Black seed has so many wonderful benefits for your health and beauty. Nature is very wonderful in helping creatures. Nature provides health solutions to mankind in various ways without upsetting the natural balance in the system.
However, in modern times, more research is needed for a wider acceptance, for safety if these herbs must be used and also to validate the traditionally claimed uses of the herbs. It is one of nature’s provisions for solving some health problems in man. It is a flowering plant native to Asia and the Mediterranean.
The seeds have been used to make medicine for thousands of years. Black seed is known by so many other names in different languages and I will just mention a few: Baraka, Fennel Flower, Nigella, Black Caraway, Black Cumin, Roman-Coriander etc.
In this article, we will be considering the nutritional and phytochemical composition of the black seed, its possible health and beauty benefits, side effects and the different preparations available.
The Nutritional Composition of Black Seed
Black seed (Nigella sativa L.) has been considered one of the most treasured nutrient-rich herbs in history around the world. The maximal nutritional value of black seed can be linked to the presence of a substantial amount of vegetable protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The nutritional composition as gathered from different sources revealed:
- Protein: 20-85%
- Fat: 38.20%
- Fibre: 7-94%
- Carbohydrates: 32.94%
Amino acids identified are glutamate, arginine, aspartate, cysteine and methionine.
- It also contains significant levels of the following vitamins and minerals:
- Iron, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus and Calcium.
- Thiamin, Niacin, Pyridoxine and folic acid.
The Phytochemical Constituents of Black Seed
There are over hundreds of phytochemical constituents, which include mainly:
- Alkaloids
- Saponins
- Sterols: The major sterols identified are: Sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, 5-avenasterol.
- Essential oils: thymoquinone is a major component of the essential oil and is the most bioactive compound and exhibits a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
Traditional Uses of Black Seed
Black seed has been used widely as a spice and flavouring agent in a variety of food preparations like bread, yoghurt, pickles, sauces and salads. It has long been used in traditional remedies in the Arabian countries, far East Asia, Europe and Africa.
It was considered by the earliest herbal specialists as “The herb from heaven” even the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had described its curative powers as “Hold on to use this black seed, as it is a remedy for every illness except death”.
The herb is used in various traditional herbal systems for a wide range of ailments which include different airway disorders, pain such as chronic headache and back pain, diabetes, paralysis, infection, inflammation, hypertension, and digestive tract-related problems.
Health Benefits Of Black Seed
1. Antioxidant Activity
It has a very high antioxidant property. Oxidative stress due to high levels of free radicals is associated with several progressive pathological conditions such as cancer, ageing, neurological disorder and endocrine illness.
To ameliorate the outcome of these pathological conditions, it is pertinent to introduce an anti-oxidant in the management of patients recently there is more focus on natural anti-oxidants and this is where the use of black seed comes in.
2. Antidiabetic Activity
It has been used traditionally to manage high blood sugar. In recent times a lot of research is still needed to concretize this claim but the few that have been done showed that with its administration, there was a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and there was an improvement in the pancreatic cells.
3. Black Seed is Antihypertensive
It has been found that the oil has the potential of reducing high blood pressure. This is basically because of the thymoquinone content which has a very high antioxidant property.
4. Neuroprotective Effects
The black seed has a rich historical and religious basis to manage depression and many other neurological disorders.
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects
Inflammation has a key role in various medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, allergies and cancer which all are associated with acute and/or chronic pain.
Most anti-inflammatory medications produce severe adverse effects hence the search for natural substitutes through research has been on. The volatile oil of black seed and thymoquinone was shown to have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
6. Antimicrobial Activity
There has been a wide spread of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic microorganisms throughout the globe hence the increased and intensified efforts to get alternatives in plant-based natural products selected based on renowned ethnomedicinal use.
Among the inspiring medicinal plants, the black seed is the one that displayed strong antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic actions.
7. Antibacterial Activity
Thymoquinone present in the oil has been shown to have broad-spectrum activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. There may be a need for further research for potential use in treating H. Pylori-induced gastric ulcers.
