Health Benefits of Nigella Sativa (Black Seed)

May 7, 2011 Maija Haavisto

Nigella Sativa - H. Zell / Wikimedia CommonsBlack seed or kalonji (Nigella sativa) has e.g. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, anticonvulsant and anticancer properties.

Nigella sativa is known by many names, the most common being nigella, kalonji, black seed, blessed seed, black onion seed, black cumin and kala jeera, but the last two names can also refer to other unrelated species.

Nigella sativa contains several antioxidants, especially thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone. Its constituents are anti-inflammatory yet it can improve immune system function (e.g. NK cell activity). Based on studies nigella has the potential to be used in the treatment and prevention of some common illnesses. It may even help weight loss.

Some nations take "national pride" in certain herbs. As a result, Chinese medical journals always publish very positive studies about ginseng and Russian journals about eleuthero, often found suspicious by Western doctors. Many studies of nigella come from nations where black seed has been traditionally considered a precious herbal remedy.

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Ask a Psychiatrist Online 5 Pschiatrists Are Online. Mental Health Answers Today: 36. Health.JustAnswer.com/PsychiatryNigella and Cancer

Nigella also appears to inhibit the growth of e.g. liver cancer, primary effusion lymphoma, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer), colon cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer and doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer. In combination with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin it has demonstrated efficacy in lung cancer.

Nigella may also reduce organ damage caused by cancer drugs, such as liver injury from the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, heart damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide and testicular damage from methotrexate. The latter two are also used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Nigella for Infections

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Thymoquinone from nigella has antibacterial activity against many bacteria, especially staphylococci (including MRSA). It prevents the formation of biofilms, which are often behind hard-to-treat sinus infections.

In animal studies nigella has reduced inflammation in sepsis, a life-threatening bacterial infection, and significantly reduced mortality.

Several studies have also found nigella to have antifungal effects, including against several Candida species. It has not been tested in humans (or even animals) in this use, however. Nigella also has antimalarial effects.

The antiviral potential of nigella has not been studied much, but it seems to have activity against cytomegalovirus.

Nigella for Weight Loss, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Protection

Nigella has several different antidiabetic effects. One of them appears to be agonism of PPARgamma similar to diabetes drugs pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Nigella may help prevent the development of diabetic neuropathy.




In one study nigella reduced weight in Indonesian men with central obesity (Datau et al, 2010).

Nigella can also reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure and inhibit excessive blood clotting. It may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.



Effects on the Nervous System

Nigella has neuroprotective effects and can alleviate epileptic seizures. In an Iranian study thymoquinone was found to reduce frequency of intractable (treatment-resistant) seizures in children (Akhondian et al, 2011). It can potentiate the effects of the anticonvulsant drug valproate.

Nigella appears to elevate brain serotonin levels. In animal studies it has reduced anxiety. It may be a mild sedative.

Nigella has analgesic effects and has been used in the treatment of opioid dependence.

Nigella and the Immune System

Besides cancer, another main focus of nigella studies has been allergies, especially allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Several studies have found it effective in reducing hay fever symptoms. It may improve the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy. It also reduces lung inflammation in asthma.

Nigella appears to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by several different mechanisms. It has shown efficacy in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), and experimental colitis, the animal model of ulcerative colitis.

Nigella's Other Uses

Like many herbs, several studies show nigella is gastroprotective (prevents stomach ulcers and helps them heal faster). In one study a 2 gram dose was almost as effective as the traditional triple therapy in eradication of H. pylori (Salem et al, 2010).

Nigella can protect the heart, liver and kidneys from chemical and other damage. It appears to increase hemoglobin by several different mechanisms. It has anti-sickling activity and could have potential as a treatment of sickle-cell anemia.

Taking Nigella as a Supplement

Nigella is available as capsules, but it can also be taken by chewing the seeds, an inexpensive option as large bags can be purchased very cheaply from Asian/Middle Eastern stores and spice vendors. They have a spicy but not particularly strong taste.
Some people like the taste of nigella oil and use it as a supplement, others find the flavour nasty. The oil can also be used externally for rashes and inflammation.
Read more at Suite101: Health Benefits of Nigella Sativa (Black Seed)
Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/health-benefits-of-nigella-sativa-black-seed-a369837#ixzz1MFl2QbUd Nigella supplements are sometimes advertised as a good source of minerals like calcium and magnesium, but in commonly used doses the amounts are far too small to have any effect.




