment of cancer. The study reviewed various experimental results for different types of cancers including breast, blood, stomach, pancreatic, ovarian, and other cancers. It was found that the black seed has anti-oxidative, anti-proliferation, cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and pro-apoptotic properties due to which it acts as an anti-cancer herbal medicine. It is concluded that black seed has therapeutic effects and anti-cancer effects, hence it can be used for the treatment, prevention, and control of all types of cancers.

Source: Majdalawieh, A. F., & Fayyad, M. W. (2016). Recent advances on the anti-cancer properties of Nigella sativa, a widely used food additive. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 7(3), 173-180.

Diabetes 

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can be defined as the increased blood glucose or sugar level and lowered release of insulin (a hormone that regulates the glucose in the blood). Hamdan, Haji Idrus, and Mokhtar, (2019) published a systematic review to provide a comprehensive description regarding the use of black seed for glucose and insulin regulation in the blood. The research suggested that the daily use of 2 grams of black seed is beneficial for people with diabetes. The review was based on the 7 literature articles retrieved through the computerized database (Scopus and Medline) that were systematically reviewed and analyzed to understand the medicinal use of black seed for diabetes. It was found that black seed is effective for lowering blood glucose levels, preventing hyperglycemia, glycated hemoglobin, an increase in insulin level in the blood. Thus, it is concluded that black seed is the best oral medicine for diabetes treatment, control, and prevention.

Source: Hamdan, A., Haji Idrus, R., & Mokhtar, M. H. (2019). Effects of nigella sativa on type-2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(24), 4911.

Hair loss

Saleem, Sabir, and Ahmad, (2017) published research that was aimed to explore the effect of black seed on hair loss in chemotherapy patients.  The research was based on the experimental observation on albino rats by applying black seed oil minoxidil lotion daily and these rats went through chemotherapy. The results showed that black seed oil acted as a protective layer against hair loss. It was concluded that black seed can protect against hair loss in the human also. It was recommended to intake one capsule once a day.

Source: Saleem, U., Sabir, S., & Ahmad, B. (2017). Protective role of Nigella sativa in chemotherapy-induced alopecia. ||| Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology|||, 12(4), 455-462.

Hashimoto thyroiditis

Tajmiri, Farhangi, and Dehghan, (2016) published a study that was aimed to investigate the impact of black seed on thyroid function, serum VEGF-1 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), and Nesfatin-1 among the Hashimoto thyroiditis patients. These patients were recommended to use black seed powder on a daily rate for 8 weeks. The study was based on the clinical experimental observation on 40 patients and the change in serum VEGF thyroid status and Nesfatin-1 was observed after 8 weeks. The results showed that black seed powder significantly decreased TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and anti-TPO antibodies in the patients. Thus, it can be concluded that black seed improves the severity of Hashimoto thyroiditis due to improved thyroid status and reduced IL-23 concentrations.

Source: Tajmiri, S., Farhangi, M. A., & Dehghan, P. (2016). Nigella Sativa treatment and serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) in patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 8(4), 576-580.

Hepatitis C

The goal of the study presented by Barakat, El Wakeel, and Hagag, (2013) was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of black seed for hepatitis C patients. The patients were recommended to consume 10 grams of black seed powder daily. The study was based on the clinical trial of 30 hepatitis C patients who were not eligible for interferon or IFN/ribavirin therapy. The results showed that black seed administration resulted in the improvement of total protein, albumin, RBCs, and platelet count due to which there was a significant improvement in hepatitis C patients. The study concludes that black seed is safe, effective, and tolerable for hepatitis C patients.

Source: Barakat, E. M. F., El Wakeel, L. M., & Hagag, R. S. (2013). Effects of Nigella sativa on the outcome of hepatitis C in Egypt. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG, 19(16), 2529.

High Blood Pressure 

The goal of the study conducted by Sahebkar, et al., (2016) was to estimate the efficacy of black seed for the regulation of hypertension or high blood pressure. The patients were recommended to intake 4-6 black seeds daily or a teaspoon of black seed powder. The systematic review of 10 articles includes randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis in which the hypertension patients were observed while administering black seed. The results of the study revealed that black seed significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. It was concluded that black seed-based herbal pharmaceutical products can help in managing and controlling high blood pressure.

Source: Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L. E., Derosa, G., … & Parati, G. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure. Journal of hypertension, 34(11), 2127-2135.

Infantile Epilepsy 

The effect of black seed to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in infantile epilepsy was investigated by Akhondian, Parsa, and Rakhshande, (2007). For infantile epilepsy, children are recommended to intake 2-4 black seeds daily or in combination with the aqueous extracts of black seed. The study was conducted as a double-blinded crossover experimental trial, and 23 children were subjected to an aqueous extract of black seed. The results showed that the mean frequency and severity of epilepsy were decreased among the children with infantile epilepsy. It was concluded that the aqueous extract of black seed has miraculous anti-epileptic effects, especially for children with refractory epilepsy (for whom anti-epileptic treatments are ineffective).