8. Black Seed is Antifungal
It has been found through research that the thymol and thymoquinone constituents have potent antifungal effects against various fungal strains. As a potential agent with multiple antimicrobial activities, black seed can also be explored as a natural food preservative and food additive to protect foods from spoilage.
9. Boosts Male Fertility
Infertility in men is majorly due to sperm dysfunction which accounts for about 60% of infertility cases. The structure, function, motility and survival of sperm are affected by oxidative stress that invariably leads to infertility in men.
The antioxidant can increase spermatozoa counts, functionality, and sperm quality. Thus, improving fertility status. Luckily, this herb was found to exhibit remarkable antioxidant effects.
It was also discovered through research that black seed could cause an increase in the weight of reproductive organs. More research is needed to establish the possibility of future use as a natural aphrodisiac in men.
10. Acne Treatment
Some research shows that black seed oil when applied to the skin for a condition like acne, could help to stop further breakouts and gradually clear existing ones with lesions within two months. This effect on acne is likely to be due to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of black seed.
11. Black Seed Effect on Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by scaly red patches on the skin. Some studies have found that black seed oil could aid in the treatment of psoriasis in combination with some other oils but more research is needed to ascertain its effect in the treatment of psoriasis.
12. Wound Healing
It has been found that the application of its oil to wounds helps to stimulate growth and promote wound healing. This is basically due to the presence of a compound known as thymoquinone.
It may help treat burns, excisions, and diabetic wounds because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
Applying black seed oil mixed with honey may help accelerate wound healing even in diabetic persons. More research is needed in this area.
13. Aids in Reduction in Symptoms of Eczema
The black seed oil has been found to alleviate symptoms of eczema, a skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin when applied to the affected areas. Oral and topical application combined helps better.
It was discovered that topical application helped to reduce itching as a corticosteroid cream and also decreased inflammation thereby improving symptoms of eczema.
Due to its antibacterial property, it could potentially help prevent skin infections associated with eczema. More research is needed in this area.
14. Supports Weight Loss
Black seed oil may help to promote weight loss and decrease body fat. The exact way it brings about this is not yet known though it may help to reduce appetite and decrease body weight and body fat. More research is needed.
15. Aids in Treatment of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disorder that causes loss of skin pigmentation. Some research suggests that black seed oil could help in the treatment of vitiligo. Continuous application in the morning and night for about six months improved the vitiligo skin remarkably.
16. May Support Hair Growth
Black seed oil is usually added to hair care products including hair masks and shampoos. Manufacturers claim that it improves the texture of hair, shine, strength and volume but more research is needed on its benefits for hair health.
Precaution and Warnings for Black Seed
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not use medicinal amounts of black seed powder or oil.
- In persons with a bleeding disorder, consumption might increase the risk of bleeding as it can slow down blood clotting.
- In persons with diabetes, it might lower blood sugar so if you are on diabetic medication you should let your doctor know before using black seed.
- Persons with low blood pressure should be careful as it has the potential of lowering their blood pressure more.
- As it might slow clotting, reduce blood sugar and increase sleepiness in some people, it is, therefore, advisable to stop the use of black seed at least two weeks before surgery.
Note: There is likely interaction between black seed and medications that are used for high blood pressure, medications that slow clotting of blood, some medications that decrease immunity, and medications for diabetes.
How Do You Consume Black Seed?
- The seed can be consumed raw or lightly toasted.
- The seed has oil which comes as oil in a capsule or just in a bottle found in health stores.
- The powder is also available in stores.
Please do speak with your healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for your condition.
Conclusion
Black seed is wonderful, even in appearance! It is full of amazing benefits that I cannot mention all here. You should take precautions and consult with your healthcare provider if you want to start using the black seed for your health.
You should never replace your prescription drugs with herbal remedies without consulting with your doctor. Please embrace the wonders of nature with caution so that nature can deliver its best to you! Thank you!