Nigella Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Nigella appears to inhibit CYP450 enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. This means it can affect the metabolism of several popular medications, including many psychiatric drugs, statins, blood pressure drugs, opiates, sedatives and cancer treatments. Thus if you are taking any medications and considering using nigella, discuss it with your doctor.

Very large doses of thymoquinone have been suggested to cause liver damage, immunosuppression and even have mutagenic effects. Like most supplements, nigella can rarely cause stomach upset. Some people are allergic to nigella.

Sources

Butt MS, Sultan MT. Nigella sativa: reduces the risk of various maladies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Aug;50(7):654-65.

Datau EA, Wardhana, Surachmanto EE et al. Efficacy of Nigella sativa on serum free testosterone and metabolic disturbances in central obese male. Acta Med Indones. 2010 Jul;42(3):130-4.

Akhondian J, Kianifar H, Raoofziaee M et al. The effect of thymoquinone on intractable pediatric seizures (pilot study). Epilepsy Res. 2011 Jan;93(1):39-43.

Salem EM, Yar T, Bamosa AO et al. Comparative study of Nigella Sativa and triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jul-Sep;16(3):207-14.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

Benefits of Black Seed (Nigella Sativa or black cumin)

ASTHMA

One of black cumin’s most promising applications is in the treatment of allergies and asthma.Drugs designed to relieve the symptoms of allergies and asthma are often expensive and have troublesome side effects.Black cumin has been used in Asia and the Middle East for centuries as a safe,effective treatment for allergic rhinitis,asthma,bronchitis,eczema,and urticaria(hives)Black Cumin by Peter Schleicher,MD and Mohamed Saleh,MD,Healing Arts Press,Rochester,Vermont,USA



MAGIC WEAPON AGAINST SKIN PROBLEMS

With black cumin,skin problems can be encountered early on.Usually symptoms will diminish after about tow weeks of regular ingestion of black cumin…..External application of black cumin will reduce scarring and discourage breakouts. ) Black Cumin by Peter Schleicher,MD and Mohamed Saleh,MD,Healing Arts Press,Rochester,Vermont,USA



COLDS AND FLU

Black cumin helps the body overcome infections more quickly and ensures a speedy discovery.By harmonizing and improving the body’s defense mechanism,black cumin can minimize or prevent the outbreak of an infection. ) Black Cumin by Peter Schleicher, MD and Mohamed Saleh,MD,Healing Arts Press, Rochester,Vermont,USA



HEMORRHOIDS

Black cumin regulates the digestion and also has antihistaminic

effects,which alleviate these symptoms noticeably. Black Cumin by Peter Schleicher,MD and Mohamed Saleh,MD,Healing Arts Press,Rochester,Vermont,USA



BLACK CUMIN EXTRA-VIRGIN OIL

It has been noticed that the black cumin extra-virgin oil has been more effective in transmitting the benefits of the black cumin seeds than the refined oil.



INTESTINAL AILMENTS

The active ingredients contained in black cumin balance the intestinal tract thus resolve intestinal discomfort. Black Cumin by

Peter Schleicher,MD and Mohamed Saleh,MD,Healing Arts Press,Rochester,Vermont,USA

The effect of essential oil extracted from Nigella sativa (L.) seeds on human neutrophil functions

Natural Product Research: Formerly Natural Product Letters

Volume 23, Issue 13, 2009, Pages 1168 - 1175

Authors: Rachid Kacema; Zahia Meraihib

DOI: 10.1080/14786410802228611

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Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of essential oil on human neutrophil (HN) functions. The neutrophils were isolated on percoll gradients, counted, and tested for viability using the trypan blue exclusion method. The chemotactic response was based on a multiple blind well assay system. The control movement and chemotactic response of neutrophils to 0.1 µM fMLP were reduced at a dose-dependent manner. The essential oil significantly inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis from 0.05 to 0.5 mg mL-1. The inhibitory concentrations (IC50) showing 50% inhibition to induced neutrophil chemotaxis, and control movement were 0.08 and 0.07 mg mL-1, respectively. The human neutrophil elastase secretion was inhibited by essential oil at a concentration dependent manner from 0.5 to 2.5 mg mL-1. The components of essential oil are potent inhibitors for polymorpho nuclear leukocytes functions. The observed inhibition of neutrophil functions occurred via intracellular pathway. Active serine protease could be essential for neutrophil responding process and/or signal transduction pathways.

