Black cumin oil: benefits for women and men

Black cumin oil is obtained by cold pressing from the seeds of Nigella sativa (lat. Nigella sativa). The plant grows in Southwest Asia. Vegetable oil is characterized by powerful therapeutic properties, which is why it has been used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years.

The main active ingredient in black cumin oil is thymoquinone. The biologically active component is characterized by high antioxidant properties. That is why vegetable oil is used to treat asthma, hypertension, diabetes and other diseases. Regular use of oil helps to correct weight. There are many scientific justifications confirming the positive characteristics of black seed oil.

This article highlights the potential health benefits of drinking black seed oil. It also describes the likely side effects and full information on the correct dosage of the product.

Benefits of black cumin oil

In traditional medicine, black cumin oil refers to a universal remedy that has a positive effect in the treatment of almost all types of diseases. The product acts as a kind of “panacea” for the treatment of any ailment.

Scientists have conducted hundreds of studies that confirm the high therapeutic effect when using oil.

The main properties of the product include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory;

• Hepatoprotective (the product prevents the destruction of cell membranes and promotes the restoration of hepatocytes, which positively affects the functioning of the liver);

• Antihyperlipidemic (hyperlipidemia is a disease associated with a violation of the normal metabolism of lipids in the blood. The total amount of lipoproteins increases significantly, which can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases);

• Antioxidant (experts noted the high antioxidant properties of the oil, which prevent damage to certain groups of cells);

• Antibacterial;

• Antidiabetic;

• Anti-cancer (scientists conducted a number of animal studies that confirmed the suppression of cancer cells as a result of the use of vegetable oil. Reliable evidence of the effect of oil on the body of a sick person has not yet been noted);

• Antihypertensive (black cumin oil has a positive effect on arterial hypertension);

• Painkillers (acts as a broad-spectrum analgesic);

• Anticonvulsant properties;

• Restorative qualities (promotes healing of the skin with wounds or burns);

• Antiallergic (carries out a competitive blockade of histamine in the body, which leads to inhibition of the processes of the immune response to the allergen).

The chemical composition of black cumin oil

Extensive research has been carried out to determine the composition of black cumin seeds. The method of qualitative and quantitative analysis of a wide spectrum made it possible to determine 32 compounds.

It was found that the main constituents are 9-eicosyl (63,04%), linoleic acid (13,48%), which belongs to the group of unsaturated fatty acids, and palmitic acid (9,68%), belongs to the category of monobasic carboxylic acids.

12 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

1 Antioxidant-thymoquinone against hand

The most important biological component of black cumin oil is thymoquinone. The substance has increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Numerous studies have proven that thymoquinone is the most important neuroprotector and can prevent the development of cancer. ^[1].

Thymoquinone has been found to kill pancreatic cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and has been tested to cure breast cancer (inhibits bone metastasis of breast cancer cells by abolishing the CXCR4 signaling axis ^[36]). A laboratory study has shown that thymoquinone kills prostate cancer cells and can treat aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

2 Lowers blood sugar

To confirm this effect, a number of studies have been conducted with the participation of a group of people with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Study participants took 2 grams of crushed black cumin seeds on an empty stomach throughout the day. The results confirmed a significant reduction in blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin A1c. Mean glucose levels were noted over 2-3 months ^[2], ^[3], ^[4], ^[5].

At the same time, a study was conducted in which 99 adults with type 2 diabetes took part. The participants were divided into 3 groups. The first group took 1,5 ml or 1/3 teaspoon of cumin seeds. The second group was offered a higher dose – 3 ml or 3/5 teaspoon. The rest of the subjects took a placebo. The study lasted for 20 days. As a result, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c levels compared to the results of participants who took placebo ^[6].

3 Reduces bad cholesterol levels

Scientists conducted two studies that proved the positive effect after taking cumin seeds on the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. The first study involved 90 women diagnosed with obesity. The second study included 72 adults with type 2 diabetes. Both studies confirmed that taking 3-8 grams of black cumin for 12-XNUMX weeks significantly reduced the level of bad and total cholesterol in the blood. ^[7].

Another study was conducted on 90 adults with high blood cholesterol levels. Participants were asked to consume 10 grams or 2 teaspoons of black seed oil after their morning meal for 6 weeks. The results of the study confirmed a significant reduction in the level of bad cholesterol in the body. ^[8].

4 Kills Helicobacter pylori

This study involved 88 patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of indigestion, which is caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Black cumin seeds had a positive effect on the symptoms of the disease and made it possible to eradicate bacteria. The optimal amount of oil consumption is 2 ml. By the nature of the impact on the body, the effect of taking it is comparable to three standard courses of antibiotic therapy. It is worth noting that the lower and higher dose had a less beneficial effect. ^[9].

