Black Cumin Seed / Nigella sativa seed / Habbatus Sauda

Black cumin has even been described as a "miracle herb," and its name in old Latin, "Panacea," means "cure all." Black cumin has a wide spectrum of rmacological actions that have been supported by science. Among them:

Traditionally, black cumin has been used for immune-system support, well-being, digestive health, respiratory issues, kidney and liver support, and heart health. In Asia and the Middle East, black cumin seeds have long been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.

A tincture of the black cumin seeds has traditionally been used to treat indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, parasitic infections and skin problems. An external application of black cumin oil has even been used as an antiseptic and roasted black cumin seeds as a treatment to stop vomiting.5

The most abundant active plant chemical in black cumin seeds is thymoquinone; other bioactive compounds in the black cumin seed include α-hederin, alkaloids, flavonoids, antioxidants and fatty acids. Some of the most compelling research into black cumin's health benefits is highlighted below.

Cancer

Thymoquinone is known to have anti-cancer effects.6 Research published in Drug Discovery Today concluded thymoquinone has a long history of battling cancer in vitro and in vivo (in "test tube" experiments and animal studies), and modulates 9 of the 10 hallmarks of cancer.

Thymoquinone extract from black cumin appears to be effective against cancers in the blood, lung, kidney, liver, prostate, breast, cervix, colon and skin.

Diabetes

Oxidative stress may decrease the efficiency of pancreatic β , which control the production and release of insulin. As such, oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the development of diabetes

Black cumin decreases oxidative stress and may preserve the integrity of pancreatic β .

When people with diabetes consumed two grams of black cumin per day for three months, it led to reductions in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c and increased the functionality of pancreatic β , which suggests black cumin may be a "beneficial adjuvant therapy in type 2 diabetes."

Heart Health

Consumption of black cumin seeds is associated with lowering of elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Thymoquinone in black cumin seeds also may benefit endothelial dysfunction, which is involved in many cardiovascular disorders.

In those with age-related endothelial dysfunction, thymoquinone helps to recover endolethial function, in part by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating the angiotensin system, which is involved in controlling blood pressure.

Obesity

Black cumin is associated with anti-obesity effects, including reductions in body weight and waist and hip circumference, with researchers noting:

"Nigella Sativa [black cumin] showed a significant weight loss and reduced waist circumference with a mild reduction in fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels."

Respiratory Health

A of studies have indicated black cumin may be helpful for asthmatics. In one study, thymoquinone was found to be instrumental by reducing two inflammatory mediators of asthma and other inflammatory processes.

Another study confirmed the anti-asthmatic effect of black cumin extract, showing it acts as a bronchodilator.

Further, black cumin seeds act as a relaxant and display both anticho(reducing spasms in smooth muscle) and antihistaminic (blocking allergic reactions) effects.

The thymoquinone in black cumin seeds was even found to be superior to the asthma drug fluticasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid).