Over many centuries humans have been mining the bounties of nature for discovering substances that have been used for the treatment of all human diseases; many such remedies are useful even today as modern day medicine. Emerging evidence also suggests that the search is still continuing for harnessing active compounds from nature in combating human illnesses although pharmaceutical industries are equally active for synthesizing small molecule compounds as novel therapeutics. The lesson learned over many centuries clearly suggests that further sophisticated search for finding compounds from natural resources together with robust characterization and chemical synthesis will lead to the discovery of novel drugs that may have high therapeutic efficacy against all human diseases including cancer. Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil extracts have been used for many centuries for the treatment of many human illnesses, and more recently the active compound found in black seed oil, viz. thymoquinone (TQ) has been tested for its efficacy against several diseases including cancer

Black cumin seeds were found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt from 1333 BC to 1324 BC. He was the son of Akhenaten and Nefertiti and his tomb is the most complete Egyptian tomb ever discovered. The Egyptians supposedly put the seeds in his tomb so that he may have excellent health in the afterlife.

Out of the several accompanying articles found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen were the seeds of Black cumin [Nigella sativa; (Zohary and Hopf, 2001)] not to be mistaken with common cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum). It is a spice that grows in the Mediterranean region and in Western Asian countries including India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The historical references to these seeds are also found in some of the oldest religious and medical texts. For example, it is referred to as ‘Melanthion’ by Hippocrates and Dioscorides, while the Bible describes it as the ‘curative black cumin’ (Isaiah 28:25, 27 NKJV). It is, therefore, no wonder that they were thought to be worthy accompaniments in the ‘From Life here to Eternity’ by the pharaoh as described earlier.

There are many instances in the history of the world that upholds the glory of the black cumin. One of the earliest references to the black cumin is seen in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, in the Holy Bible. The New King James Version of Isaiah Chapter 28, Verses 25 to 27 reads as follows:

“When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow the black cumin and scatter the cumin, plant the wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place?”
“For He instructs him in right judgment, his God teaches him.”
“For the black cumin is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cartwheel rolled over the cumin; but the black cumin is beaten out with a stick, And the cumin with a rod.”

These verses describe how the black cumin plant is treated differently by the farmer, since it is more valuable than wheat and other crops.

It is recorded elsewhere that Cleopatra used black cumin preparations for maintaining her health, beauty and vitality.

The most often quoted historical references come from ancient Islamic literature, wherein the black cumin is regarded the greatest medicinal plant to ever exist. Prophet Muhammad has once mentioned that the black cumin seed is capable of curing every disease except death. He said:

“Hold on to the use of the black seed, for it has the cure for every illness except death.”

It is also given a very important place in the list of natural drugs of ‘Tibb-e-Nabavi’, Islamic Medicine (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71: 592).

Ancient Greek records say that the great physician Dioskorides used black cumin to treat and cure a variety of illnesses including intestinal parasites, toothaches, headaches, respiratory congestion and amenorrhea. He also used it as a diuretic and to promote milk production.

Hippocrates (460 BC – 370 BC) used Black Cumin for the treatment of liver and digestive disorders.

The Cannon of Medicine by Ibn Sina (Avicenna, 980 – 1037), considered by many as the greatest book in the history of ancient medicine refers to black cumin seed as “that which stimulates the body’s energy and helps recover from fatigue or dispiritedness.” The Unani Tibb system of medicine also mentions Black Cumin Seed as an important remedy for a large number of aliments.

Thymoquinone is an active principle of Nigella sativa seed known as “Habbah Al-Sauda”in Arabic countries and “Sinouj”in Tunisia. Bacterial biofilms tend to exhibit significant tolerance to antimicrobials drugs during infections.

Methods: The antibacterial activity of Thymoquinone (TQ) and its biofilm inhibition potencies were investigated on 11 human pathogenic bacteria.

The growth and development of the biofilm were assessed using the crystal violet (CV) and the 2, 3-bis [2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay.

