A little black seed not actually related to the familiar spicy cumin used in curries. Black cumin, or Nigella sativa, comes from a flowering plant that belongs to a different family of plants than the well-known savory spice of a similar name. The black cumin seed and its extracted oils and compounds contain high amounts of active ingredients that have been instrumental in treating a wide variety of ailments, including cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and many more. In fact, the anticancer properties of black cumin were discovered thousands of years ago, but are just now making waves in modern medicine. Black cumin originated in Southeastern Asia, and has been used medicinally for centuries across the world, named ‘Panacea’ in old Latin. While the seed is not guaranteed a cure-all, research of its healing properties certainly shows its amazing potential in treating a smattering of illnesses and offering a tremendous amount of health benefits. (Source)
Black Cumin for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Swaths of research show the broad scope of anti-cancer effects black cumin seed can have. Thymoquinone, the chief component of Nigella sativa oil, has been found to be a potent antioxidative and anti-cancer agent. In one study, black cumin seed extract was found to completely inactivate breast cancer cell lines (Source), while another study found thymoquinone isolated from black cumin to significantly inhibit proliferation of cells in breast cancer cell lines. Another study found black cumin extract to induce apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells. (Source) (Source) Black cumin has also been found to significantly inhibit proliferation of colon cancer, as was found in one study that examined the anticancer activity of black cumin seed oil on rats with colon carcinogenesis. (Source) In another study, thymoquinone extract of black cumin seed was found to inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and related inflammatory pathways. (Source) Black cumin seed and its bioactive components have also been found to have inhibitory effects on lung cancer (Source), as well as liver and prostate cancer. (Source) (Source)
Black Cumin for Liver Health
Not only has black cumin been found to have inhibitory effects on liver cancer; it has also been found to have antioxidative, protective effects on the liver in general. One study found black cumin seed oil to have protective, antioxidative effects against liver and kidney toxicity in rabbits. (Source) Another study found black-cumin thymoquinone extract to significantly alleviate oxidative stress in rat livers. (Source)
Black Cumin for Heart Health
Black cumin has also been found to exhibit protective effects on the heart by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. One study found black cumin-derived thymoquinone to alleviate oxidative stress, inhibit lipid peroxidation and reduce inflammation-causing cytokines as well as edema in rats with myocardial infarction. (Source) Another study examined the effects of black cumin seed oil on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women, and found that a combination of the oil and a healthy diet lowered triglyceride and LDL levels. (Source) Black cumin seed was also tested for its heart-protective effect on patients with type-2 diabetes in another study. The black cumin seed powder that was administered to one group of patients was found to exhibit protective effects against cardiac dysfunction. (Source)
Black Cumin for Diabetes Treatment
In addition to protecting the cardiovascular risk component of diabetes, black cumin has been found to exhibit a broader scope of anti-diabetic activity. One study examined the effects of black cumin extract on glucose concentrations in diabetic rats, and found the extract to have a hypoglycemic effect while improving insulin response and protecting pancreatic cells. (Source)
Black Cumin for Brain Health
Due to the high antioxidative effect of its chief component thymoquinone, black cumin is being investigated for its healing potential in neurological disorders. One study found black cumin seed extract to inhibit learning and memory impairment in rats who had experienced repeated seizures. Though more research is needed in this area, the findings of the study suggest the potential of black cumin seed in treating nervous system disorders. (Source)
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Black cumin seed, 1 Tbsp (5.8g)
Calories: 20
Total Fat: .9g
Polyunsaturated Fat: .1g
Monounsaturated Fat: .6g
Sodium: 5mg
Potassium: 98mg
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
Protein: .9g
Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 6%
Magnesium: 5%