Nigella Sativa flowers

Freitag, 8. April 2011

Euforia – powerful liquid antioxidant drink

Euforia – powerful liquid antioxidant drink


By VERDEL BISHOP Tuesday, April 5 2011



Research shows that alternative treatments can be used to treat any type of ailment and today more than ever alternative healing treatments are giving people a new lease on life. Euforia is one such treatment.



Euforia, an organic antioxidant juice produced by Nuverus, is available in this country and according to local product representatives, the antioxidant juice can be an important component to maintain a healthy lifestyle.



Colson Gilkes, Nuverus representative said Euforia is loaded with antioxidants which boosts the immune system. Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow oxidative damage to our body. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer are all contributed by oxidative damage.



When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. However, the key is to have enough antioxidants in place to handle the onslaught of constant free radical production. Antioxidants enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of diseases and infection.



According to Gilkes, taking a daily shot of Euforia each day ensures that your body is equipped to fight oxidation. The product comes in 32 ounce and two ounces bottles. Gilkes noted, “Taking a one ounce shot per day is a powerful defense against oxidation. Doctors actually prescribe one ounce per day per individual. The dosage can be increased depending on the individual, so you can take one ounce in the morning and one in the evening,” Gilkes said. He noted that people have already began to salute Euforia for giving them the gift of health. “We have many success stories. Euforia has helped cure many disorders and ailments and this makes us confident about the product,” he said.



Ron Diaz, Nuverus presidential committee member and CEO and Founder of New Vision Health Ministries, said Euphoria, which has over 29 different ingredients is a powerful antioxidant. He noted it was designed by doctors for doctors. “Fortunately we have the product in our hands to share with people before they get sick not after,” Diaz said.



According to Diaz, one of the most common causes of the loss of protective antioxidants is inflammation. He said inflamation is the culprit that can lead to chronic pain and serious disease and antioxidants are the remedy to this problem. “In the last decade scientists have proven that some antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and Euforia is leading with these antioxidants,” he said.



Diaz noted Euforia is a blend of potent ingredients including black seed, mangosteen, pomegraate aloe vera, acai berry, noni, green tea, curcuma, blueberry and resveratrol which all work to fight body pluton which causes numerous diseases. These ingredients are what makes Euforia a powerful liquid antioxidant drink, as the ingredients are combined to fight disease, free radicals and slow down the aging process. It must be noted that they are by no means a substitute for eating healthy foods, fruits and vegetables regularly, however they can dramatically increase the body’s ability to fight infection.



Diaz lauded the effectiveness of black seed (nigella sativa) which he describes as the flagship ingredient in the antioxidant juice. “Black seed is considered to be one of the greatest healing herbs of all times,” he said. This herb has been used for millenniums to strengthen the immune system, cleanse the body, purify the blood, protect against irritants and support healthy longevity.



“Black seed was formulated to work synergistically with all of the ingredients to make the most comprehensive and unique blend available,” he said.





Allergic Rhinitis: Nigella Sativa Stops Runny Nose and All Symptoms

Allergic Rhinitis: Nigella Sativa Stops Runny Nose and All Symptoms


According to the American Journal of Otolaryngology, 10/18/ 2010, Nigella sativa treats and reduces runny nose, nasal itching, mucosal congestion, sneezing attacks, muscular pallor and turbinate hypertrophy. The findings go on to say that OTC drugs can be avoided when treating allergic rhinitis. The perfect way is to put a few drops of the oil in each nostril and then take 1 - 2 teaspoons of the oil daily.

Nigella sativa is known to cure all disease except death or rather treat and eradicate I should say as the FDA does not want us to use the word cure. Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s beloved Prophet (PBUH) saying ”There is healing in Black Seed for all diseases except death.”

This article was posted on MDLinx

To learn more about Nigella sativa, read my eBook, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Black Cumin."

Characterization of Nigella Sativa L. Essential Oil-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 5 (1): 52-57, 2010


ISSN 1557-4962

© 2010 Science Publications

Corresponding Author: Nagi A. ALHaj, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,

Sana’a University, P.O. Box 13078, Sana’a, Yemen Tel: +967-1-218889 H/S +967-714-222-561

52

Characterization of Nigella Sativa L. Essential Oil-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

1,4Nagi A. ALHaj, 2Mariana. N. Shamsudin, 2Norfarrah. M. Alipiah, 2Hana F. Zamri,

3Ahmad Bustamam, 3Siddig Ibrahim and 4Rasedee Abdullah

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,

Sana’a University, P.O. Box 13078, Sana’a, Yemen

2Department Marine Science and Aquaculture, Institute of Bioscience,

University Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

3Laboratory of Cancer Research MAKNA-UPM, Institute of Biosciences,

University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor DE, Malaysia

4Department of Microbiology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,

