The Nigella sativa plant, which thrives in southern Europe, the Middle East, and southwest Asia, produces seeds commonly referred to as “black seeds.” It is also known as Roman coriander, black caraway, fennel flower, nigella, and black cumin. Thymoquinone, a phytochemical found in black seed oil, has antioxidant properties. Free radicals, toxic substances in the body, are detoxified by antioxidants.
People have used black seed oil for its healing properties for thousands of years. According to studies, this oil may help with weight loss, skin issues, cancer treatment, and diabetes, among other medical and cosmetic benefits. The primary constituent of black seed oil, thymoquinone, seems to be the key to these advantages. The oil can be consumed or applied topically. Even though they are uncommon, serious adverse effects can happen. This covers a potential allergic response.
Black Seeds Oil Nutrition Facts
Cold-pressed black seed oils (BCSO) from six distinct batches were examined for their fatty acid compositions, thymoquinone concentrations, oxidative stability, and antioxidant qualities. The main fatty acids in the oils that were evaluated were linoleic, oleic, and palmitic. The oxidative stability of the cold-pressed BCSO samples varied, as indicated by the oxidative stability index (OSI).
There was a 2-fold difference in their oxidative stability, with the highest OSI being around 155 h and the lowest OSI being approximately 76 h. The content of phenolic components in this BCSO ranged from 1.02 to 1.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/g oil, which is a significant amount. A trace amount of dithymoquinone and around 3.48 to 8.73 mg/g of thymoquinone were also present in BCSO.
Cold-pressed BCSO had natural antioxidants and could prevent radical-mediated lipid peroxidation in fish oil, according to electron spin resonance (ESR) studies. The BCSO methanol extracts’ ability to interact directly and quench DPPH radicals provided additional evidence of the BCSO’s antioxidant properties. The present study’s findings imply that thymoquinone and natural antioxidants may be found in cold-pressed black cumin seed oil, which may be a valuable dietary source.
What is Exactly Blackseed Oil?
Black seeds are called black onion, caraway, cumin, and kalonji. They originate from Nigella sativa, a little plant with light blue, purple, or white flowers native to the Middle East, Western Asia, and Eastern Europe.
For thousands of years, people have employed the tiny black seeds from N. sativa fruits as natural medicine. Compared to cumin or oregano, the seeds can also flavor bread, pickles, and curries.
Thymoquinone, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance that may also have tumor-reduction capabilities, is a component of black seed oil and is a Trusted Source. People can consume black seed oil in capsules or apply it topically to improve the skin. The oil can also be included in fragrances, shampoos, handmade skincare products, massage oils, and other goods. The premium black seed oil is ideal for baking, cooking, and beverages.
What are the Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil?
Researchers with varied expertise have studied the potential advantages of black seed oil.
The results of black seed oil on people have only been the subject of a small amount of research, and it is crucial to remember that many studies have employed cells or animals as models.
Benefits for Weight Loss
A review has found that taking supplements of black seeds may help people lose weight and have smaller waist circumferences. According to a 2021 study done on rats on a high-fat diet, black seed oil may be able to reduce body weight and insulin resistance drastically. None of the trial subjects had any negative serious side effects from taking this supplement.
Beauty Benefits
To ease the signs of skin problems, including eczema, acne, or psoriasis, black seed oil may be helpful.
Although there isn’t enough research to support these claims, black seed oil may hydrate hair, soften skin, and function as a moisturizer.
Wound Healing
Black seed oil may have the ability to hasten the healing of wounds. Researchers hypothesize that this may be related to thymoquinone’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, though the precise science of how this operates is unclear. Additionally, it promotes the production of collagen. This has therapeutic properties in addition to cosmetic ones.
Cancer
Research has shown that the thymoquinone in black seed oil affects programmed cell death in various cancer types. Leukemia, breast cancer, and brain cancer cells are a few examples. Researchers do not yet know how well black seed oil may work to treat cancer in people because a large portion of the studies on the impact of the oil on cancer involves cells rather than real people.
Liver and Kidney function
Additionally, studies have indicated that the antioxidant qualities of black sesame oil might preserve the kidneys and liver. This operates through a variety of processes. Thymoquinone appears to lower oxidative stress, the body’s imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, in one of the key processes.