Protective Effects of Nigella sativa against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Kidneys

2010, Vol. 32, No. 1 , Pages 126-131

HTML PDF (607 KB) PDF Plus (614 KB) Reprints

PermissionsFahrettin Yildiz

Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery, Sanliurfa, Turkey
Sacit Coban

Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery,

Alpaslan Terzi

Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery, Sanliurfa, Turkey
Murat Savas

Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of Urology, Sanliurfa, Turkey

Muharrem Bitiren

Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of Pathology, Sanliurfa, Turkey

Hakim Celik and Nurten Aksoy

Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sanliurfa, Turkey

Address correspondence to Fahrettin Yildiz, MD, Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery, 63300, Sanliurfa, Turkey; Tel.: +90-414-3141170; Fax: +90-414-3151581; E-mail: fahrettinyildiz@hotmail.com

Background. Ischemia-reperfusion, commonly seen in the fields of trauma surgery and renal transplantation, is a major cause of acute kidney injury and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The protective effects of Nigella sativa against ischemia-perfusion damage to various organs have been previously documented. However, its protective effects on kidney tissue against ischemia-reperfusion injury are unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of Nigella sativa in modulating inflammation and apoptosis after renal I/R injury. Materials and methods. Thirty male Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated, ischemia-reperfusion, and ischemia-reperfusion + Nigella sativa. Rats in the third group were given Nigella sativa 6 h prior to ischemia-reperfusion and at the beginning of reperfusion. All rats except those in the sham-operated group underwent 45 min of bilateral renal ischemia followed by 45 min of reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were harvested from the rats, and then rats were sacrificed. Serum urea and creatinine levels were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in kidney tissue and blood were measured. Kidney tissue histopathology was also evaluated. Results. Nigella sativa was effective in reducing serum urea and creatinine levels as well as decreasing the tubular necrosis score. Nigella sativa treatment significantly reduced OSI and TOS levels and increased TAC levels in both kidney tissue and blood. Conclusion. The observed differences seem to demonstrate the protective effect of Nigella sativa against renal I/R injury in rat kidneys.

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Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08860220903367577

Nigella sativa seeds: Folklore treatment in modern day medicine

Mohammad Tariq

Research Center, Riyadh Military Hospital, PO Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia

How to cite this article:

Tariq M. Nigella sativa seeds: Folklore treatment in modern day medicine. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2008;14:105-6

Tariq M. Nigella sativa seeds: Folklore treatment in modern day medicine. Saudi J Gastroenterol [serial online] 2008 [cited 2011 May 8];14:105-6. Available from: http://www.saudijgastro.com/text.asp?2008/14/3/105/41725
The seeds of Nigella sativa (family: Ranunculaceae), commonly known as Black Seed, Black Cumin, or " Habbatul Barakah", have long been used in folk medicine in the Arabian Gulf region, Far East Asia, and Europe. The Prophet Mohammad had described the healing powers of the Black Seeds against a variety of diseases. According to common Islamic and Arabic belief, Habbatul Barakah is a remedy for all ailments (universal healer). Black Seed is also mentioned as the curative "black cumin" in the Holy Bible and is described as Melanthion by Hippocrates and Dioscorides and as Gith by Pliny. [1]

In the traditional system of medicine practised in the Arabian Gulf region, Black Seed is recommended for a wide range of ailments, including fever, cough, bronchitis, asthma, chronic headache, migraine, dizziness, chest congestion, dysmenorrhea, obesity, diabetes, paralysis, hemiplagia, back pain, infection, inflammation, rheumatism, hypertension, and gastrointestinal problems such as dyspepsia, flatulence, dysentery, and diarrhea. It has been used as a stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue, lactagogue, anthelmintic, and carminative. [2] Black Seed has also been used externally where it is applied directly to abscesses, nasal ulcers, orchitis, eczema, and swollen joints.

Many of the folk medicinal claims of Black Seed use have been scientifically tested. Over 150 studies have been conducted over the last five decades to investigate chemical and pharmacological properties of Black Seeds. Phytochemical studies of Black Seed showed the presence of >100 constituents. Many of these compounds have not been chemically identified nor have they been pharmacologically tested. A combination of fatty acids, volatile oils, and trace elements are believed to contribute to the pharmacological activity of Black Seeds.

