The Power Behind Black Seed Oil Benefits: Phytochemicals:
In an effort to offer a solution to the growing antifungal resistant problem people have with yeasts and molds, a recent study was conducted with the purpose of determining if Nigella sativa seed oil could help. Published in the Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, scientists tested thymol, TQ and THQ against 30 human pathogens and were surprised to discover that: (4)
Each compound showed 100 percent inhibition for the 30 pathogens evaluated.
Thymoquinone was the best antifungal compound against all of the tested dermatophytes and yeasts, followed by thymohydroquinone and thymol.
Thymol was the best antifungal against molds followed by TQ and THQ.
What this study tells us is that Nigella sativa oil carries a very unique chemical constituency that is not only effective individually, but more importantly also collectively. Essentially proving that fungus and molds cannot exist in the presence of these phytochemicals, it is no wonder why researchers are seeking to solve the superbug problem with black seed oil.
Thymoquinone: An active ingredient in black seed, researchers have been investigating TQ since the 1960s. It is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that have been reported to help with encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma and carcinogenesis. (5)
Interestingly, thymoquinone acts as a free radical or an effective superoxide radical scavenger, in addition to preserving antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase. Both glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase are heralded for being major detoxifiers and greatly aid in cellular antioxidant defense systems because they protect the liver from toxins. (6, 7)
Thymohydroquinone: Akin to thymoqinone, thymohydroquinone is one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors on the planet. (8) AChE inhibitors are chemicals that stop enzyme activity, which increases the amount of time and the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylecholine remains active in the brain. To give you an idea of their usefulness, pharmaceutical-grade acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used medicinally to treat a wide range of conditions, including: (9)
Apathy .
Alzheimer’s disease
Autism
Glaucoma
Dementia
Myasthenia gravis
Neurodegenerative conditions
Postural tachycardia syndrome
Schizophrenia
Parkinson’s disease
Considering that the pharmaceutical approach to these diseases comes at a great cost to the patient, it offers much hope to literally millions to learn that safe, plant-based solutions are a viable alternative!
Thymol: The active ingredient that gives thyme essential oil its medicinal properties, thymol is a natural monoterpene that holds a number of useful qualities. For example: (10, 11).
It is commonly used as a tuberculocide and virucides to kill TB and various viruses.
It is used as a medical and general-purpose disinfectant.
It is a rapidly degrading, non-persisting pesticide.
It is also used in food flavorings, perfumes, mouthwashes and even cosmetics.
Black seed oil has shown promise in treating some of the most common health conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma. Taking oral black seed oil may help to reduce inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Black seed oil is made from the seeds of the black cumin (Nigella sativa) plant, which belongs to the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae). The black cumin plant is native to southwestern Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa. It has been grown for centuries for its aromatic and flavorful seeds that can be used as a spice or as an herbal medicine. (1) Black seed oil is also commonly called black cumin seed oil. Be careful, as black seed should not be confused with true cumin (Cuminum cyminum), black pepper, black sesame or black cohosh.
Quite possibly, the most promising research has been done connecting Nigella sativa to multi-drug resistant bacteria. This is a really big deal because these so-called “superbugs” are becoming a significant public health risk. According to the National Institute of Health: (2)
Strains of bacteria and viruses that are antimicrobial-resistant are becoming virtually impossible to treat, including HIV, staphylococcal, tuberculosis, influenza, gonorrhea, candida and malaria.
Between 5 percent to 10 percent of all hospital patients develop an infection from superbugs.
More than 90,000 of these patients die every year, up from 13,300 patient deaths in 1992.
People infected with superbugs typically have longer hospital stays, require more complicated treatment and don’t recover as well.
A study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College researchers set out to determine just how potent black seed oil is against some of these superbugs and paired it against several antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Gatifloxacin and Tetracycline. According to the study, “Out of 144 strains tested, most of which were resistant to a number of antibiotics, 97 were inhibited by the oil of black cumin.” (3)
Next to oregano oil, few things on the planet can boast this type of potency to microbes. The study uncovered that it was especially effective against multi-drug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.
The key to understanding why black seed oils benefits the body in this way is because it’s rich in three key natural chemicals: thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ) and thymol. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing components of black seed oil.
The Power Behind Black Seed Oil Benefits: Phytochemicals:
In an effort to offer a solution to the growing antifungal resistant problem people have with yeasts and molds, a recent study was conducted with the purpose of determining if Nigella sativa seed oil could help. Published in the Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, scientists tested thymol, TQ and THQ against 30 human pathogens and were surprised to discover that: (4)
Each compound showed 100 percent inhibition for the 30 pathogens evaluated.
