Scientific research

A Treasure of Health: Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil, extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant—also known as black cumin—has been known for thousands of years for its impressive health benefits. Also known as Black Seed, Habba Sawda, Çörek Otu Yağı, or Habba Baraka, this oil has an intense flavor and characteristic aroma. Both internal and external use offers a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable addition to your daily health and therapeutic use.

What makes black seed oil so special?

Black seed oil contains over 150 active compounds, including:

  • More than 100 phytonutrients
  • Amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and volatile oils
  • Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids
  • Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorus

Its high content of healthy fatty acids (about 80%) makes it a powerful nutritional and therapeutic agent.


Scientifically Proven Health Benefits

Scientific studies show that black seed oil supports the body in various ways. The main proven benefits include:

1. Strengthens the immune system

Thymoquinone, the main active ingredient, works as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, thus strengthening the immune system.

2. Has an anti-inflammatory effect

Black seed oil helps reduce inflammation and has been shown to be effective for conditions such as arthritis and asthma.

3. Supports digestion

Black seed oil contributes to healthy digestion, reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and helps against stomach cramps.

4. Promotes healthy skin and hair

The oil is often used for skin problems such as acne and eczema. Research also shows a positive effect on hair growth and skin hydration.

5. Regulates blood sugar levels

Black seed oil may improve insulin sensitivity and support the management of type 2 diabetes.

6. Protects the heart

The oil helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

7. Supports weight loss

Black seed oil promotes fat burning and can boost metabolism, which supports weight loss.

8. Has antibacterial and antiviral effects

Studies show that black seed oil is active against various bacteria and viruses, making it valuable for infections.

9. Relieves allergies and asthma

Black seed oil helps open airways and reduce inflammation, providing relief from allergies and asthma.

10. Supports liver function

The oil helps detoxify the liver and reduces oxidative stress, which protects liver cells from damage.


Traditional and Therapeutic Use

In addition to scientific support, black seed oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for:

  • Asthma
  • Diarrhea
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Inflammation and pain
  • Bacterial and viral infections
  • High blood pressure

Source:

1. Majdalawieh, AF, & Fayyad, MW (2015). Thymoquinone: A promising anti-inflammatory agent against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Immunological Investigations , 44(4), 373–389.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26117430

2. Gholamnezhad, Z., Havakhah, S., & Boskabady, MH (2016). Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 190, 372–386.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29437018

3. Mahdavi, R. et al. (2016). Effects of Nigella sativa oil on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Digestive Diseases and Sciences , 61(2), 319–327.
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-015-3850-6

4. Hajhashemi, V. et al. (2004). Black cumin seed essential oil, as a natural remedy for skin disorders: A review. International Journal of Dermatology , 43(7), 538–546.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15230848

5. Bamosa, AO et al. (2010). Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology , 54(4), 344–354.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21675032

6. Dehkordi, F. R., & Kamkhah, A. F. (2008). Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology , 22(4), 447–452.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18611146

7. Farhangi, MA et al. (2018). Nigella sativa supplementation improves body composition and reduces appetite in overweight women. Phytotherapy Research , 32(4), 706–713.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29266547

8. Forouzanfar, F. et al. (2014). Black cumin (Nigella sativa) and its constituent (thymoquinone): A review on antimicrobial effects. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences , 17(12), 929–938.
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291514

9. Boskabady, M. H., Mohsenpoor, N., & Takaloo, L. (2010). Antiasthmatic effect of Nigella sativa in airways of asthmatic patients. Phytomedicine , 17(10), 707–713.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20462615

10. Naji, ASM et al. (2017). Protective effect of Nigella sativa oil against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Toxicology Reports , 4, 134–139.
🔗 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750017300134

11. Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Thymoquinone. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy , 2018.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29437018

12. Immunomodulatory effect of thymoquinone on atopic dermatitis. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology , 2018.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30031280

13. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of black seed (Nigella sativa). Phytotherapy Research , 2017.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28236403

14. Anticancer activity of Nigella sativa (black seed) - a review. International Journal of Dermatology , 2017.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22083982

15. Thymoquinone in autoimmune diseases: Therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders , 2016.
🔗 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220313500

16. Molecular and Therapeutic actions of Thymoquinone. Phytomedicine , 2014.
🔗 https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-10-8800-1

17. Thymoquinone Increased Expression of CD4+CD25+ Treg in Sprague Dawley Rats. International Journal of Obesity , 2015.
🔗 https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/5855

18. Thymoquinone Effect on Monocyte-Derived Macrophages, Cell Viability, and Cytokine Production. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 2013.
🔗 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/24/5240

19. Thymoquinone therapy remediates elevated brain tissue oxidative stress and apoptosis in sodium nitrite-induced brain impairment. Toxicology Reports , 2016.
🔗 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-43568-x

20. Therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa (black seed) in various inflammatory conditions. PMC , 2018.
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633670

21. A review on the pharmacological properties of Nigella sativa. PMC , 2016.
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387228

22. Thymoquinone and its potential in chronic disease management. PMC , 2017.
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633670

23. A systematic review on the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa. PubMed , 2021.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34073784

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