Nigella sativa is a flowering plant with tiny black seeds. It grows in Western Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It is also known as black cumin or kalonji. Avicenna referred to it in his Canon of Medicine as a herb that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.
Anti-inflammatory
Black seed oil, also known as kalonji or Nigella sativa, is an herbal ingredient that offers a host of science-backed health benefits. It comes from the seeds of a flowering plant that grows in southern Europe, north Africa, and southwest Asia.
It contains the compound thymoquinone, which may help support weight loss, improve skin conditions, and heal wounds. It also has substances that help reduce inflammation. Researchers are exploring whether it could help treat rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disorder that swells and wears down joints.
Anti-diabetic
Nigella sativa seeds and oil have long been used as a medicinal herb, especially in countries where the plant grows. Also known as black cumin, nigella, and Roman coriander, the seeds are often added to dishes as part of a spice mixture called panch phoron.
A recent study showed that a gram-per-day supplement of black seed oil significantly decreased HbA1c levels in patients with type-2 diabetes when combined with an oral antidiabetic drug. The researchers believe this is due to the plant’s thymoquinone content.
Anti-obesity
Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin or kalonji, is an annual flowering plant native to parts of Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia. The oil that comes from its seeds is thought to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing fat and lowering cholesterol levels.
The oil contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation, boost insulin sensitivity, and support weight loss. It’s available as a supplement in capsule and oil form.
Anti-disease
Black seed oil, which comes from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, is known for its long list of health benefits. The seeds and oil have a rich history of folklore usage in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine, earning it the Arabic approbation Habbatul Barakah, which means “seed of blessing.”
Studies suggest it may help prevent cancer, relieve allergy symptoms, and improve skin and hair health. It also contains thymoquinone, which has shown promise in fighting certain types of tumors.
Anti-fungal
Nigella seeds, also known as black cumin, are a medicinal plant native to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. They contain compounds that are effective against fungal infections, including ringworm, athlete’s foot, and candida.
A recent study found that nigella seed oil had an impressive spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The active ingredient, thymoquinone, was responsible for this effect.
In another study, researchers found that supplementation with nigella seeds can help prevent weight gain. This is because it helps reduce total cholesterol levels and triglyceride1 levels.
Anti-viral
Nigella sativa seeds and oil have been used in many traditional systems of medicine including Unani, Ayurveda and Tibb. They stimulate the body’s energy, improve fatigue and dispiritedness, cure indigestion, loss of appetite, dysmenorrhea, and menstrual problems.
Black seed (Nigella sativa) contains thymoquinone, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Research has shown that it can prevent COVID-19 symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and wheezing by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Anti-bacterial
In the face of a rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria, researchers are seeking effective antimicrobial agents. One such agent is black seed oil. It has been shown to be very effective against a variety of bacteria.
A study compared the antifungal and antibacterial properties of four black seed oils with varying levels of thymoquinone and free fatty acid content. The results showed that thymoquinone had antifungal activity in all the tested strains of yeast and mold.
Anti-scarring
Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) is pressed from the seeds of a plant native to Europe, Asia and Africa. Also known as nigella, black cumin and Roman coriander, the plant has powerful antioxidants and many scientifically proven health benefits.
Nigella oil has been shown to enhance skin wound healing. Its active compound, thymoquinone, has been found to accelerate the healing of diabetic ulcers and excision wounds. It also helps reduce fibrosis and scarring caused by radiation damage and burns.
Anti-microbial
Nigella sativa oil, which is also known as black cumin, has been shown to fight cancer in rats and shrink tumors. It contains thymoquinone, which may help prevent inflammation and kill some bacteria.
The methanolic extract (KME), aqueous extract and the ether extract of Kalonji seeds had antibacterial activity against bacteria isolated from clinically sick animals. Among them, KME had the most potent antimicrobial effect.
On filter paper discs, the ethyl acetate extract of nigella seeds caused concentration-dependent inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. It was also found to have a clear inhibiting effect against the growth of E. coli.