Results: TQ exhibited a significant bactericidal activity against the majority of the tested bacteria (MICs values ranged from 8 to 32 ug/ml) especially Gram positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus epidermidis CIP 106510). Crystal violet assay demonstrated that the minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (BIC50) was reached with 22 ug/ml and 60 ug/ml for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus epidermidis CIP 106510 respectively.

In addition our data revealed that cells oxidative activity was influenced by TQ supplementation. In the same way, TQ prevented cell adhesion to glass slides surface.

Conclusions: The ability of TQ to prevent biofilm formation warrants further investigation to explore its use as bioactive substances with antibiofilm potential.

Author: Kamel ChaiebBochra KouidhiHanene JrahKacem MahdouaniAmina Bakhrouf
Credits/Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011, 11:29

Black Seed Holds Hope For Over 300 Million Asthma Sufferers

At last, there is a natural, steroid-free solution to the worldwide asthma epidemic that affects over 300 million people and leads to over 250,000 deaths every year.

Asthma is thought to be caused by a number of environmental and genetic factors and is heavily influenced by the immune system. New research  has shown that the oil of a tiny black seed from Western Asia may be the key to both the prevention and treatment of immune-related Asthma.

In a new clinical trial,

The Nigella sativa (black seed) oil contains over 100 known health-promoting properties including a wide range of the most potent antioxidants, B vitamins, 15 amino-acids, essential fatty acids, and an array of vital organic minerals. However, researchers believe that it is a substance called ‘nigellone’ that may be the real hero as it protects sufferers from histamine-induced bronchial spasms and significantly relieves the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and general coughing.

Twenty-nine asthmatic adults were randomly divided into a control group (14 patients) and treatment group (15 patients), and monitored for 3 months.Asthma symptom score, asthma severity, frequency of symptoms/week and wheezing were recorded on the first visit, then again after 45 days and finally, at the end of the study. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were also measured, and the drug regimen of the patients was evaluated at three different visits.

The researchers found that all asthma symptoms, frequency of asthma symptoms/week, chest wheezing, and PFT values in the treatment group significantly improved in the second and third visits compared with the first visit. In addition, further improvement of chest wheezing and severity of disease on the third visit were observed compared with the second visit in this group. Most significantly, by the the third visit (90 days) all symptoms in the treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group.

In addition, the researchers observed that the usage of inhaler and oral ß-agonists, oral corticosteroid, oral theophylline and even inhaler corticosteroid by those patients in the treatment group decreased by the end of the study while there were no obvious changes in usage of the drugs in control patients.

The researchers condlue that the results of the study indicate that Nigella Sativa Oil both alleviates and prevents asthma symptoms and warrant further research. For more information on Nigella Sativa visit: www.nigella-sativa-research.com

Premium-cold-pressed Nigella Sativa Oil is available from www.taylor-jackson.com
Taylor Jackson Health Products – tel: 0207 193 8406

Source: Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology, Volume 21, Number 5, October 2007 , pp. 559-566(8) The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patients. Authors: Boskabady, Mohammad Hossein; Javan, H.; Sajady, M.; Rakhshandeh, H.

Welcome to Nigella Sativa Research

Posted by research | Filed under NIgella Sativa Research | Feb 3, 2010 | Tags: allergies, eczema, nigella sativa, psoriasis, research | No Comments

Welcome to Nigella-Sativa-Research.com

Over 200 published research papers

The protective and healing powers of Nigella Sativa oil is so astoundingly comprehensive and varied that for thousands of years humans have regarded it as a “Miracle Cure”. This web site is dedicated to discovering what Nigella Sativa is and hown it can help you.

Nigella Sativa is one of the most exciting of all plants in terms of healing properties. It has a rich history in herbal medicine, particularly in Asia where it has been revered for thousands of years. However, in recent times, Nigella Sativa oil has been found to contain over 100 known healing components and has been reported to help medical conditions ranging from allergies, chronic skin complaints including Psoriasis & Eczema to more serious life-threatening disorders including cancer and diabetes.

Nigella Sativa Flower

In fact, researchers have acknowledged that is no other known plant extract that has such a wide range of healing capabilities as Nigella Sativa. This is largely explained by the large array of therapeutic effects that Nigella Sativa oil produces. The cold-pressed oil from the seed of Nigella Sativa has an unprecedented strengthening effect upon the immune system, and works in a host of other ways to promote optimum health and well being.

