Do you ever eat black seeds to clear your throat or when you are suffering from a cold and cough?
My mom used to say to eat some black seed(Nigella sativa) with honey it will clear your cough. It helped me every time. So I have researched this topic and found some interesting things about black seed.
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed, has been revered for centuries for its potent medicinal properties. This small, flowering plant native to South Asia and the Mediterranean region produces seeds that have been used in traditional medicine across various cultures. Known as “Habbatul Barakah” or “the seed of blessing” in Islamic tradition. This seed is gaining huge attention in modern scientific research for its diverse health benefits.
Historical and Traditional Uses
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed, has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used black seed oil as a remedy for various ailments, and it was even found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In Islamic culture, it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad mentioned the black seed as a remedy for “everything but death.” These seeds are also mentioned in the Holy Bible.
Traditional uses of Nigella sativa include treating digestive issues, respiratory problems, and various inflammatory conditions.
Healing potential of Black Seed
1. Antioxidant Effect
One of the main active constituents present in Black seed is thymoquinone (TQ). It has significant antioxidant properties. Some recent studies in cell-based and in-vivo demonstrate that black seed has the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also has the ability to increase antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). These antioxidant properties help to mitigate damage caused by free radicals.
2. Help in Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. It is associated with oxidative stress and an imbalanced lipid profile. Some studies have shown that black seeds improve disease outcomes by reducing oxidative stress and improving blood lipid profile. Another study shows that it reduces blood glucose, serum creatinine, and urinary protein level in diabetic patients.
3. Improve Immunity
Black seed has some immunostimulatory function. It increases macrophage population and phagocytic activity. Black seed improves immune response Against asthma-related mediators. It also improves immune cell count in children with beta-thalassemia and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Neural health
Black seed offer some protective effects Against some neurological conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The main active compound found in black seed is thymoquinone (TQ). Black seed improves gene expression related to reducing and recovery of neural damage. Black Seed also reduces anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and schizophrenia symptoms by various mechanisms.
5. Anticancer activity
Black seed has some potent anticancer activity. They have the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer. Some studies show that black seed enhances chemosensitivity and reduces tumor growth when combined with chemotherapeutic agents.
6. Cardioprotective and antihypertensive
Black seeds exhibit cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and improving biomarkers. It also helps lowering hypertension. Some studies show that black seeds help in normalizing blood pressure. But this effect varies from person to person. Further research is needed to resolve these discrepancies.
7. Liver health
Black seed and its compound have shown hepatoprotective effects by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, reducing oxidative stress, and increasing antioxidant activity. Black seed can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, reduce liver enzyme levels, and improve lipid profile.
8. Anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemic effect
Black seed has a therapeutic effect in combating these conditions. Studies show that black seed oil improves lipid profile by increasing HDL and reducing cholesterol, Triglyceride, and LDL levels. Clinical trial shows that it has significant improvement in lipid profile and blood sugar level. So it could be a promising anti-obesity and anti- dyslipidemic agent.
