Black seed oil, derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and offers a multitude of therapeutic applications. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the health benefits of black seed oil.
Historical Significance
Avicenna, the esteemed Persian physician and philosopher, noted in his revered “Canon of Medicine” encyclopaedia that Nigella sativa was a remedy for fatigue, fever, headache, skin diseases, wounds, fungus, parasites, and poisonous animal bites. His book was part of the standard curriculum for medical students from the 12th to 17th century (REF). The list of additional uses includes headaches, toothache, arthritis, sleep, and general infections, indicating a traditional understanding of the health benefits of black seed. Many of these are now being evidenced by scientific research. Some of the researched attributes are detailed below.
Revered for its purported ability to treat a wide range of ailments, black seed oil has been used historically to address issues such as fatigue, skin diseases, wounds, and infections, with references to its medicinal properties found in ancient texts, including the Islamic Hadith and Avicenna’s “Canon of Medicine.”
Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
The oil derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa offer a plethora of health benefits, particularly in bolstering various measures of immune function. From its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to its potential antiviral and antimicrobial effects, black seed oil shows promise in promoting overall health. Additionally, research indicates its potential to improve function in specific disorders and enhance quality of life.
Read on for some of the specific ways in which black seed oil may support your well-being.
PROMOTE HEALTHY SKIN
Topical application of black seed oil can decrease the severity of eczema.
As well as eczema, it has been used topically on a range of skin conditions. Examples include vitiligo, psoriasis and enhancing wound healing.
In one study, it was also shown to be more effective than the chemical benzoyl peroxide in treating acne.
improve Type 2 Diabetes
Two grams of black seeds daily for 3 months in addition to standard anti-diabetic medications was associated with improvements in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance with improved beta-cell function in adults with type two diabetes, compared to those on standard medication alone.
There were no adverse effects on kidney or liver function. This is a very promising adjunct to treating this common metabolic disease.
reduce High Cholesterol
In a rat study, oral administration of 2 different extracts containing ~2.6% -13.5% from black seeds effectively reduced plasma triglycerides, the “bad” low and very-low density lipoproteins (LDL), and significantly increased the “good” high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). The lower TQ extract had a higher amount of linoleic acid, which the authors point out as an important synergistic fatty acid in lipid management.
aid Blood Pressure Management
A daily dose of Nigella sativa oil was shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals without any adverse effects. In the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial participants consumed 5mL daily for 8 weeks.
We suggest a daily 5mL dose of BLAQ®
reduce Kidney Stones, Gallstones
Black seed has been demonstrated to have significant positive effects on disappearance or reduction of size of kidney stones.
In this randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, sixty patients with kidney stones were treated with black seed for 10 weeks (or placebo).
In the black seed group, 44.4% of patients excreted their stones completely compared to 15.3% of those in the placebo group.
Black seed oil has volatile ingredients that have demonstrable ability to dissolve gallstones (Ref). This work is still “preclinical” and further research is underway.
COMBAT Gastric Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) commonly infects the stomach, giving rise to acid reflux and is a risk factor for gastric cancer.
In one study, 88 adult patients with H.pylori were randomly assigned to groups designed to compare the effectiveness of black seed + omeprazole with standard “triple therapy” (2 antibiotics + omeprazole) for eradication of the infection.
Eradication was achieved in 67% of those receiving 2g Nigella sativa seed daily, compared to 83% in the triple therapy group, suggesting that black seed may be a reasonable low-risk first-line treatment for H.pylori infection. Eradication was only 48% in the groups receiving 1g & 3g of black seeds, demonstrating a clear dose-effect.
IMPROVE IMMUNE FUNCTION
A plethora of health benefits of black seed oil have been documented, particularly in bolstering various measures of immune function. Studies suggest that black seed oil may enhance immune response by modulating inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Here’s just a few:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A concoction of Nigella sativa and honey was administered for 16 weeks to six patients with HIV. At 20 days, all symptoms disappeared and CD4 counts had increased significantly. After 8 weeks, viral load decreased significantly and was undetectable 4-months post-treatment in all patients.
Allergy
Allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever is a bothersome (often seasonal) problem. Not only is it irritating, it increases the risk of bronchial asthma, chronic sinusitis, ear infections, and cognitive, emotional, and performance-related problems in children as well as adults.
In a controlled study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology in 2011, people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) who were taking Nigella sativa oil (otherwise known as Black Seed Oil) reported significant reductions in nasal itching, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and IgE (a marker of allergic reaction) within 2 weeks of commencing the treatment. Those taking the oil also had less tissue changes in their nasal passages, confirming less irritation and inflammation [Study link].
While many use anti-histamines to control hay fever symptoms, natural support is at hand, which may help you in other ways as well!
Asthma
80 asthmatics were randomised to placebo or Nigella sativa capsules. After 4 weeks, those on black seed had improved asthma control with a trend for improvement in lung function. Also noted was what the study team reported as “a remarkable normalisation of blood eosinophilia” (eosinophils are a key white blood cell involved in exaggerated immune responses).
Covid-19
A 2022 study failed to demonstrate a reduction in inflammation in people with mild and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection from administration of Nigella sativa seeds. This may be due to short intervention (10 days), by which time the natural resolution of mild cases of Covid-19 equalised in the groups. The study did not report on levels of active ingredients.
Inflammation
In a study published in 2019, patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [now called Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASH)] were randomised to Nigella sativa seed (2g/day) or placebo.
At the end of the 12-week study markers of inflammation (high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to those taking placebo. Fibroscan (a specialised scan of the liver) confirmed a reduction in hepatic steatosis in the Black Seed group.
ENHANCE fertility
Male Infertility
Infertile men with low sperm count or abnormal sperm morphology were included in a placebo-controlled study.
After 2 months of taking black seed oil daily, sperm count, motility and morphology and semen volume, pH and round cells were improved significantly in those taking the oil compared with those taking placebo.
Read more about male infertility here.
Female Infertility
A systematic review of studies investigating the effect of Nigella sativa on fertility found that, while no studies in humans have been conducted, positive effects were seen in rodents with PCOS, including normalisation of ovarian cycling, reduced formation of cysts, and increased ovulation.
Another rodent study found increased levels of progesterone after 30 days of TQ supplementation. However, as is common in animal studies, the dose given is not translatable to a practical dose for humans.
Read more about female infertility and how natural therapies can help here.
Nutritional Profile
In addition to its medicinal properties, the seeds of Nigella sativa are a good source of essential amino acids, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A.
Thymoquinone and nigellone are two bioactive compounds found in black seed oil, contributing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
All these nutrients support the health of joints, skin and hair.
By incorporating BLAQ® Organic Black Seed Oil into your daily routine, you can harness the powerful health benefits of this ancient remedy and support your overall wellbeing naturally.
A Summary of the Health Benefits of Black Seed oil
Black seed oil, derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa, is renowned for its array of health benefits, particularly in enhancing immune function. Studies suggest that black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with potential antiviral and antimicrobial effects, contribute to its ability to promote overall immune health.
Moreover, research indicates its efficacy in improving respiratory function, alleviating allergy symptoms, and enhancing overall immune resilience.
Beyond immune support, black seed oil has been linked to various health benefits, including improved skin health, blood pressure regulation, kidney stone management, and even potential anti-cancer properties.
Incorporating black seed oil into your daily regimen may offer a natural and holistic approach to supporting immune function and overall wellbeing.