For thousands of years, healers have written about the tremendous healing properties of this legendary herb, including the prophet Mohammed who claimed over fourteen hundred years ago that the seed heals every disease except for death.”  That is quite a  statement, but in this web site you’ll discover how modern medicine is beginning to acknowledge that Nigella Sativa is one of the most potent natural medicines known to science.

The Blessed Seed. Blackseed Oil. (Nigella Sativa) Black Cumin.

Nigella Sativa is traditionally known in Middle Eastern countries as “Habbat al Barakah” – ‘The Blessed Seed’, due to it’s powerful healing qualities for many ailments.

It has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East as well as ports of Asia and Africa and is now well known in the USA and Europe.

Nigela Sativa can be compared to Echinacea, the well known immune booster but works in a very different way, which makes it even suitable for diseases of the immune system itself, eg. allergies; MS; TB; cancer; aids etc, where Echinacea could have detrimental effects.

The oil of nigella sativa is so beneficial due to it’s content of over a hundred components such as aromatic oils, trace elements, vitamins and enzymes. It contains 58% of essential fatty acids including omega 6 and omega 3. These are necessary for the forming of Prostaglandin E1 which balances and strengthens the immune system giving it the power to prevent infections and allergies and control cronic illnesses. Healthy cells are protected from viruses thus inhibiting tumours. Blackseed oil also contains about 0.5 – 1.5% volatile oils including nigellone and thymochinone which are responsible for its anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, anti-infective and broncho-dilating effect.

As an oil it is digested through the lymphatics consequently purifying and unblocking the lymphatic system.

Nigella Sativa oil was found in Tutankhamen’s tomb. It is known to have been used by Cleopatra for it’s health and beauty giving qualities.

The Greek physician Dioskorides used Blackseed to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal parasites. Hippocrates, the grandfather of today’s scientific medicine regarded Nigella Sativa as a valuable remedy in hepatic and digestive disorders.

Ibn Sina, the author of the Canon of Medicine, one of the most famous books in the history of medicine recommends Blackseed stimulates the metabolism and to recover from dispiritedness and lethargy.

Ayurvedic medicine appreciates its many qualities and bitter, warming, stimulant nature. Here it is used or a wide variety of diseases like hemorrhoids, hepatitis, fever, diarrhea, cough, tapeworm, to mention only a few of them.

The earliest written reference to Blackseed is found in the book of Isiah in the Old Testament 28:25-27. It is most famous for the saying of the holy prophet Muhammad (sws), ‘Hold on to use of the Blackseed, for it has a remedy for every illness except death.’ The wording ‘hold onto’ indicates a long term use.

Since 1959 there have been over 200 different studies at universities and laboratories. At the Cancer Research Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, one of the largest experimental studies so far proved that Nigella Sativa oil had enormous success in tumor therapy without the negative side effects of common chemo-therapy. They found that it increased the growth rate of bone marrow cells by a staggering 250% and it inhibited tumor growth by 50%. It stimulated immune cells and raised the interferon production which protect cells from the cell destroying effect of viruses. They confirmed the strongly anti-bacterial and anti-micotic effects and that it has an effect in lowering the blood sugar level which is essential for the treatment of diabetes.

Recently independent clinical studies published in the archives of Aids also established some astonishing effects of blackseed on the defense system by improving the ration between helper t-cells and suppressor t-cells by a significant amount while also enhancing the natural killer cell activity.

Experiences of doctors in Munich displayed that 70% of patients with allergic conditions, among them being pollen and dust allergies, asthma and neuro-dermitis were cured by Nigella Sativa.

How to Benefit from Nigella Sativa:

Acne:

Half a teaspoon of nigella sativa oil in a bowl of hot water, vapour bath with a towel over head.
Increase intake of Zinc.

Asthma and Cough:

Rub the back and chest with nigella sativa oil. Drink one tsp after meals three times a day.
Inhale vapour of boiling water with 1 tsp of oil with a towel over head.

