For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil has been used by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, and Africa to support their health. An aromatic spice, similar looking to sesame seed except black in color, 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, and for general overall well-being. Black Seed is also known as Black Cumin, Black Caraway Seed, Habbatul Baraka (the Blessed Seed), and by its botanical name "Nigella Sativa".
Since 1959, over 200 studies at international universities and articles published in various journals have shown remarkable results supporting its traditional uses recorded almost 1400 years ago.
While the Black Seed is highly effective by itself, ongoing studies with the combination of other herbs have produced remarkable results.
Amazingly Black Seed's chemical composition is very rich and diverse. Aside from its primary ingredient, crystalline nigellone, Black Seed contains 15 amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, both fixed oils (84% fatty acids, including linolenic, and oleic), and volatile oils, alkaloids, saponin, and crude fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. There are still many components in Black Seed that haven't been identified. But research is going on around the world.
Black Seed Oil contains several ingredients (in significant amounts) with potential value. The following chart reflects the composition of Black Seed Oil in terms of its active, nutrient components, and any other significant ingredients.
Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is rich in nutritional values.
Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed.
It is rich in fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated and essential fatty acids (Linoleic and Linolenic acid). The EFAs, consisting of alpha-Linolenic acid (omega-3) and Linoleic acid (omega-6), are substances that cannot be manufactured in the body, and thus must be taken in as supplements or through high-EFA foods in order to sustain health.
The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains a non-starch polysaccharide component which is a useful source of dietary fiber.
Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet.
Chemical analysis has further revealed that the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A.
Black seed contains Arginine which is essential for infant growth.
The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements' main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.
Black Seed's Mechanisms of Action
Essential Oil Composition (1.4%) | Black Seed Oil |
| Carvone | 21.1% |
Alfa-Pinene | 7.4% |
| Sabinene | 5.5% |
| Beta-Pinene | 7.7% |
| P-cymene | 46.8% |
| Others | 11.5% |
Fatty Acids | Black Seed Oil. |
| Myristic Acid (C14:0) | 0.5% |
| Palmitic Acid (C16:0) | 13.7% |
| Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1) | 0.1% |
| Stearic Acid (C18:0) | 2.6% |
| Oleic Acid (C18:1) | 23.7% |
| Linoleic Acid (C18:2)(Omega-6) | 57.9% |
| Linolenic Acid (18:3n-3) (Omega-3) | 0.2% |
| Arachidic Acid (C20:0) | 1.3% |
Saturated & Unsaturated Fatty Acids | Black Seed Oil |
| Saturated Acid | 18.1% |
| Monounsaturated Acids | 23.8% |
| Polyunsaturated Acids | 58.1% |
Nutritional Value | Black Seed Oil |
| Protein | 208 ug/g |
| Thiamin | 15ug/g |
| Riboflavin | 1 ug/g |
| Pyridoxine | 5ug/g |
| Niacin | 57 ug/g |
| Folacin | 610 IU/g |
| Calcium | 1.859 mg/g |
| Iron | 105 ug/g |
| Copper | 18 ug/g |
Zinc | 60 ug/g |
Phosphorus | 5.265 mg/g |
Nutritional Composition | Black Cumin Seed |
protein | 21% |
carbohydrates | 35% |
fats | 35-38% |
Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is rich in nutritional values.
Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed.
It is rich in fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated and essential fatty acids (Linoleic and Linolenic acid). The EFAs, consisting of alpha-Linolenic acid (omega-3) and Linoleic acid (omega-6), are substances that cannot be manufactured in the body, and thus must be taken in as supplements or through high-EFA foods in order to sustain health.
The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains a non-starch polysaccharide component which is a useful source of dietary fiber.
Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet.
Chemical analysis has further revealed that the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A.
Black seed contains Arginine which is essential for infant growth.
The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements' main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.
Black Seed's Mechanisms of Action
- Analgesic: Relieves or dampens sensation of pain.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
- Anti-bacterial: Destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive bacteria.
- Anthelmintic: (Also know as vermicide or vermifuge) destroys and expels intestinal worms.
- Anti-Microbial: Destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive microorganisms.
- Anti-Pyretic: (Also known as ferbrifuge) - exhibits a 'cooling action', useful in fever reduction.