University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: Problem statement: Seeds of Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black seed, have been used in traditional medicine by many Asian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern Countries to treat headache, coughs, abdominal pain, diarrhea, asthma, rheumatism and other diseases. The seeds of this plant are the most extensively studied, both phytochemically and pharmacologically. The aqueous and

oil extracts of the seeds have been shown to possess especially nowadays in pharmaceutical antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, antimicrobial activities and medicinal and cosmetic applications, sanitary, cosmetic, agricultural and food industries. Approach: The aim of this study was to formulate a new delivery system for dermal and cosmetic application by the incorporation of Nigella sativa essential oil into solid lipid nanoparticles SLN. SLN formulations were prepared

following the high-pressure homogenization after starring and ultra-trax homognization techniques using hydrogenated palm oil Softisan 154 and N. sativa essential oil as lipid matrix, sorbitol and water as surfactants. The SLN formulation particle size was determined using Photon Correlation System (PCS). Results: The change of particle charge was studied by Zeta Potential (ZP) measurements, while

the melting and re-crystallization behavior was studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry

(DSC). Data showed a high physical stability for both formulations at various storage

temperatures during 3 months of storage. In particular, average diameter of N. sativa essential oilloaded

SLN did not vary during storage and increased slightly after freeze-drying the SLN

dispersions. Conclusion: Therefore, obtained results showed that the studied SLN formulations are

suitable carriers in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields.

Key words: Solid lipid nanoparticles, Nigella sativa, palm oil, high pressure homogenization,







INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in nanoparticulate systems for improved drug delivery display a great potential for the administration of exigent active molecules. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as an alternative to other novel delivery approaches due to various advantages such as feasibility of incorporation of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, improved physical stability, low cost compared to liposomes and ease of scale-up and manufacturing. Moreover, the potential of SLNs in epidermal targeting, follicular delivery, controlled drug delivery, increased skin hydration due to greater occlusivity and photostability improvement of active pharmaceutical ingredients has been very well established (Shah et al., 2007; Muller et al., 2000; Mehnert and Mader, 2001). Solid lipid nanoparticles are colloidal carrier systems composed of a high

melting point lipid/s as a solid core coated by surfactants. The term lipid in a broader sense includes triglycerides, partial glycerides, fatty acids, hard fats and waxes. A clear advantage of SLNs is the fact that the lipid matrix is made from physiological lipids which decreases the danger of acute and chronic toxicity. Highly purified natural solid lipids such as stearine fractions of fruit kernel are low cost alternative to the commercial lipids used for SLN production. This specialty material is derived from indigenous source, available in abundance and supplemented with essential

bio-actives. They are completely biodegradable. High saturated fatty acid-oleic acid-saturated fatty acid (SOS) content and exceptional high oxidation resistance of these fractions (Gunstone, 2004) would be beneficial for drug encapsulation efficiency and the drug stability upon the encapsulation, respectively. The main aim of this investigation was to develop SLNs from indigenous solid lipids by using a simple method such as microemulsion technique. Furthermore, the aim was to characterize these SLNs and evaluate its potential in the topical delivery system using a lipophilic drug model. Nigella sativa is an annual herb of the Ranunculaceae family, which grows in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Pakistan and India. This widely

distributed plant is native to Arab countries and other parts of the Mediterranean region. For thousands of years, this plant has been used in many Asian, Middle

Eastern and Far Eastern Countries as a spice and food preservative as well as a protective and health remedy in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of

numerous disorders. The seed of this plant is commonly known as black seed and is referred to by the prophet Mohammed as having healing powers. The seeds are

commonly eaten alone or in combination with honey and in many food preparations. The oil prepared by compressing the seeds of N. sativa is used for cooking. Black seed is also identified as the curative black cumin in the Holy Bible and is described as the Melanthion of Hippocrates and Discroides and as the Gith of Pliny. N. sativa plant is one of the most extensively studied, both phytochemically and pharmacologically. The extracts of N. sativa seeds have been used by patients to suppress coughs disintegrate renal calculi, retard the carcinogenic process (Worthen et al., 1998;

Hosseinzadeh et al., 2007) treat abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence and polio (Enomoto et al., 2001), exert choleretic and uricosuric activities, antiinflammatory

