Black cumin: Health benefits, nutrients & uses

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Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Black cumin, also known as Nigella sativa, is a traditional medicinal plant that has been used in India and other parts of the world for centuries. This herb has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine systems for its therapeutic properties. Black cumin seeds contain bioactive compounds such as thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol, which have shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities. Black cumin is believed to have numerous health benefits, including improving respiratory health, promoting digestion, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health, and treating skin diseases. In this context, black cumin is considered an essential herb in traditional medicine and has gained attention from the scientific community for its potential as a natural remedy for various health conditions. This article provides comprehensive information about black cumin seeds and answers common questions about their impact on health and more.

May have antioxidant effects

Black cumin is known for its health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Recent studies on the effects of black cumin in cell-based and animal models have shown that it can lower the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as other molecules like glutathione (GSH). Supplementing with black cumin has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect against hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity in human cells. In animal studies, black cumin has been found to reduce ROS and nitrous oxide production and ameliorate toxic effects caused by lead exposure. A meta-analysis of human studies suggests that black cumin supplementation may improve SOD levels

May have anti Inflammatory effects

Black cumin and  its bioactive compound Thymoquinone (TQ)  have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for health. Recent studies have shown that black cumin can reduce inflammation in rats with paw edema, while TQ inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory factors in cells. 

May protect against neurological disorders

Black cumin and  Thymoquinone TQ have potential therapeutic benefits for various brain and nerve-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. They have also been shown to protect against chemical-induced damage to the brain in experiments. The main reasons for their benefits are their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

May have antidiabetic effects

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the blood because of problems with insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. This can cause damage to different parts of the body. Black cumin is a type of traditional medicine that may help treat diabetes. Studies have shown that black cumin can reduce the effects of diabetes by reducing inflammation, improving blood fat levels, and promoting wound healing. The main part of black cumin, called essential oil, has also been found to have similar effects. In clinical trials, black cumin has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and improve kidney function in people with diabetes. It can also lower blood fat levels and inflammation. These findings suggest that black cumin may be a useful natural remedy for people with diabetes.

May prevent high blood pressure 

Black cumin seed has been found to have protective effects on the heart and may help lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that black cumin can improve heart function and reduce damage caused by heart attacks by reducing oxidative stress. It may also have a normalising effect on high blood pressure by antagonising the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that can raise blood pressure. However, there have been some mixed results in clinical trials, with some studies showing a slight reduction in blood pressure and others showing more positive effects on lipid profiles and blood pressure. Overall, black cumin shows promise as a natural treatment for heart disease, but more research is needed to better understand its effects.

May protect against skin diseases 

Skin diseases are conditions that affect the skin and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These conditions can lead to the formation of papules, pustules, comedones, or other skin lesions, such as rashes, acne, vitiligo, eczema, psoriasis, and deep wounds. Black cumin seed has been found to be effective in treating various types of skin diseases, according to several studies.

In conclusion, black cumin seed has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries and is a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective effects have been well documented in preclinical studies. Additionally, clinical trials have shown promising results in managing various health conditions such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, and skin diseases. However, further studies are required to establish its safety and efficacy in humans, as well as to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects. Nonetheless, the evidence accumulated so far suggests that black cumin seed can be a valuable source for developing natural products with significant health benefits.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Garima Dev Verman
Garima Dev Verman
The author is a qualified nutritionist and diabetes educator. She fact checks and analyses diet and nutrition-based content on THIP
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