Black Cumin Seed Benefits

Overview

Black cumin seeds, known scientifically as Nigella sativa, are native to southwest Asia. These seeds are commonly used for culinary purposes in candy making and preparation of liquors due to its pungent bitter smell and taste. Black cumin seeds have been used for centuries for medical purposes. A study published by M. Buritz in "Phytotherapy Research" in August 2000 confirmed the presence of several chemicals in black cumin seeds that offer antioxidant benefits, primarily the chemical thymoquinone. Antioxidants are chemicals that rid the body of free radicals that cause cell damage and promote disease. The consumption of black cumin seeds can offer health benefits due to the presence of thymoquinone. Consumption of black cumin seeds is considered an herbal, alternative treatment and should be taken under the direction of a physician.

Cancer Benefits

Several scientific studies have been performed to examine the effectiveness of thymoquinone from black cumin seeds for cancer treatment. A study performed by S. Banerjee for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, showed that thymoquinone promotes anti-inflammatory effects, inhibits cancer cell growth and proliferation and even causes cell death in cancer cells. This study was mostly performed in cell cultures, but the results encouraged further examination of thymoquinone in clinical trials involving the human population.

Immune System Benefits

There is convincing scientific evidence stating that the consumption of black cumin seeds can have benefits for the immune system. A study performed by M.E. Assayed for the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Menoufiya University-Sadat City Branch in Egypt evaluated the use of black cumin seeds on the immune system of study subjects who were exposed to gamma radiation. The results of the study revealed that study subjects who were administered black seed oil orally encountered fewer immune system disorders as a result of the radiation exposure than study subjects who were left untreated. The results of this study indicate the oils from black cumin seeds offer immune system protection from radiation exposure.

Anti-bacterial Benefits

Scientific studies have also shown that black cumin seeds can offer benefits as an anti-bacterial agent. One study examined the effects of black cumin seeds against the bacterial infection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA. This study, performed by A. Hannan for the Department of Microbiology at the University of Health Sciences in Pakistan, showed that black cumin seeds offered an inhibitory effect against several strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These results are significant because methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus can become resistant to antibiotics, so use of black cumin seeds may become more prevalent in the treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus if resistance occurs.

Epilepsy Benefits

There is scientific evidence stating that administration of black cumin seeds can offer anti-convulsive benefits. According to "Medical Science Monitor," more than 15 percent of childhood epilepsy cases are resistant to treatment even though anti-epilepsy medications are widely available. A study performed by J. Akhondian for the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran examined the use of extracts from black cumin seeds on 23 children, ages 13 months to 13 years, with refractory seizure disorder. The results of the study showed a significant reduction of the frequency of seizures in the group treated with black cumin seed extract.