- Antioxidant: Prevents or delays the damaging oxidisation of the body's cells - particularly useful against free radicals.
- Anti-spasmodic: Prevents or eases muscle spasms and cramps.
- Anti-tumour: Counteracts or prevents the formation of malignant tumours
- Carminative: Stimulates digestion and induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach and the intestines.
- Diuretic: Stimulates urination to relieve bloating and rid the body of any excess water.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration during fever to cool and stimulate the release of toxins. - Digestive: Stimulates bile and aids in the digestive process.
- Galactogogue: Stimulates the action of milk in new mothers.
- Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow and activity.
- Hypotensive: Reduces excess blood pressure.
- Laxative: Causes looseness or relaxation of the bowels.
- Immunomodulator: Suppresses or strengthens immune system activity as needed for optimum balance.
BLACK SEED: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Seed?
Black Seed is a traditional herb that has been in use for thousands of years by people living in the Middle East and some parts of Asia and Africa to promote health and fight disease. It is also known the “Blessed Seed”.
What are the essential properties of Black Seed?
Black Seed herb contains over 100 components, many of which still remain to be discovered. It is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids and contains about 35% oil, 21% protein, and 38% carbohydrates. More than 50% of the oil are essential fatty acids. It’s linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid content help form Prostaglandin E1, which helps the body to inhibit infections, balances the immune system, and regulates allergic reactions. Gamma-linolenic acid also helps stabilize the cell membrane. Black Seed also contains about .5-1.5% volatile oils including Nigellone and thymochinon which are responsible for Black Seed’s anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, anti-infective, and broncho-dialating effect.
What are some of the traditional uses of Black Seed?
Traditionally, Black Seed has been used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal complaints, kidney & liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and to improve general health. Its can be topically used for eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, inflammation, and scalp massage.
What scientific research has there been on Black Seed?
Since 1959, there have been over 200 studies at international universities and articles published in various journals showing remarkable results supporting some of its traditional uses. In 1960, Egyptian researchers confirmed that Nigellone was responsible for Black Seeds broncho-dialating effect. Recently scientists in Europe have confirmed the anti-bacterial and anti-mycotic effects of black seed oil. Scientists at the Cancer and Immuno-Biological Laboratory have found that Black Seed stimulates bone marrow and immune cells and raises the interferon production, protects normal cells against cell destroying effects of viruses, destroys tumor cells and raises the number of anti-bodies producing B cells.
What about the effects of Black Seed and Prostaglandin E1 on the Immune System?
Through the formation of Protaglandin E1, the complete immune system is harmonized and the body’s over-reactive allergic reactions are stabilized. By also inhibiting infection, the immune system is able to prevent and control chronic illnesses. Healthy cells are protected from the damaging effects of viruses, inhibiting tumors. As a result Interferon cell protein is formed, inhibiting growth of damaging micro-organisms.
Recently independent clinical studies published in the Archives of Aids also established some astonishing effects of Black Seed on the defense system by improving the ratio between helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells by a significant amount while also enhancing the natural killer cell activity.
What are some of the other Effects of Black Seed?
Black Seed helps support metabolism, digestion, and lowers blood sugars levels. It has been useful in the treatment of diabetes melitus. In digestive matters, Black Seed helps to stimulate bile and promote regularity, improve digestion, and has been used to fight worms and parasites of the intestinal tract.
What are the overall benefits of Black Seed?
Black Seed is a excellent herb with many benefits, especially when it comes to maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. It is also very useful to individuals suffering from asthma and respiratory complaints, weakened or over-stimulated Immune system, kidney or liver problems, digestive and stomach problems, arthritis and circulatory complaints, allergies and hay fever, and acne. Black Seed is a safe and excellent herb that can be used by anyone. It has no known side effects and has a long history of use for several thousand years.
What is more effective, Black Seed herb or oil?
Both are effective in their own standards. However, Black Seed oil is more concentrated than the herb itself, but many people prefer using the herb to the oil. Caution should be taken when using black seed oil due the fact that many oil products are imported and may be adulterated or mixed with other oils. Some oils coming from the Middle East are extracted with heat and hexane, a petrolium by-product. Always use a product that is labeled as 100%, cold-pressed, solvent free, and packed and sealed by machine.
