Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that black seeds can cure several major diseases. These diseases include cancer, diabetes, skin and hair health, infertility, anxiety, and more. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post talks about the benefits of black seeds by claiming that it contains a special ingredient called thymoquinone, which can cure cancer, diabetes, skin and hair health, infertility, anxiety, and more.
A screenshot of the post has been attached below:
We have also found similar social media posts on Facebook.
Fact Check
What are black seeds?
Black seed, also known as Nigella sativa, is a plant native to Southwest Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The plant actively produces small black seeds that various traditional systems of medicine have utilized. These seeds, known as black seed, black cumin, black caraway, or kalonji, possess a pungent, bitter taste and find common application as a spice or food flavoring in specific cuisines.
Can black seeds cure several significant diseases?
Not exactly. No evidence confirms that black seeds can cure several significant diseases. But black seeds have traditionally been use for various ailments.
The claim of black seeds being able to cure significant diseases lacks substantial scientific evidence. The social media post talks about a compound named thymoquinone in black seeds, claiming it can cure cancer, diabetes, skin and hair health, infertility, anxiety, and more.
Our research shows that black seeds contain various bioactive compounds such as thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. These compounds have shown potential health benefits in laboratory studies and preliminary research and believed to have medicinal properties.
We found some research papers that show thymoquinone may contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. At the same time, a 2014 published paper shows that more evidence is needed to confirm whether the plant and its extract can be used commercially to treat several diseases.
Likewise, a review published in 2021 examined the traditional uses of the plant and concluded that there is justification for its traditional uses. However, further clinical studies are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of the plant’s pharmacological active constituents in addressing various diseases. THIP MEDIA has previously debunked consuming black seeds cure HIV, AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, STDS and Strokes.
From our research, it is quite evident that black seed and thymoquinone are no replacements for proven medical treatments. There are no widespread studies of the plant’s side effects. So, it is essential to consult an experienced medical professional on using the plant as a dietary supplement. Alson, black seeds may have some positive effects on certain health conditions. So, it is not appropriate to make claims about their ability to cure significant diseases based solely on traditional use or limited scientific evidence.
Dr Kashyap Dakshini, General physician practicing in Mumbai explains, “There have been reports of hepatoprotective action, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant cytotoxic properties and anti-cancer properties of thymoquinone, which may have a role in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, obesity, skin and hair health, viral infections, etc. However, further clinical trials are required to validate the benefits.”
Nutritionist Priyanka informs, “Thymoquinone, found in black seed, has shown potential in addressing various health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, skin and hair health, viral infections, infertility, anxiety, and more. However, the full realization of its clinical application is still pending, despite these promising findings. Human trials are still pending, preventing the translation of these findings into widespread clinical use.”
What can be the dangers of trying to cure diseases through black seeds and not seek medical advice?
Self-treating diseases with black seeds without medical advice can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed or inadequate treatment, and potential interactions with medications. Most individuals generally consider black seeds safe for consumption and experience good tolerance towards them. However, excessive or improper use may lead to potential side effects, which might include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, blood thinning and abnormal blood pressure.
THIP Media has also done another fact check that claims that Eating gooseberry can improve fertility.
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