Numerous liver conditions, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol-induced liver damage, and alcoholic liver disease, are linked to oxidative stress. Additionally, it has been linked to kidney issues such as chronic renal disease and kidney toxicity. Additionally, according to a reliable source, black seed oil may aid the body’s removal of kidney stones and their size reduction.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory effects might also aid with symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal distention, and indigestion. According to certain clinical trials, the oil may even be able to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses, including colitis and pancreatitis. More study is required to determine this area’s precise advantages of black seed oil.
Diabetes
Black seed oil’s potential antidiabetic effects may improve blood sugar levels. The oil may aid in lowering a person’s blood glucose, hemoglobin, and insulin resistance, according to a review of studies published in 2019. According to this research, it might be combined with traditional treatments to treat type 2 diabetes.
Side Effects and Risks
Black seed oil provides some health advantages but is not a substitute for prescription drugs. Before consuming herbal supplements like black seed oil, people taking medications should consult their doctor.
The doctor can provide advice on potential drug interactions and go over the supplement’s potential advantages and disadvantages. Before quitting any prescribed medicine, a doctor must be consulted.
As with any dietary supplement, those expecting or nursing should consult a doctor to determine whether black seed oil is appropriate for them before using it.
It’s uncommon for black seed oil to have serious adverse effects. As an oral dietary supplement, it might result in
- Nausea
- Bloating
- A burning sensation
- Indigestion
- Low blood sugar
Black seed oil might give some persons who use it topically a severe allergic reaction. To guarantee that it does not cause a reaction, it is crucial to test it on a small skin patch first. The eyes, nostrils, and other delicate body parts must always be clear of the oil. A user should avoid using the oil while taking a medicine that could be affected by thymoquinone’s ability to block some drug-metabolizing enzymes.
How to Use Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil can be used as a supplement in pills or liquid. When purchasing black seed oil in liquid form, it is advised to pick a premium product without any extra components. On the skin and hair, the oil can also be applied topically.
Additionally, selecting a reputed brand is critical because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not analyze supplements for their safety and efficacy.
Finding items that have passed quality checks by organizations like ConsumerLabs, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International might be helpful.
The black seed oil flavor is potent, slightly bitter, and peppery. It’s frequently contrasted with oregano or cumin. As a result, if you take black seed oil as a liquid, you might wish to combine it with something with a strong flavor, like honey or lemon juice. Black seed oil can be applied topically by massaging it into the skin.
Dosage Recommendations
Although black seed oil may have certain health advantages, it does not take the place of any medications you may currently be on.
A suggested dosage cannot yet be established due to a lack of evidence. Because of this, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before consuming black seed oil.
The levels of black seed oil that have been investigated differ significantly depending on the intended usage.
For instance, it has been proven safe and helpful for persons with asthma to take 1000 mg of black seed oil daily for four months.
On the other hand, research has shown that greater doses of 2-3 grams of black seed oil per day for 8–12 weeks are most helpful in promoting weight reduction and lowering blood sugar levels.
It is advised to first speak with your healthcare professional for individualized dosing advice because the dosage can change depending on the use.
Where to Find Pure Black Seed Oil?
Always buy high-quality, organic black seed oil that is 100% pure, therapeutic grade, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified if you want the safest and healthiest product possible. The black seed oil has received the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) label.
The FDA does not, however, evaluate the efficacy or safety of dietary supplements. This is why choosing a product from a recognized supplier is crucial. A user can look for certified businesses that make or market black seed oil by searching the USDA’s database. The U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, and ConsumerLabs are different sites for finding high-quality items.
Conclusion
In alternative medicine, the black seed oil is a popular dietary supplement for many ailments. According to recent studies, black seed oil may be useful for treating asthma, promoting weight loss, and lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of thymoquinone found in black seed oil may safeguard the brain’s health and inhibit the formation of cancer cells.
The effectiveness and safety of black seed oil over the long term still require further study. Please make an appointment with your healthcare professional to discuss the pros and cons of taking black seed oil before you try it.
