Nigella sativa Wikipedia
For example, there have been reports of contact dermatitis after applying kalonji to the skin. If you plan on using it topically, be sure to do a patch test by applying a small amount first to make sure it does not cause an adverse reaction. Summary Animal studies have found that kalonji may help protect the stomach lining against the formation of stomach ulcers. Some research shows that kalonji could help preserve the lining of the stomach and prevent the formation of ulcers. Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form when stomach acids eat away at the layer of protective mucus that lines the stomach. Several other test-tube studies have shown that kalonji can help inhibit the growth of MRSA, as well as many other strains of bacteria.
Impressive Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)
Thymoquinone, the main bioactive compound of N. Sativa, is thought to be responsible for many of the herb's potential health benefits. According to a case report conducted by Onifade et al., after treatment with 10 mL of black seed twice https://nigellaltd.com daily for 6 months, a complete regaining and seroreversion of a 46-year-old HIV positive patient was evidenced [117]. In addition, a 27-year-old HIV infected woman was diagnosed during ante-natal care; she was not eligible for antiretroviral therapy; hence herbal therapist initiated her on black cumin and honey mixture (10 mL) thrice daily for a year.
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Several mechanisms may contribute to the protective cardiometabolic role of Nigella sativa. For example, the antioxidant properties of Nigella sativa may reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, whereas the anti-radical scavenging activity of TQ significantly reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Black cumin has been considered a natural agent that can reduce blood cholesterol.
Traditional medicine
- Black cumin seed is used for cooking and in traditional medicine in India, Arabia, and Europe.
- Despite significant advances in pharmacological benefits, this miracle herb and its active components are still far from their clinical application.
- Sativa is showing promise as a treatment for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
- Black seed can be ground into a powder supplement.
However, further research is needed to determine how the antioxidants found in kalonji may impact health in humans. Several compounds found in kalonji, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties. Also known as black cumin, nigella or by its scientific name Nigella sativa, kalonji belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants. Bulbocastanum has been shown to be an antioxidant with potential cancer-fighting effects, though more research is needed. Do you have seeds of doubt about which cumin is the real black cumin? Two botanicals, Bunium bulbocastanum and Nigella sativa, are commonly referred to as black cumin.
Benefits of Black Cumin on Human Health and Disease Conditions
A systematic review of 13 clinical trials noted improvements in blood sugar control, including decreases in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c, a blood test showing the average glucose level over the past three months). Some of the trials also reported improvements in insulin sensitivity due to using N. Nigella sativa seeds have shown schistosomicidal properties against Schistosoma mansoni (in vitro), through a strong biocidal effect against all stages of the parasite and an inhibitory effect on egg-laying of adult female worms [119, 120]. Sativa seed significantly contracted and inhibited the inflammatory reactions to cutaneous leishmaniasis produced experimentally in mice by a subcutaneous inoculation of Leishmania major at the abaxial base of the tail [121].
May Alleviate Inflammation
The same review noted several animal studies in which N. Sativa has been shown to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (considered “good”) and decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered "bad"), total cholesterol, and triglycerides in rabbits. It's important to look at the research when considering trying a new dietary supplement. Fortunately, there are a fair amount of clinical trials on N. Sativa and its potential role in various conditions.
5. Anti-Cancer Effects
As a master upstream kinase, LKB1 phosphorylates and activates AMPK and many other kinases that play a fundamental role in the regulation of cell growth and metabolism [301]. The LKB1–AMPK pathway acts as a cell metabolic checkpoint, arresting cell growth under low intracellular ATP conditions, such as in nutrient-deficient states [301]. Energy overload may suppress LKB1–AMPK signaling, leading to increased cancer risk in patients with obesity or diabetes.
Could Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Here, in addition to the antioxidant properties, recent developments on the anti-inflammatory potentials of black cumin seeds, covering the last five years, are focused on. In low-grade inflammation in human pre-adipocytes, freshly extracted NSO reduced the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level, while stored NSO reduced IL-1β level [35]. Following NSO treatment (400 mg/kg) in rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema, there was a significant improvement in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in paw exudates and sera [36].
Pharmacological Activities of Nigella sativa
A substantial number of studies have been conducted that suggest the seeds may indeed have pharmacological potential. The seeds contain a variety of chemicals, but most of the pharmacological properties of black cumin are attributed to the presence of quinine compounds, of which thymoquinone is the most abundant. There is clinical evidence that the seeds have antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties, and some animal studies have demonstrated tumour suppression.
What is another name for black cumin?
Also known as black cumin, nigella or by its scientific name Nigella sativa, kalonji belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.