Colds and Flu:

1 tsp of nigella sativa oil three times a day. Drink hot lemon with honey.

Lethargy:

1 tsp of nigella sativa oil with orange juice for 10 days.

Nervous Tension:

½ tsp nigella sativa oil with herbal tea like lemon balm, clary sage, passion flower, St. John’s Wort.

Healthy Complexion

Rub ½ tsp oil all over face. Wash with cold water.

Tired legs, muscles etc.

Massage on affected area.

Backache, arthritis, bruises & rheumatism:

Heat nigella sativa oil slightly and massage intensely. Drink 1 tsp oil with 1tsp olive oil 3 times a day.

High blood pressure:

Drink 1 tsp in any hot drink. Take 2 lobes of garlic before breakfast.

Stomach complaint:

Drink mint tea with lemon and take 1 tsp nigella sativa oil 3 times a day or until relieved.

Diarrhea:

1 tsp nigella sativa oil with a cup of yoghurt. Take 2 times daily. Also eat boiled rice with yoghurt.
Hair Loss:

Stroke the scalp thoroughly with lemon, leave for 15 minutes then wash and dry. Then apply ½ – 1 tsp nigella sativa oil.

Headache:

Rub the forehead and sides of the head and part of the face near the ears with thenigella sativa oil. Drink ½ tsp of oil after a meal 3 times a day.

Earache:

Mix ½ tsp nigella sativa oil with ½ tsp olive oil, warm and then drip drops into the ear and cover the ear with a woolen shawl or hat.

Intestinal parasites:

Take 1 tsp nigella sativa oil with ‘wormwood’ capsules. Eat plenty of onions and garlic.

Colic (babies):

Warm nigella sativa oil in hand, massage the whole abdomen with it, stroking clockwise.

Sinusitis:

Inhale through nose with vapor bath, take 1 tsp daily in chronic cases, 3 times daily in acute cases.

Skin fungus:

Wipe affected area with cider vinegar, then apply nigella sativa oil, repeat if necessary.

There are many medicinal properties. Blackseed Products include honey mixtures and many other blackseed recipes

Genus: Nigella

Species: N. sativaNigella sativa is an annual flowering plant, native to southwest Asia. It grows to 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) tall, with finely divided, linear (but not thread-like) leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually coloured pale blue and white, with 5–10 petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of 3–7 united follicles, each containing numerous seeds. The seed is used as a spice.

For Nigella Sativa advertising contact:  blogs.global@yahoo.com

Nigella sativa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Ranunculales
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Genus:	Nigella
Species:	N. sativa
Binomial name
Nigella sativa

Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant, native to southwest Asia. It grows to 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) tall, with finely divided, linear (but not thread-like) leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually coloured pale blue and white, with 5–10 petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of 3–7 united follicles, each containing numerous seeds. The seed is used as a spice.

Etymology

Nigella sativa seed

In English, Nigella sativa seed is variously called fennel flower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, blackseed or black caraway. Other names used, sometimes misleadingly, are onion seed and black sesame, both of which are similar-looking but unrelated. The seeds are frequently referred to as black cumin (as in Bengali: kalo jira, kalo jeera, kali jeera), but this is also used for a different spice, Bunium persicum. The scientific name is a derivative of Latin niger “black”.^[1]

An older English name gith is now used for the corncockle. In English-speaking countries with large immigrant populations, it is also variously known as “karum cheerakam” in Tamil, kalonji (Hindi ?????? kalau?j? or ?????? kalo?j?) or mangrail (Hindi ??????), ketzakh (Hebrew ???), chernushka (Russian), çörek otu (Turkish), habbat al-barakah (Arabic ??? ?????? ?abbat al-barakah “seed of blessing”) or siyah daneh (Persian ????????? siyâh dâne) or ?????? in Urdu. “Karim Jeerakam” in Malayalam.