(Chakravarty, 1993; Houghton et al., 1995) and antioxidant effects (Mansour et al., 2002; Mansour, 2000). Besides, the essential oil was shown to have antihelminthic (Agarwal et al., 1979), antinematodal (Akhtar and Riffat, 1991), antischistosomal (Mahmoud et al., 2002), antimicrobial (Aboul-Ela et al., 1996; Hanafy and Hatem, 1991; Aboul-Ela, 2002) and antiviral (Salem and Hossain, 2000) effects. The pharmacological properties appear to be involved in the beneficial effects of N. sativa oil on headache, flatulence, blood homeostasis abnormalities, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases (Boulos, 1983). Moreover, the seeds are believed to have

carminative, stimulatory and diaphoretic properties and are used in the treatment of bronchial asthma and eczema (Boulos, 1983). In view of this, exploring the potential of SLNs in improving the topical delivery of N. sativa oil seems worthwhile wherein; indigenous natural solid lipids were explored to offer their inherent merits to improve treatment efficacy and patient compliance. An alternative, lab-scale technique of

micro-emulsion template was utilized for production of SLNs in the preparation of topical dosage form.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nigella sativa seeds: The seeds were purchased from a local herbal shop in Yemen. Seeds were stored in dark at 4°C for 20 days. Immediately prior to the extraction

process, the seeds were ground in a blender to produce a powder with an approximate size of 150 g.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE): A SFE system mode (Thar, Germany) at the Food Science and Biotechnology Laboratory UPM was used for the extraction. In this study, extraction was performed by filling extraction vessel with 150.0 g of the completely crashed seeds. The plant was then extracted with SFE under 400 atm pressure and 40°C temperature for 15 min static followed by 20 min dynamic. A duraflow manual variable restrictor (Suprex) was used in the SFE system to collect the extracted analytes as shown in the (Fig. 1 and 2).The SFE flow rate through the duraflow restrictor was approximately 25 g min-1 (compressed). The extracted analyses were collected in a volumetric flask. The final volume of the extract was adjusted to 35 mL at the end of the extraction. In order to have better collection efficiency, the 35 mL volumetric flask was placed in an ice bath during the dynamic extraction stage.



RESULTS

An adequate characterization of the solid lipid particles is a necessity for the control of the quality of the product. PCS is the most powerful techniques for routine measurements of particle size. The zeta potential distribution of SLN was showed in Table 1. The mean zeta potential was -15.4 mV (n = 5). Therefore, this method had gained a relative good stability and dispersion quality. The zeta potential of SLN (3) varied in dependence of the emulsifier concentration from K14.8 mV, prior to any addition of nonionic emulsifier, to about 0 mV at an emulsifier lipid ratio of 1-2. Due to the decrease in particle size and zeta potential with increasing surfactant concentration it is supposed that the surfactant is present at least partly

close to the particle interface.



The cooling curves obtained 1 day after production showed that the formulation re-crystallized in different polymorphic forms. SLN cooling curve shows a main

peak at 55.68°C which can be attributed to the beta modification.

BLACK SEED, NIGELLA SATIVA, DESERVES MORE ATTENTION

EDITORIAL




BLACK SEED, NIGELLA SATIVA, DESERVES MORE ATTENTION



Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed, called as ‘Black Seed’ in English language, ‘Al-Habba Al-Sauda’ or ‘Al-

Habba Al-Barakah’ in Arabic and ‘Kalvanji’ in Urdu and some local languages in the Indian Sub-

continent, is well known in the Middle East, Middle Asia and Far East as a natural remedy for many

ailments and as a flavouring agent in bread and prickles. An authentic saying of the Prophet

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) about black seed is also quoted in Al-Bukhari1:



‫ﻗﺎل رﺳﻮل اﷲ ﺻﻠﻰ اﷲ ﻋﻠﯿﮫ وﺳﻠﻢ )ﻋﻠﯿﻜﻢ ﺑﮭﺬه اﻟﺤﺒﺔ اﻟﺴﻮداء ﻓﺄن ﻓﯿﮭﺎ‬

‫ﺷﻔﺎء ﻣﻦ ﻛﻞ داء إﻻ اﻟﺴﺄم ( واﻟﺴﺄم ھﻮ اﻟﻤﻮت رواه أﺑﻮ ھﺮﯾﺮة رﺿﻰ‬

‫اﷲ ﻋﻨﮫ وأﺧﺮﺟﮫ اﻟﺒﺤﺎري‬

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased from him) narrated that Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said “Use the

black seed, which is a healing for all diseases except ‘As-Sam ” and As-Sam is Death.1



