Black Seed (aka. Black Cumin, Back Caraway; Nigella sativa) produces delicate and exotic looking flowers with inflated fruit capsules, but with finely divided leaves (but not thread-like- those belong to a related species, N. damascena). The capsules contain many black seeds that are used as a spice, medicine and source of oil.
Black Seeds have a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Tibb. Islamic literature describes it as one of the highest forms of medicine.
Black Seed is native to south and southwest Asia and grown primarily for it’s use as a spice as well as for industrial uses, and as a traditional medicine.
In Middle Eastern, Polish and Indian cuisine it is used in dishes, as it imparts a flavor that is savory, like onions, black pepper and oregano combined.
The essential oil has been found to have thymoquinone, which is thought to be one of the main active constituents in Black Seed. The seeds also contain saponins, terpenes and alkaloids. The oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, dietary fiber and certain vitamins, such as tocopherol and niacin.
Traditional medicine uses include respiratory and digestive disorders, as well as for rheumatism, and kidney and liver function. Black Seed has also become popular in the supplement market, especially for inflammatory-type indications or processes.
Pharmacological studies have found Black Seed to exhibit many interesting actions, including digestive, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal, spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, diuretic and gastro-protective properties.
A number of positive clinical trials exist on Black Seed. For example, a randomized controlled clinical trial published this year already found a proprietary extract of Black Seed to improve non-restorative sleep in seven days. In a systematic review of clinical trials published this year, Black Seed was found to improve lipid profiles and glycemic index in patients with metabolic syndrome. In another meta-analysis of clinical trials, Black Seed was found to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improve blood lipid profiles.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.