A commercial pack of kalonji

It is used as part of the spice mixture panch puran^[2] and by itself in a great many recipes in Bengali cookery and most recognisably in Naan Bread.^[3]

The Turkish name çörek otu literally means “bun’s herb” from its use in flavoring the çörek buns. Such braided-dough buns are widespread in the cuisines of Turkey and its neighbors (see Tsoureki ????????). In Bosnian, the Turkish name for Nigella sativa is respelled as ?urekot. The seed is used in Bosnia, and particularly its capital Sarajevo, to flavor pastries (Bosnian: somun) often baked on Muslim religious holidays.

Characteristics

Nigella sativa has a pungent bitter taste and smell. It is used primarily in confectionery and liquors. The variety of naan bread called Peshawari naan is as a rule topped with kalonji seeds.

History

According to Zohary and Hopf, archeological evidence about the earliest cultivation of N. sativa “is still scanty”, but they report that N. sativa seeds have been found in several sites from ancient Egypt, including Tutankhamun‘s tomb.^[4] Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is unknown, it is known that items entombed with a pharaoh were carefully selected to assist him in the after life.

The earliest written reference to N. sativa is thought to be in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament where the reaping of nigella and wheat is contrasted (Isaiah 28: 25, 27). Easton’s Bible dictionary states that the Hebrew word ketsah refers to N. sativa without doubt (although not all translations are in agreement). According to Zohary and Hopf, N. sativa “was another traditional condiment of the Old World during classical times; and its black seeds were extensively used to flavor food.”^[4]

History of Medicine

Nigella sativa has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, both as a herb and pressed into oil, in Asia, Middle East, and Africa. It has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, as analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antioxidants, anticancer, antiviral and for general well-being.

In Islam, it is regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine available. Prophet Mohammed once stated that the black seed can heal every disease—except death—as recounted in the following hadith:

[Sahih Muslim : Book 26 Kitab As-Salam, Number 5489]

Abu Huraira reported that he heard Allah’s Messenger as saying: Nigella seed is a remedy for every disease except death.

Narrated Khalid bin Sa’d :We went out and Ghalib bin Abjar was accompanying us. He fell ill on the way and when we arrived at Medina he was still sick. Ibn Abi ‘Atiq came to visit him and said to us, “Treat him with black cumin. Take five or seven seeds and crush them (mix the powder with oil) and drop the resulting mixture into both nostrils, for ‘Aisha has narrated to me that she heard the Prophet saying, ‘This black cumin is healing for all diseases except As-Sam.’ ‘Aisha said, ‘What is As-Sam?’ He said, ‘Death.’ ” (Bukhari)

[Sahih Muslim : Book 26 Kitab As-Salam, Number 5490]

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger as saying: There is no disease for which Nigella seed does not provide remedy.

Avicenna, most famous for his volumes called The Canon of Medicine, refers to nigella as the seed that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness. It is also included in the list of natural drugs of ‘Tibb-e-Nabavi’, or “Medicine of the Prophet”, according to the tradition “hold onto the use of the black seeds for in it is healing for all diseases except death” (Sahih Bukhari vol. 7 book 71 # 592).

In the Unani Tibb system of medicine, N. sativa is regarded as a valuable remedy for a number of diseases.

The seeds have been traditionally used in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries to treat ailments including asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to promote digestion and to fight parasitic infections. Its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and to treat cold symptoms. Its many uses have earned nigella the Arabic approbation ‘Habbatul barakah’, meaning the seed of blessing.

Scientific research

Black cumin oil contains nigellone, which protects guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchial spasms^[5] (perhaps explaining its use to relieve the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and coughing).

The presence of an anti-tumor sterol, beta-sitosterol, lends credence to its traditional use to treat abscesses and tumors of the abdomen, eyes, and liver.^[6]

Nigella sativa oil has been reported to be effective in treating opioid dependence.^[7]

Nigella sativa also has been reported to reduce calculi formation in rats’ kidneys.^[8]

Thymoquinone and pancreatic cancer treatment

Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone, an extract of Nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death, (apoptosis). While the studies are in the early stages, the findings suggest that thymoquinone could eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in patients who have gone through surgery and chemotherapy or in individuals who are at a high risk of developing cancer.^[9]

Nigella Sativa Flower