Unfortunately very few of us in the medical profession are aware of its medicinal properties

discovered by the modern scientific techniques. Advancements in the methods of analytical

chemistry, physiology, pharmacology and microbiology, etc have led to the discovery of many

active principles of the N. sativa like: Nigellicine, nigellidine, nigellimine-N-oxide, thymoquinone,

dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, nigellone, thymol, arvacrol, oxy-coumarin, 6-methoxy-

coumarin and 7-hydroxy-coumarin, alpha-hedrin, steryl-glucoside as well as rich amounts of flavinoids,

tannins, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, scorbic acid, iron and calcium2–6; and a number of

pharmacological effects of profound therapeutic value, like: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-

histaminic, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, immune stimulation, anti-asthmatic, anti- hypertensive,

hypoglycemic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic.7–25 Even in the veterinary medicine,

besides the beneficial effects of N. sativa seed and its oil in many infectious diseases; there are reports that

the addition of N. sativa seed cakes in the feed of buffalo and lambs improved their body weight and

reproductivity; and the addition of N. sativa seed in the food of broiler chicks improved their immunity and 

feed conversion efficacy26–29. The advent of HIV infection and induction of immune suppression e.g. for

organ transplants or by cancer chemotherapy increased the predisposition to invasive bacterial, viral and

fungal infections. Considering the scarcity of reports regarding the activity of N. sativa against fungi and the

growing need for the development of new anti fungal drugs, a few studies have been conducted at the King

Faisal University (KFU) Dammam Saudi Arabia for the antifungal effects of N. sativa. The ether extract of

N. sativa seed and its derivative, thymoquinone, were found to inhibit some opportunistic fungi: Aspergillus

niger, Fusarium solani and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and many species of three important genera of

dermatophytes:

Trichophyton, Epidemophyton and Microsporum, isolated from the clinical cases.23,24,30 Similarly,

considering the development of resistance against the presently available antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori, a

clinical trial was conducted to investigate the activity of N. sativa seed for the eradication of H. pylori in

non-ulcer dyspeptic patients and found to possess anti-H. pylori activity comparable to the standard

triple therapy. These few reports are just for example, in fact there is a great potential in the N. sativa and its

active principles for the development of new anti-microbial drugs. Besides, anti-oxidant and anti-

cancer activities of N. sativa also need more attention. Although a lot of work has been done to

demonstrate these effects, a lot more is needed to develop new anti-cancer drugs from N. sativa.

Regarding the safety of N. sativa; its seed powder did not produce any toxic effects at very high

doses (28 gm/kg orally)31 in rabbits; its oil was also very safe when given orally to rats (LD50 of 28.8

ml/kg)32; and oral thymoquinone was also found to be quite safe (LD50 of 2.4 g/kg).33 However, there are

controversial reports for the LD50 of thymoquinone given intraperitoneally to rats/mice, varying from 10

mg/kg to 90.3 mg/kg.20,34 Lower intraperitoneal LD50 is probably due to local irritation caused by

thymoquinone. Because of this variation LD50 of thymoquinone given orally as well as intraperitoneally, both

in mice and rats, was determined at KFU, Dammam; which confirmed the safety of thymoquinone with an

oral LD50 of around 1000 mg/kg and intraperitoneal LD50 of around 100 mg/kg.35

Hundreds and thousands of research articles are available in the internet, published in the well known

international medical journals, regarding studies on the medicinal properties of N. sativa seed, its oil and

active principles. There are many web-sites for the promotion of the natural products from N. sativa: seed 

itself, capsules of seed powder, seed powder with tea; and its oil, cream, ointment and shampoo, etc. Once 

the awareness about the beneficial effects of N. sativa will increase that would draw the attention of the

agriculturists to grow N. sativa, pharmaceutical industry to prepare, compound and dispense its products and

the basic and clinical researchers to investigate more and more of its pharmacological effects and therapeutic

efficacy.



REFERENCES



1.



Al-Bukhari. MI. Division (71) on medicine. In Sahi Al-Bukhari,

the collection of authentic sayings of Prophet Mohammad (peace

be upon him). 2nd ed. Hilal Yayinlari, Ankara, Turkey, 1976.

Gad AM, El-Dakhakhany M, Hassan MM. Studies on the

chemical constitution of Egyptian Nigella sativa L oil. Planta

Med,1963;11(2):134–8.

Ata-ur-Rehman, Malik S, Ahmed S, Chaudhry I, Habib-ur-

Rehman. Nigellimine-N-Oxide, a new isoquinoline alkaloid

from seeds of Nigella sativa. Heterocycles, 1985;23:953–5.

Ata-ur-Rehman, Malik S, Cun-Hung H, Clardy J. Isolation and

structure determination of nigellicine, a novel alkaloid from seeds

of Nigella sativa. Tetrahedron Lett, 1985;26:2759–62.