The results of extensive pharmacological studies justify the broad, traditional therapeutic value of Black Seeds. These studies found Black Seed to have analgesic, [3] antilipemic, [4],[5] postcoital contraceptive, [6] diuretic and antihypertensive, [7] bronchodilator and calcium antagonist, [8] histamine release inhibitor, [9] hepatoprotective, [10] anthelmintic, [11] antifungal, [12] antimicrobial (against a wide range of organisms), [13] anticancer, [1] and antiinflammatory activities. [14]

In this issue of the Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology , Al-Mofleh et al . [15] have confirmed the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Black Seed in a well-conceived, nicely designed, and perfectly executed experimental study. The "Introduction" section provides the most recent and intricate details of the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers and describes the crucial targets of effective antiulcer drugs. The authors also describe the rationale for studying Black Seeds for its gastroprotective effects. The methodology clearly describes the preparation of Black Seed suspension and the timing and doses of the test substance used in this study. The experimental models used in this study for gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities are well recognized and reproducible. Assessment of lesion by a blinded investigator further confirms that investigators have ruled out any bias or error in the results. The selection of biochemical parameters to determine the etiopathology of ulcer disease and the mechanisms of drug-induced gastroprotection further strengthens the findings of the study.

It is quite interesting to note that an aqueous suspension of Black Seed provides a highly significant and dose-dependent protection of gastric mucosa against a variety of necrotizing agents. Histopathological studies show complete absence of congestion, hemorrhage, inflammation, and necrosis in Black Seed-treated animals.

Although the etiology of ulcer is unknown in most cases, it is known that a breach of the "mucosal barrier" leads to ulceration. It is generally accepted that gastric ulcers result from an imbalance between aggressive and defensive factors, i.e., the mucosal defense mechanism and the offending chemicals (endogenous and exogenous) and/or infectious agents. [16]

In this study, the volume and acidity of gastric secretion, which are considered the major aggressive factors for gastric mucosal injury, were reduced by more than fourfold by the Black Seed suspension. The digestive effect of the accumulated gastric juice is believed to be responsible for producing ulcers in pylorus-ligated rats. In addition to gastric secretion changes, gastric mucosal microcirculation plays an important role in the formation of gastric ulcers. [17] Prostaglandins (PGs) play a significant role in cell proliferation, mucosal microcirculation as well as in gastric secretion. PGs are produced from arachidonic acid released from phospholipids of biological membranes by the action of phospholipases. Phospholipids are metabolized into PGs and leukotrienes (LTs) via the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, respectively. PGs exert their cytoprotective effect at various levels, including the luminal cavity, epithelium, and subepithelial levels. Particularly, PGE 2 increases the mucosal blood flow, promotes mucus secretion, and increases bicarbonate secretion, while PGI 2 suppresses gastric acid secretion. On the other hand, an increase in LTs enhances the radical production and exacerbates damage to the gastric mucosa. Black Seed and its ingredient (thymoquinone) have been shown to modulate PGs and LTs production. [18] Besides attenuating the aggressive factor (acid secretion), this study also showed that Black Seed suspension significantly enhanced the secretion of gastric mucus, which is considered a major natural mucosal defense against noxious stimuli. Thus, Black Seed suspension provides reinforcement to the mucosal barriers by exerting significant gastroprotective activity.

Furthermore, the suspension of Black Seed was found to significantly attenuate ethanol-induced depletion of nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) content of gastric mucosa. NP-SH content plays an important role in cellular protective mechanisms against a number of cytotoxic and necrotizing agents. The gastric mucosa contains a surprisingly high concentration of NP-SH. Agents that cause depletion of gastric mucosal NP-SH may lead to gastric erosion and ulcers; whereas, the drugs that preserve gastric NP-SH levels, protect gastric mucosa against stress and chemically induced gastric ulcers. [19]

In conclusion, the valuable finding of Al-Mofleh et al. further provides a scientific confirmation of gastric antisecretory and antiulcer property of Black Seed.



References



1. Worthen DR, Ghosheh OA, Crooks PA. The in vitro anti-tumour activity of some crude and purified components of black seeds, Nigella sativa L. Anticancer Res 1998;18:1527-32. [PUBMED]

2. Nadkarni AK. Indian materia medica. 3rd ed. Mumbai: Popular Prakashan Pvt. Ltd; 1976. p. 301-40.

3. Abdel-Fattah AM, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H. Antinociceptive effects of Nigella sativa oil and its major component, thymoquinone, in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2000;400:89-97. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]

4. Bashandy SA. Effects of Nigella sativa oil on liver and kidney functions of adult and senile rats. Egypt J Pharm Sci 1996;37:313-27.

5. Hassanim NI, Hassan FM. A preliminary study on the effect of Nigella sativa seeds on hypoglycemia. Vet Med J Giza 1996;44:699-708.

