Black seed is also known as Nigella sativa, black cumin, fennel flower, black caraway, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander and black onion seed. Black seed comes from a plant that has culinary and medicinal uses. The health benefits of black seed are still being researched but black seed may help prevent and treat cancer and a variety of other health conditions.
Origin and History
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer, or MSKCC, the plant of the black seed is native to India, Arabia and Europe. W.G. Goreja, author of "Black Seed: Nature's Miracle Remedy," says the black seed plant is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean but is now cultivated worldwide for culinary and medicinal purposes. Goreja says ancient Egyptians used black seed to treat stomach, nose, eye and mouth ailments, inflammation, rashes, bites and sores.
Health Claims
Experts at the MSKCC say that black seed is purported to have antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help treat asthma, bronchitis, arthritis and high blood pressure. It may also help protect the liver.
Thymoquinone
Thymoquinone, or TQ, is the main component in black seed thought to benefit health. The MSKCC says TQ is an antioxidant, which helps to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer by destroying free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that are naturally produced by the body and ingested through toxins like cigarette smoke and environmental chemicals.
According to a 2006 review article published in "The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology" by researchers at the American University of Beirut, TQ has killed and inhibited the growth of cancer cells in laboratory tests. It also works on the immune system to regulate inflammation. Researchers concluded that the while the mechanism of how TQ works is unclear, it has shown anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
Proof
A review article about the therapeutic effects of black seed was published in 2005 in "International Immunopharmacology." Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina concluded that there is clear evidence that black seed has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could benefit intestinal disorders, edema, arthritis and cancer. The MSKCC says laboratory and animal studies have suggested that black seed may be able to reduce allergy symptoms, lower blood pressure and decrease muscle contractions.
Warnings
Black seed is thought to have a low level of toxicity however high doses have caused liver and kidney damage in rats, according to the MSKCC. Topical black seed oil has also caused an allergic reaction when used to treat eczema. The MSKCC warns that black seed may interfere with cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It may also lower blood pressure when combined with diuretics or prescription blood pressure medications.
Considerations
Most of the research done on black seed has been in laboratory and animal studies; clinical human trials are lacking. Black seed is classified as a dietary supplement and as such is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Individuals should consult a physician prior to taking black seed due to the risk of unknown side effects and interactions with prescription medications.
References
- "Black Seed: Nature's Miracle Remedy;" W.G. Goreja; 2003
- "International Immunopharmacoloyl;" Immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties of the Nigella sativa L. seed; M.L. Salem; December 2005
- "International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology"; Thymoquinone: a promising anti-cancer drug from natural sources; H. Gali-Muhtasib; 2006
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Nigella sativa
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