Atta-ur-Rehman, Malik S. Nigellidine, a new indazole alkaloid

from seeds of Nigella sativa. J Res Iinst, 1995;36:1993–6.

Kumara SS, Huat BT. Extraction, isolation and characterization

of anti-tumour principle, alpha-hedrin, from the seeds of Nigella

sativa. Planta Med, 2001;67(1):29–32.

Houghton PJ, Zarka R, de las Heras B, Hoult JR. Fixed oil of

Nigella sativa and derived thymoquinone inhibit eicosanoid

generation in leukocytes and membrane lipid peroxidation. Planta

Med, 1995;61(1):33–6.

Mutabagani A, El-Mahdy SAM. A study of the anti-

inflammatory activity of Nigella sativa L. and thymoquinone.

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Al-Ghamdi MS. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic

activity of Nigella sativa. J Ethnopharmacol, 2001;76:45–8.

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immunity. Proceeding of the 4th International Conference on

Islamic Medicine, Kuwait. Bull Islamic Med, 1986;4:344–8.

Salomi MJ, Nair SC, Panikkar KR. Inhibitory effect of Nigella

sativa and Saffron (Crocus sativus) on chemical carcinogenesis

in mice. Nutr Cancer, 1991;16(1):67–72.

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al-Bekairy AM. Thymoquinone protects against carbon

tetracholide hepatotoxicity in mice via an antioxidant

mechanism. Biochem Mol Biol Int, 1999;47(1):153–9.

Burits M, Bucar F. Antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa essential

oil. Phytother Res, 2000; 14 (5): 323-8.

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1960;8(4):864–7.

Al-Awadi FM, Gumma KA. Studies on the activity of individual

plants of an anti-diabetic plant mixture. Acta Diabetol Lat,

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Bamosa AO, Ali BA, Sowayan SA. Effect of oral ingestion of

Nigella sativa seed on some blood parameters. Saudi Pharm J,

1997;5(2–3):126–9.

20. El-Dakhakhany M. Studies on the Egyptian Nigella sativa L:

Some pharmacological properties of its seed’s active principle in

comparison to its dihydro-compound and its polymer. Arzneim

Forsch Drug Res, 1965;15:1227–9.

21. Topozada HH, Masloum H, El-Dakhakhany M. The anti-

bacterial properties of Nigella sativa seeds: Active principle with

some clinical application. J Egypt Med Assoc,

1965;48(suppl):187–202.

22. Morsi NM. Antimicrobial effect of crude extracts of Nigella

sativa on multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria. Acta Microbiol

Pol, 2000;49(1):63–74.

23. Aljabre SHM, Randhawa MA, Akhtar A, Alakloby OM,

Alqurashi AM and Aldossary A.

Antidermatophyte

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principle, thymoquinone. Journal of Ethnopharmacology,

2005;101(1–3):116–9.

24. Randhawa MA, Alaklobi OM, Ajabre SHM, Alqurashi AM,

Akhtar N. Thymoquinone, an active principle of Nigella sativa,

inhibited Fusarium solani. Pak J Med Res, 2005;44(1):1–3.

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feeding Nigella sativa cake on productive and reproductive

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ESI Productive performance of lambs fed with diets containing

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1998;1(2):97–107.

29. Osman AMA, El-Barody MAA. Growth performance and

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against Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. Arab Journal of

Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2005;3:27–33.

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Toxicity study of Kaluduru (oil of Nigella sativa). “Ayurveda

Sameeksha”, 1997, Department of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka.

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Hassar M. Acute and chronic toxicity of Nigella sativa fixed oil.

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Elmazar MMA. Acute and subchronic toxicity of thymoquinone

in mice. Drug Development Research, 1998;44:56–61.

34. Mansour MA, Ginwai OT, El-Hadiya T, El-Khatib AS, Al-

Shabanah OA, Al-Sawaf HA. Effects of volatile oil constituents

of Nigella sativa on carbon tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity

in mice: evidence for antioxidant effects of thymoquinone. Res

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Address for Correspondence:



Dr. Mohammad Akram Randhawa, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University,

Dammam, KSA

Email: mrakramsa@yahoo.co.uk

Donnerstag, 7. April 2011

Hwaairfan's Blog"Change an evil action with your hands; and if not, with your tongue; and if not then with your heart; and that is the weakest…"


HomeBlack Seed Oil

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Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)



By Hwaa Irfan



Known also as fennel/Nutmeg flower, Love-Lies-Bleeding, Black Cumin/Caraway, or Roman coriander in English, the spice from which black seed oil is derived is native to Syria. Spreading from the Middle East to Africa, India, and Europe it is not to be confused with cumin, i.e. Cuminum cyminun/odorum the seed is used a popular spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, traditional and alternative medicine, and is often used to replace pepper in French cuisine. In India, the seeds may be placed amongst the linen to keep away insects, traditional Indian herbal medicine apply it as a carminative, for gastro-intestinal disorders, diabetes, inflammations, chest infections, and for fevers. In South East Morocco the seeds are used for hypertension, and diabetes.