6. Keshri G, Singh MM, Lakshmi V, Kamboj VP. Post-coital contraceptive efficacy of the seeds of Nigella sativa in rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1995;39:59-62. [PUBMED]

7. Zaoui A, Cherrah Y, Lacaille-Dubois MA, Settaf A, Amarouch H, Hassar M. Diuretic and hypotensive effects of Nigella sativa in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Therapie 2000;55:379-82. [PUBMED]

8. Gilani AH, Aziz N, Khurram IM, Chaudhary KS, Iqbal A. Bronchodilator, spasmolytic and calcium anatagonist activities of Nigella sativa seeds (Kalonji): A traditional herbal product with multiple medicinal uses. J Pak Med Assoc 2001;51:115-20. [PUBMED]

9. Chakravarty N. Inhibition of histamine release from mast cells by nigellone. Ann Allergy 1993;70:237-42. [PUBMED]

10. Daba MH, Abdel-Rahman MS. Hepatoprotective activity of thymoquinone in isolated rat hepatocytes. Toxicol Let 1998;95:23-9.

11. Akhtar MS, Riffat S. Field trial of Saussurea lappa roots against nematodes and Nigella sativa seeds against cestodes in children. J Pakistan Med Assoc 1991;41:185-7.

12. Khan MA, Ashfaq MK, Zuberi HS, Mahmood MS, Gilani AH. The in vivo antifungal activity of the aqueous extract from Nigella sativa seeds. Phytother Res 2003;17:183-6. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]

13. Sokmen A, Jones BM, Erturk M. The in vitro antibacterial activity of Turkish medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:79-86. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]

14. Mutabagani A, El-Mahdy, Samiha HM. A study of anti-inflammatory activity of Nigella sativa L. and thymoquinone in rats. Saudi Pharm J 1997;5:110-3.

15. Al Mofleh IA, Al Haider AA, Mossa JS, Al-Sohaibani MO, Al-Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, et al . Gastroprotective effect of an aqueous suspension of black cumin Nigella sativa on necrotizing agents-induced gastric injury in experimental animals. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2008;14(3):128-34.

16. Wallace JL, Granger DN. The cellular and molecular basis of gastric mucosal defense. FASEB J 1996;10:731-40. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]

17. Goswami S, Jain S, Santani D. Antiulcer activity of cromakalim against experimentally induced gastric and duodenal ulcers in rats and guinea pigs. J Pharm Pharmacol 1967;49:195-9.

18. Houghton PJ, Zarka R, Heras B, Hoult RS. Fixed oil of Nigella sativa and derived thymoquinone inhibit eicosanoid generation in leucocytes and membrane lipid peroxidation. Planta Med 1995;61:33-6.

19. Tariq M, Khan HA, Elfaki I, Arshaduddin M, Al Moutaery M, Al Rayes H, et al . Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer effects of simvastatin in rats. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007;22:2316-23. [PUBMED] [FULLTEXT]



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Correspondence Address:

Mohammad Tariq

Research Center, Riyadh Military Hospital, PO Box 7897, Riyadh 11159

Saudi Arabia

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Protective effect of black seed oil from Nigella sativa against murine cytomegalovirus infection

Mohamed Labib Salem a, 1, , and Mohammad Sohrab Hossainb
a Department of Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan

b Center for AIDS Research, Division of Virology, Kumamoto University, Kohonji, Japan
Received 19 November 1999;accepted 20 April 2000.Available online 6 July 2000.


Abstract

In this study, antiviral effect of black seed oil (BSO) from Nigella sativa was investigated using murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) as a model. The viral load and innate immunity mediated by NK cells and Mφ during early stage of the infection were analyzed. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of BSO to BALB/c mice, a susceptible strain of MCMV infection, strikingly inhibited the virus titers in spleen and liver on day 3 of infection with 1×105 PFU MCMV. This effect coincided with an increase in serum level of IFN-γ. Although BSO treatment decreased both number and cytolytic function of NK cells on day 3 of infection, it increased numbers of Mφ and CD4+ T cells. On day 10 of infection, the virus titer was undetectable in spleen and liver of BSO-treated mice, while it was detectable in control mice. Although spleen of both control and BSO-treated mice showed similar CTL activities on day 10 after infection, serum level of IFN-γ in BSO-treated mice was higher. Furthermore, BSO treatment upregulated suppressor function of Mφ in spleen. These results show that BSO exhibited a striking antiviral effect against MCMV infection which may be mediated by increasing of Mφ number and function, and IFN-γ production.



Author Keywords: Black seed oil; Nigella sativa; Cytomegalovirus; NK cells; Macrophages; Cytotoxic T lymphocytes; IFN-γ

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