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Black seed oilAccording to Alireza Tavakkoli and colleagues, the black seed oil is a herbal ingredient derived from the plant Nigella sativa, which is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. For thousands of years, people have used black seed oil for its medicinal properties. According to Medical News Today's Kat Gál, studies suggest that this oil may have a variety of medicinal and cosmetic benefits, including weight loss, improved skin conditions, and even cancer and diabetes treatment. The main component of black seed oil, thymoquinone, appears to be the key to these benefits. The oil can be applied topically or taken orally. Severe side effects are uncommon, but they can happen. This could include an allergic reaction.

Black caraway, black cumin, kalonji, and black onion seeds are all names for black seeds. The tiny black seeds of nigella have been used by people. According to Kat Gal, Sativa fruits have been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Similar to cumin or oregano, the seeds can be used to flavor curries, pickles, and bread. Thymoquinone, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in black seed oil, may also have tumor-fighting properties. To benefit the skin, people can take black seed oil in capsule form or apply it topically. Massage oils, shampoos, homemade skincare products, and fragrances can all benefit from the addition of oil. Cooking, baking, and beverages can all benefit from high-quality black seed oil.

According to Rachael Link of Healthline, some research suggests that black seed oil may be beneficial for skin conditions like acne. This could be because black seed oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Black seed oil has been shown in some studies to help with the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by scaly red patches on the skin. It's worth noting that this study combined black seed oil with other ingredients, so there's no way of knowing whether black seed oil was responsible for the positive results. More research is needed to see how black seed oil affects people with psoriasis. With the presence of the compound thymoquinone in Black seed, it has been studied for its ability to stimulate tissue growth and promote wound healing, but still, additional studies are needed to understand whether black seed oil and thymoquinone could also promote wound healing in humans. The thymoquinone in black seed oil has been shown to influence programmed cell death in several types of cancer cells, according to research published in 2016. Brain cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer cells are among them. However, because much of the research on the effects of black seed oil on cancer is conducted using cells rather than live humans, scientists are unsure how effective the oil will be in treating cancer in people.

According to Rachael Link, several studies have shown that black seed oil can improve blood sugar control and lower fasting blood sugar levels. More research is needed to see if black seed oil can help reduce appetite, body weight, and body fat. Kat Gal emphasized that, while black seed oil appears to have some health benefits, it is not a substitute for medication. Before taking herbal supplements like black seed oil, people on medication should consult their doctor. The doctor can advise on possible medication interactions as well as the supplement's potential benefits and side effects. Before discontinuing any prescribed medication, it is critical to seek medical advice. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using black seed oil, as they should with any supplement.

Black seed oil is a potent herbal ingredient with a long list of health and beauty advantages. It may reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, improve skin and hair health, and aid weight management. It's also versatile, inexpensive, and widely available at most pharmacies and health food stores, making it an excellent ingredient to keep on hand. Before taking black seed oil, however, consult a doctor and choose 100 percent pure, therapeutic-grade, USDA-certified organic black seed oil. Since the FDA does not supervise the quality and purity of herbs and supplements, it is critical to purchase them carefully.

         

PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas

References:

  • Black Seed Oil: Health and Beauty Benefits

Written by Rachael Link, MS, RD — Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, PhD, Nutrition — Updated on February 22, 2022

  • Benefits of black seed oil

Medically reviewed by Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN — Written by Kat Gál — Updated on January 20, 2022

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322948

  • Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) and its Constituent Thymoquinone as an Antidote or a Protective Agent Against Natural or Chemical Toxicities

Alireza Tavakkoli, Ali Ahmadi, Bibi Marjan Razavi, and Hossein Hosseinzadehc

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5963642/

  • Recent advances in the anti-cancer properties of Nigella sativa, a widely used food additive

Amin F. Majdalawieh and Muneera W. Fayyad

J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2016 Jul-Sep; 7(3): 173–180.

Published online 2016 Sep 17