Records reveal that it has been used for over 3, 000 years – seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankh-amun. Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said:



“Use this black seed regularly, because it has a cure for every disease except death.” (Al Bukhari)



Known as faux cumin in French, schwarzkummel (German), tikur azmud (Amharic), habbet el-barakat (Arabic), kalo jira (Bengali), Sanuj (Catalan), hak jung chou (Cantonese), siah daneh (Farsi), kalanji (Hindi), chernushka in Portuguese, and jintan hitam (Malay), black seed belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae in the plant kingdom. The firm stems bear grayish-green leaves, and white – grayish-blue flowers. The seeds have a curious three corner shape, with two flat sides, and one convex with a brown-black exterior, and a white interior. Sown in the spring, the seeds ripen around the middle of summer carrying bearing a strong, pungent aroma..Once harvested the seeds must be kept in a cool dry place.



As the use of Black seed oil has become widespread, more names have popped up including black cumin oil, nigella seed oil, and black oil. It is obtained from the seeds through cold press extraction. The oil is thick in consistency, and has a deep-dark amber color with a strong pungent aroma. It should be bought in an amber bottle which prevents light from deteriorating the therapeutic value, and has a shelf life of 6 months if kept in a stable environment, but refrigeration is recommended.



When buying the oil, make sure that it is labeled cold pressed, and solvent free because it has been known to be extracted using a petroleum-based process.



Chemical Properties



Black seed oil contains over 100 properties synergistically, and in pharmacology it has been found that it is best to use the whole oil (rather than specific properties e.g. supplement), or the crude oil extract. The chemical properties identified include:



Dithymoquinone/nigellone

Nigellicine

Nigellidine

Nigellimine

Nigellimine N-oxide

n-Nonane

n-Nonane

Thymoquinone

P-cymene

A-pinene

Thymo­hydroquinone

Thymol

Melanin

Stearic acids

Arginine

Methionine

Lysine

Glycine

Leucine

Phytosterols

Estragole

Carvacrol

Carvone

Limonene

α-Thujene

α-Pinene

Sabinene

4-terpineol

Citronellol

Palmitic acid

Oleic acid

Linoleic acid

Linolenic acid

Glutamic acid

Ascorbic acid

Calcium

Potassium

Sodium

Iron

Zinc

Magnesium

Selenium

Vitamin A

Vitamin B

Vitamin B₂

Vitamin C

Niacin

In clinical trials, Nigellone or dithymoquinone has been found to be affective in the relief of bronchial asthma, and is effective with allergies pertaining to the lungs e.g. asthma, emphysema, congestion because nigellone acts as an inhibitor of histamine. Thymoquinone protects against nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity (pertaining to the liver) induced by either disease or chemicals. The oil has demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory qualities against encephalomyelitis, colitis, peritonitis, edema, and arthritis by suppressing prostaglandins and leukotriens which lead to inflammation.



Therapeutic Properties



Much of the therapeutic qualities of black seed oil has yet to be discovered in the medical sense, but what has been discovered includes:



Analgesic

Anti-allergenic

Anti-bacterial

Anti-depressant

Anti-inflammatory

Antifungal

Antipyretic

Anti-rheumatic

Anti-viral

Anthelmintic

Antioxidant

Carminative

Emmenagogue

Galactagogue

Hepatic

Hypoglycemic

Tonic (immune system)

For glossary see It All Makes Good Scents



This oil is a powerful antioxidant preventing the deterioration of cells. As an emmenagogue it stimulates menstruation in cases of suppressed menses, and as a galactagogue it stimulates lactate ion in nursing mothers. It is a tonic to the immune system by increasing antibodies, a tonic to the liver by strengthening the function of the nephrons, and detoxifying the liver. Its qualities as an anthelmintic means that it destroys and expels worms, as an analgesic it relieves pain whether taken orally or applied externally, and as an antipyretic it reduces fever. As a carminative the oil promotes the discharge and flow of bile from the gall bladder into the small intestines by disinfecting the bowels.