At the same time, a number of animal studies were carried out. As a result, it has been proven that the use of cumin seeds can have a positive effect on the gastric mucosa, in case of ulcers or other damage.

5 Reduces pressure

This study involved 70 healthy adult patients. Half of the subjects took 1/2 teaspoon or 2,5 ml of black seed oil 2 times a day for 8 weeks. The other half of the subjects took a placebo. The result of the study was a decrease in blood pressure threshold in those subjects who took the oil, compared with placebo ^[10].

It should be noted that not all studies have yielded positive results. When conducting a mass study in which 800 people took part, it was noted that the blood pressure indicator was reduced by only a small fraction of a percent. It was noted that the use of cumin powder gave a greater effect compared to oil. Scientists noted that the use of this herbal component will reduce blood pressure to a small level and a course of at least 2 months is required to achieve a positive result. ^[11].

6 Helps with asthma

Scientists were able to prove that black cumin oil, namely thymoquinone in the form of the main active ingredient, has a positive effect on the course of asthma. The substance helps to relax the muscles of the respiratory tract and reduces inflammation.

In confirmation of this fact, a study was organized with the participation of 80 adults. Studies have shown that taking 500mg of black seed capsules twice a day for 4 weeks can reduce asthma attacks. ^[12].

7 Protects the brain and improves memory

The first studies with thymoquinone were able to confirm that the substance can reduce neuroinflammation. Therefore, black cumin oil can protect the human body from brain disorders – Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, a study was conducted with the participation of 40 physically healthy elderly people. As a result of the tests, stabilization of attention, improvement of memory, and activation of cognitive functions were noted. Patients took 500mg of black seed oil capsules twice daily for 9 weeks. ^[13].

8 Eases joint pain

Thymoquinone helps reduce rheumatoid arthritis. To confirm this fact, a study was conducted with the participation of 40 women. Patients were offered 500 mg of oil. The dose was divided into two doses. As a result, there was a decrease in the general symptoms of arthritis, a decrease in swelling and stiffness in the joints. ^[14].

9 Eases rheumatoid arthritis

In 2016, a small study was conducted that confirms that N. sativa oil has a positive effect on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As subjects, 43 women with rheumatoid arthritis and varying degrees of severity took part. The subjects were divided into two groups. Half took black seed oil capsules, the rest took a placebo. Tests were carried out within a month. The treatment led to a decrease in the manifestation of arthritis – a decrease in the level of inflammatory markers in the blood and the total number of inflamed joints. ^[15].

10 Reduces symptoms of allergies and sinusitis

Cumin oil has a positive effect on the development of allergic manifestations. So, in 2011, a number of studies were conducted, which were later advertised by the American Journal of Otolaryngology. Researchers have been able to prove that black seed oil reduces itching in the nose, relieves swelling of the sinuses, removes the symptoms of a common cold, and reduces the number of sneezes. Achievement of a positive effect was noted two weeks after regular intake of oil.

In 2018, an additional study was conducted, which confirmed the positive effect of the use of oil in the treatment of sinusitis. The authors of the study were able to confirm that the product is characterized by antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. ^[16].

11 Helps in the treatment of hepatitis C

The study involved 30 people with a viral disease. As a result, black cumin seeds have been shown to significantly reduce the viral load in patients with this disease. ^[18].

75 people with this disease took part in a similar test. Half of the subjects took 500 mg of black seed oil or 500 mg of the active ingredient in combination with ginger. Both groups of test subjects received a positive result. ^[19].

12 Reduces cramps

The pilot study involved 22 children with epilepsy. Thymoquinone has been proven to have a positive effect on the treatment of this disease. ^[20].

Studies have confirmed that the active substance has an anticonvulsant effect when tested on mice. Scientists claim that thymoquinone can reduce seizures by increasing GABA levels in the brain ^[21], ^[22].

In addition to all of the above, black cumin oil is recommended for use in the following cases:

• To improve concentration, memory and cognitive abilities, it is recommended to use oil for 9 weeks;

• With stress and increased anxiety, it is necessary to use black cumin seeds. The product activates cognitive abilities, improves mood and reduces anxiety;

• Black seed oil can be used topically on the skin and hair. The substance relieves dryness of the scalp, removes inflammation on the skin, activates hair growth.

[Video] Interview with Wensted University professor Muhammad Ramzi, head of the cancer research center, on the healing properties of black cumin oil: