Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is a substance that is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant that is native to Egypt, the sub-continent and Asia. Black seed and black seed oil have long been used as herbal medicine for skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin, allergies, colds and more serious health conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer and diabetes. 

The medicinal use of black cumin seeds in various traditional herbal systems is known for a wide range of ailments which include different airway disorders, for pain such as chronic headache and back pain, diabetes, paralysis, infection, inflammation, hypertension, and digestive tract related problems administered in different kind of preparations. It has also been used topically where it is applied directly to the blisters, nasal abscesses, orchitis, eczema, and swollen joints [33]. Keeping in view of the numerous traditional medicinal uses of N. sativa seeds and its active component, thymoquinone, this valuable herb can be explored as an effective folk medicine with multiple pharmacological actions.

Infertility is the incapability of a copulate to attain offspring after 12 months of intercourse without contraception. It is more prevalent among men than women [142]. Sperm dysfunction is the main problem related with men infertility which accounts 60% of all reasons. The structure, function, motility, and survival of sperm are deleteriously affected by oxidative stress that prominently leads to infertility. Hence, increasing spermatozoa counts, functionality, and sperm quality using antioxidants can improve fertility status [143, 144]. Evidence proves that some herbal medicines can reduce negative effects of oxidative stress by salvaging free radicals [145]. Among the various traditional plants, N. sativa was found to exhibit remarkable antioxidant effect [146].

Thymoquinone obtained from seeds of N. sativa revealed broader spectrum activities against multiple strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Bacillus, Listeria, Enterococcus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Salmonella, Serovar, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in addition to inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation [105]. The methyl alcoholic extract of the seed also displayed a larger inhibition zone on gram-positive (S. pyogenes) as compared to gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and P. vulgaris) [106]. For different isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, various concentrations of (100%, 80%, 50%, 40%, 30%, and 20%) N. sativa oils displayed an expressively higher zone of inhibitions against all the tested bacterial strains [107]. Thymoquinone also revealed a significant bactericidal activity against gram-positive cocci with MICs ranging from 8 to 32 μg/mL and proved the minimum biofilm inhibition concentration at 22 and 60 μg/mL for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, respectively [108]. Moreover, black seed (2 g/day) owed clinically valuable anti-H. pylori effect comparable to triple therapy [109] and this can provide a scientific basis for the exploration of potential uses of this valued seed for the treatment of H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers.

Black Seed Oil

Black cumin seed oil may help soothe achy joints. In one 2011 study, 40 women with aching joints who were given a 500-mg dose of black seed oil capsules twice a day experienced a positive impact on swollen joints and morning joint stiffness. Another more recent study in 2016 found that women who took the oil had lower blood levels of certain inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein. As mentioned above, black seed oil is available in liquid form and in gel caps. Topically, black seed oil can be combined with lotions, shampoos, or carrier oils (like jojoba, rosehip, argan, and avocado oil) and applied to the skin or scalp. Always do a patch test first to make sure you're not allergic.

Scientists with a range of specialties have researched the possible benefits of black seed oil. However, it is important to note that many studies to date have used cells or animals as models, and there is limited research available on the effects of black seed oil in humans. A review of 11 studiesTrusted Source has shown that black seed supplementation may help lower people’s body mass index (BMI) and lower people’s waist circumference. The study participants did not report any severe side effects from taking this supplement. Trusted Source on rats fed a high fat diet shows that black seed oil may be able to help significantly decrease body weight and insulin resistance. Black seed oil may beTrusted Source beneficial by helping clear symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis. Black seed oil may also hydrate hair, soften skin, and act as a moisturizer, although there is a lack of scientific evidence to confirm these benefits.