Indications



Digestive problems, constipation

Congestion of the liver

Diabetes

Sluggish lymphatic, vascular system

Delayed menses

High blood pressure

Exhaustion, anxiety, depression

Skin infections, acne

Colds, flu

Hair loss

Allergies(especially ears, nose and throat)

Chest infections

Nursing mothers

Contraindications



There is low adverse reaction to black seed oil, but allergic dermatitis is possible for those with sensitive skin in its concentrated (absolute) form. It should not be used in conjunction with antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. Ingestion can cause gripe, and the estragole content makes it unsuitable for pregnant women, and its anti-oxytocic qualities also makes it unsuitable for pregnant women, by preventing contractions. It is also unsuitable for those who suffer from low blood pressure.



Application



Can be taken orally for the treatment of allergies, arthritis, anxiety, bruises, cold symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, high blood pressure, flu, sore muscles, rheumatism, and stomach problems.



It can be applied directly to the scalp for hair loss



It can be applied directly to non-sensitive skin for the treatment of fungal infections (I have recently used it successfully in the treatment of psoriasis of the skin)



It can be rubbed on the back for treatment of asthma, and chest infections



It can be massaged on the stomach for colic



Dripped into the ear for infections of the ear



It can be rubbed on the forehead for headaches.



Applied in vapour therapy (though the smell maybe disliked by some) for acne, asthma, coughs, and allergies.



Sources:



Blunden, G. “Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties of Nigella Sativa.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12722128



“Fennel Flower.” http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/fenflo04.html



“Kalanji.” http://www.drugs.com/npp/kalanji.html



Nickavar, B et al “Chemical Composition of the Fixed and Volatile Oils of Nigella sativa L. from Iran.”



Salem, L. “Immunomodulatory and Therapeutic Properties of the Nigella Sativa Seed.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16275613



Aromatherapy Series:



It All Makes Good Scents!



Amber Oil



Angelica Root Oil



Anise Oil



Basil Oil



Bay Oil



Bergamot Oil



Bitter Almond Oil



Bitter Orange Oil



Calendula Oil



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3 Responses to Black Seed Oil

roopesh chaumal February 17, 2011 at 9:44 am

send me price of black seed oil



Reply

roopesh chaumal February 17, 2011 at 9:46 am

what is cost of black seed oil



Reply

linen March 22, 2011 at 5:50 am

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Black Seed Oil – So Many Benefits!

Black Seed Oil – So Many Benefits!
Posted: December 16, 2010 by jaymurdock in Better Health and Fitness


Tags: Family Health, Fatty acid, Health, Heart disease, Immune system, Natures Sunshine, Nutrient, Omega-3 fatty acid, Omega-6 fatty acid, Vitamins and Minerals 1 i1 Vote

Re-posted by permission - Saabr International
by Ben Mester Plan B Publishing

I’ve been doing an extensive study on anti-inflammatory herbs recently, and I came across an oil that I hadn’t heard of before called black seed oil, which has also been called black cumin. At first I thought it was just one of the many oils now constantly being extracted from seeds and explored by science. I found the opposite to be true, that black seed oil is something that cultures have been using for many hundreds of years for its health benefits. Black seed oil in fact has a history of 1400 years or so of use, and has been used to treat a host of different ailments, from things such as simple nervousness, to complex conditions like heart disease.


Black seed oil seems to be especially effective against respiratory ailments because it has an active agent that calms the nerves and is antispasmatic, and it also contains an active ingredient that helps support the bronchial tubes. But the reason why I’m intrigued by it is because it acts both as a detoxifier as well as an anti inflammatory. Those are two benefits which I’ve been researching heavily in recent days. Not only that, but black seed oil contains over 100 different nutrients that are all beneficial to the human body. This too I like, since one of my quests is to take as few supplements as possible.


As I mentioned earlier, there are over 100 nutrients in black seed oil that are beneficial to the body. And even though some medicinal practices with black seed oil direct the user to use it topically on the body, I like the idea better of ingesting it because then the body can use the valuable nutrients. So what’s in black seed oil?

1. Fatty Acids. Black seed oil is literally a wealth of fatty acids, which are growing harder and harder to come by in the modern era. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find the right amounts and types of essential fatty acids in your standard diet. It contains both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, making it very valuable. Why do I need fatty acids anyways? Fatty acids comprise the gray matter and working surface of your brain. If you have a deficiency in fatty acid intake, your brain function begins to suffer, which as you can imagine, can cause quite a few other problems.


2. Vitamins and Minerals. Black seed oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains a host of different vital nutrients, things like thiamin, zinc, riboflavin, copper, plant proteins, and other vital nutrients.