Thymoquinone was the best antifungal compound against all of the tested dermatophytes and yeasts, followed by thymohydroquinone and thymol.
Thymol was the best antifungal against molds followed by TQ and THQ.
What this study tells us is that Nigella sativa oil carries a very unique chemical constituency that is not only effective individually, but more importantly also collectively. Essentially proving that fungus and molds cannot exist in the presence of these phytochemicals, it is no wonder why researchers are seeking to solve the superbug problem with black seed oil.
Thymoquinone: An active ingredient in black seed, researchers have been investigating TQ since the 1960s. It is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that have been reported to help with encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma and carcinogenesis. (5)
Interestingly, thymoquinone acts as a free radical or an effective superoxide radical scavenger, in addition to preserving antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase. Both glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase are heralded for being major detoxifiers and greatly aid in cellular antioxidant defense systems because they protect the liver from toxins. (6, 7)
Thymohydroquinone: Akin to thymoqinone, thymohydroquinone is one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors on the planet. (8) AChE inhibitors are chemicals that stop enzyme activity, which increases the amount of time and the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylecholine remains active in the brain. To give you an idea of their usefulness, pharmaceutical-grade acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used medicinally to treat a wide range of conditions, including: (9)
Apathy .
Alzheimer’s disease
Autism
Glaucoma
Dementia
Myasthenia gravis
Neurodegenerative conditions
Postural tachycardia syndrome
Schizophrenia
Parkinson’s disease
Considering that the pharmaceutical approach to these diseases comes at a great cost to the patient, it offers much hope to literally millions to learn that safe, plant-based solutions are a viable alternative!
Thymol: The active ingredient that gives thyme essential oil its medicinal properties, thymol is a natural monoterpene that holds a number of useful qualities. For example: (10, 11).
It is commonly used as a tuberculocide and virucides to kill TB and various viruses.
It is used as a medical and general-purpose disinfectant.
It is a rapidly degrading, non-persisting pesticide.
It is also used in food flavorings, perfumes, mouthwashes and even cosmetics.
The oil obtained from the seeds of black cumin (Nigella sativa) is known as black seed oil. The oil is an antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral. It is used in treatment of bronchitis, migraine, insomnia, depression, eczema, diarrhoea, indigestion, joint pain and pancreatic cancer.
Please have a look at these useful links and PDF attachment for detail information on the health benefits of black seed oil.
Article Evaluation of Topical Black Seed Oil in the Treatment of All...
Article Use of black seed (Nigella Sativa L.) oil in the management ...
black seed or black cumin is often referred to as the “magical” seed. Within traditional Indian medicine, this seed is said to contain more than 100 medicinal components. In turn, black seed oil is known to be the ultimate healing. Since the 1960s, there has been well over 600 published, peer-reviewed studies which have focused on this black seed. It offers analgesic (pain killing), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. The list goes on and on. From type 2 diabetes to colon cancer, asthma to epilepsy. One of this seed’s most unique properties is its ability to restore hair loss. Dating back to ancient Egypt, it was documented that these small black seeds allowed Cleopatra to achieve her shiny, luscious hair. It was also found in the infamous tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh, King Tutankhamun. Clearly, it was a valuable item. Not only does this seed strengthen hair, it addresses hair loss. Researchers aren’t exactly sure how it encourages growth, but it’s believed to be based on its antimicrobial compounds, anti-inflammatory effects, and powerful antioxidants. Meaning, it’s more than likely a combination effect.
Black seed oil have several benefit for human health...(1). Helps Fight Cancer
Thanks to its potent phytochemicals and antioxidant capabilities, black seed oil has been shown to help naturally treat cancer. (2). Promotes Liver Health..scientists discovered that black seed oil benefits the function of the liver and helps prevent both damage and disease. (3). Combats Diabetes...black seed “improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin; yet it has not shown significant adverse effects and has very low toxicity. (4). Protects Skin (5). Benefits Hair.... black seed oil benefits for hair. Not surprisingly, black seed oil is often featured on lists of natural ways to boost hair and scalp health in numerous ways. Since it contains nigellone, shown by research to be an impressive antihistamine, it may help with hair loss due to androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata. With its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help the health of the scalp in general, discouraging dandruff and dryness, and improve hair health at the same time. (6).Treats Infections (MRSA)...(7).Improves Fertility....The researchers reviewed studies that took place between 2000 and 2014, and overall, they concluded that black seed can “positively influence sperm parameters, semen, Leydig cells, reproductive organs and sexual hormones.” ..(8).Balances cholesterol as well as blood sugar and blood pressure...(9).Aids Weight Loss