Source: Akhondian, J., Parsa, A., & Rakhshande, H. (2007). The effect of Nigella sativa L.(black cumin seed) on intractable pediatric seizures. Medical Science Monitor, 13(12), CR555-CR559.

Male Infertility 

A study conducted by Mahdavi, Heshmati, and Namazi, (2015) was aimed to investigate the antioxidative property of black seed and its efficacy as a treatment intervention for male infertility. The systematic review was based on 12 articles retrieved from various electronic databases (year 2000 to 2014). The results of the study showed that the black seed increases the sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, Leydig cells (play a role in the functioning of the male reproductive system), and semen quality. It was concluded that black seed is a good treatment for male infertility due to the thymoquinone and unsaturated fatty acids it contains, and thanks to its antioxidant properties. Daily oral intake of 8-10 black seeds was recommended.

Source: Mahdavi, R., Heshmati, J., & Namazi, N. (2015). Effects of black seeds (Nigella sativa) on male infertility: A systematic review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 5(3), 133-139.

Memory Improvement 

Sahak, et al., (2016) published a study that was aimed to observe the impact of black seed on the improvement in memory loss, especially in dementia patients. It was prescribed that the patients with memory problems should intake 6-9 black seeds or 10grams of black seed powder daily. The study was based on a systematic review of seven articles regarding the preventive and treatment action of black seed for memory improvement. It was found that the thymoquinone present in black seed is an effective ingredient to treat damaged neural tissues and brain functioning associated with memory. It is concluded that black seed is effective for improvement of learning and memory capabilities to their bioactive constituents.

Source: Sahak, M. K. A., Kabir, N., Abbas, G., Draman, S., Hashim, N. H., & Hasan Adli, D. S. (2016). The role of Nigella sativa and its active constituents in learning and memory. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016.

Psoriasis 

Ahmed Jawad, H., Ibraheem Azhar, Y., & Al-Hamdi Khalil, I. (2014) evaluated the effectiveness of black seed against psoriasis. In the clinical trial, patients were administered with black seed oil and its powder on a daily rate for one month. In this randomized clinical trial, 20 psoriatic patients were treated with black seed-based ointment, 20 patients were given black seed oil capsules and 20 patients were given a combination of both ointment and capsule. The results showed that the combination of ointment and capsule showed a complete cure of psoriasis, with only 14% relapse. It can be concluded that black seed oil capsules and ointments are effective against psoriasis.

Source: Ahmed Jawad, H., Ibraheem Azhar, Y., & Al-Hamdi Khalil, I. (2014). Evaluation of efficacy, safety and antioxidant effect of Nigella sativa in patients with psoriasis: A randomized clinical trial. J Clin Exp Invest www. jceionline. org Vol, 5(2).

Scars from Wounds and Injuries 

Javadi et al., (2018) presented a study in which the combined effect of honey and black seed were investigated for wound healing. Applying 10 ml of black seed oil on the affected area can work wonders for wound healing. The study was conducted by applying black seed oil and honey on a controlled group of injured rats. It was found that the wound and injury healing in the controlled group of rats was two times faster than the other uncontrolled group. It was concluded that black seed possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that accelerate the wound and injury healing and the fading of the scars.

Source: Javadi, S. M. R., Hashemi, M., Mohammadi, Y., MamMohammadi, A., Sharifi, A., & Makarchian, H. R. (2018). Synergistic effect of honey and Nigella sativa on wound healing in rats1. Acta cirurgica brasileira, 33, 518-523.

Vitiligo 

Sarac et al., (2019) carried out a research study titled as Effectiveness of topical Nigella sativa for vitiligo treatment. The goal of the study was to understand the biochemical properties and mechanism of black seed for the treatment of vitiligo. The study was conducted by applying black seed oil-based lotion on 33 out of 47 patients for 6 months. It was found that the re-pigmentation due to vitiligo was reduced effectively among 30 out of 33 vitiligo patients. It can be concluded that black seed can be used as herbal therapy for the treatment of vitiligo. Furthermore, it was prescribed that daily application of black seed oil and intake of 4-5 black seeds is necessary to treat vitiligo.

Source: Sarac, G., Kapicioglu, Y., Sener, S., Mantar, I., Yologlu, S., Dundar, C., … & Pekmezci, E. (2019). Effectiveness of topical Nigella sativa for vitiligo treatment. Dermatologic Therapy, 32(4), e12949.