Now that we’ve talked a bit about the big nutritional value of black seed oil, lets get a little bit into some of the various ailments that proponents claim it helps treat. The great thing about this supplement is that it’s not only very nutritious, but it also helps soothe ailments. This is a very rare combination, to find something so nutritious, that can also alleviate disease. According to tradition and studies, black seed oil has been effective in treating:

Asthma and Coughing. As we talked about before, black seed oil has been used effectively in the treatment of certain respiratory conditions. One can rub black seed oil on their chest and back, inhale vapors of black seed oil and water, drink it in a tea, or take a tablespoon of it once or twice a day. I personally prefer drinking it in hot tea. The tea will help soothe the throat, and the vapors from inhaling the tea will help magnify the effect, as will the oil itself when it reaches the throat and stomach.

Heart Disease. Traditionally, black seed oil was seen as a heart healthy substance. Though it hasn’t yet been fully verified and substantiated by science, black seed oil proponents claim that it has the power to cleanse the arteries and dissolve fats. The recommended way to consume it is in a cup of warm tea.

A Nigella sativa compound exterminates multiple myeloma cells

Margaret's Corner(LIVING WITH SMOLDERING MYELOMA)



A Nigella sativa compound exterminates multiple myeloma cells…

with 4 comments



The last post I wrote about Nigella sativa, = a “cure for every disease except death,” dates to May 2008 (see my page on “Black cumin” http://margaret.healthblogs.org/other-alternative-treatments/nigella-sativa-black-cumin/ )…



Back then, there weren’t any scientific studies on Nigella sativa and myeloma…Nonetheless, I was fascinated by, and devoted two posts to, this extraordinary medicinal plant, also known as black cumin, because its main active compound, thymoquinone, had been tested (with very good results) against many types of cancer cells, including pancreatic and super aggressive prostate cancer cells. These tests have shown that thymoquinone blocks many of the signalling pathways that are involved in myeloma. And that is why I was absolutely certain (almost 3 years ago) that it would have an effect on myeloma cells. But I had no proof at the time…



Well. Today. I. Do. Have. Proof.



A blog reader (thanks!!!) recently sent me the link to a study published in October in the “British Journal of Pharmacology” (http://goo.gl/L4kTf), showing that thymoquinone (TQ, from now on) can kill myeloma cells…ruthlessly…



As we can read in the abstract, TQ inhibits STAT3, a crucial signalling pathway that keeps our myeloma cells healthy and alive. Sifting through the rather complicated jargon used in the abstract (and in the full study, I would like to add!), the main point is that TQ has a very strong effect on a lot of the bad stuff in myeloma—cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, survivin and VEGF…(I have written about all of these bad thingies…You can do a “search” of my blog if you want to know more…the search box is on the right-hand side…just keep scrolling down my Pages…).



The abstract informs us that TQ also significantly potentiated the apoptotic effects of thalidomide and bortezomib in MM cells. But what I found most interesting is that this compound KILLED myeloma cells on its own, without the help of any other substance…In more scientific terms, it “induced apoptosis in myeloma cells.”



Apoptosis is an interesting and important cellular process also known as “programmed cell death.” I have written about it before (again, use the “search” box)…but, essentially, after a cell is born, it floats around for a while and does whatever it is it is supposed to do…then, when its time comes, it dies. That is what happens under normal, healthy circumstances…In fact, I read somewhere that in just ONE year we can lose half our body weight in cells that have died due to apoptosis = a fascinating titbit that stuck in my mind…



But cancer cells don’t like the “dying” part of the equation. They want to live forever…and so they bring into play a variety of “avoid-death-at-all-costs!” mechanisms. The little buggers even become chemoresistant…



Now, getting back to myeloma cells, one of these survival mechanisms includes STAT3…And that gives us an idea of how important it is to block this pathway when treating myeloma…



I have read the full TQ-MM study, and I must say it is impressive…though it is also quite difficult to follow here and there. As you know, I have a new policy of not quoting directly from copyrighted material…but, hmmm, let’s see…in addition to what we know from the abstract, here is a bit more info…



For those who are more technically-inclined: TQ inhibits the IL-6-induced STAT3 and also Akt activation. It also inhibits NF-kappaB activation, which is the Cruella Deville of myeloma…And it also blocks IL-6, which helps myeloma cells proliferate and build resistance against chemo drugs, among other things. Well, let me assure you that these are extremely positive findings…



The authors conclude that TQ merits further study, since it could possibly be used in cancers linked to the infamous STAT3 signalling pathway. Hah. No kidding!!!



I definitely need to order some more Nigella sativa…yup…



P.S. Interesting Science Daily article on thymoquinone and aggressive prostate cancer: http://goo.gl/cghDV