What Is Black Seed? Other Names: Nigella sativa, Ajenuz, Aranuel

Written by Consensus AI
7 min read

What Is Black Seed?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Black seed, also known as Nigella sativa, is an annual flowering plant from the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to southwest Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary practices. The seeds and oil of Nigella sativa are renowned for their distinctive aroma and taste, often described as bitter, peppery, metallic, and pungent. This article explores the phytochemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic uses, and potential health benefits of black seed. Other names include: Ajenuz, Aranuel, Baraka, Black Caraway, Black Cumin, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Charnuska, Cheveux de Vénus, Cominho Negro, Comino Negro, Cumin Noir, Cyah Dane, Fennel Flower, Fitch, Graine de Nigelle, Graine Noire, Habatul Sauda, Habbatul Baraka, Kalajaji, Kalajira, Kalonji, Ketsah, La Grainer Noire, Love in a Mist, Mugrela, Nielle, Nigella sativa, Nigelle de Crête, Nigelle Cultivée, Nutmeg Flower, Poivrette, Roman-Coriander, Schwarzkummel, Seed of Blessing, Siyah Dane, Shoniz, Small Fennel, Toute Épice, Upakuncika.

Phytochemistry and Active Constituents

Black seed contains a variety of bioactive compounds, with thymoquinone being the most prominent. Thymoquinone is the major constituent of the volatile oil extracted from the seeds and is responsible for many of the plant’s pharmacological properties . Other significant components include essential fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, as well as volatile oils, alkaloids, saponins, and sterols .

Pharmacological Properties of Black Seed

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Black seed exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have been demonstrated in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. These properties make it effective in managing conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases .

Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activities

The seeds and oil of Nigella sativa have shown significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities. These effects are beneficial in treating infections and have been explored in the context of managing long COVID and West Nile virus infections .

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Benefits

Black seed has been found to have hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive effects, making it useful in managing diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. These benefits are attributed to its ability to modulate lipid profiles and blood pressure .

Neuroprotective and Analgesic Effects

The neuroprotective and analgesic properties of black seed are well-documented. It has been used to manage neurological disorders such as epilepsy and to provide pain relief in various conditions .

Safety and Toxicity

Studies on the safety and toxicity of black seed indicate that it is generally safe for consumption. However, the toxicity profile can vary depending on the extract and dosage used. Chronic toxicity studies have shown that high doses of black seed oil can be slightly toxic, but overall, it is considered a safe medicinal herb.

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Therapeutic Uses of Black Seed

Traditional and Modern Applications

Historically, black seed has been used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including asthma, headache, bronchitis, amenorrhea, allergies, infections, and hypertension. Modern research supports these traditional uses and has expanded the potential applications of black seed in clinical settings.

Potential in Drug Development

Given its broad pharmacological profile, black seed is considered a valuable candidate for the development of new drugs. Its components, particularly thymoquinone, are being investigated for their potential in treating cancer, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions .

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Adverse Effects of Black Seed

General Safety and Toxicity

Studies generally indicate that Nigella sativa is safe when used in appropriate doses. However, high doses of certain extracts can be slightly toxic .

Chronic toxicity studies show that 2 mL/kg of N. sativa fixed oil is slightly toxic.

Cytotoxicity studies suggest that chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of N. sativa are more cytotoxic compared to other extracts.

Cytotoxic Effects

Black seed extract has shown dose-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxic effects in lung cancer cell studies, with significant cytotoxicity observed at higher concentrations.

Interaction with Other Treatments

When combined with cisplatin, black seed extract exhibited an antagonistic effect, reducing the efficacy of the chemotherapy drug.

Mild Side Effects

Clinical trials have reported that the side effects of black seed are generally not serious, making it suitable for further clinical applications.

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How has Black Seed Improved Patient Outcomes?

Metabolic Syndrome Improvement

Black seed alone and in combination with turmeric significantly improved body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profiles in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Pulmonary Function and Inflammation in COPD

Supplementation with black seed oil significantly improved pulmonary function tests (PFTs), reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α), and increased antioxidant levels in COPD patients.

Management of Long COVID and COVID-19

Black seeds have shown potential antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, which may help mitigate long COVID symptoms and improve recovery in COVID-19 patients .

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in NAFLD

Black seed supplementation significantly reduced serum glucose, insulin levels, and hepatic steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, indicating improved insulin resistance and liver health.

Kidney Stone Dissolution

Black seed treatment led to a significant reduction in the size of kidney stones and increased the rate of complete stone excretion compared to placebo.

Hepatotoxicity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Black seed oil reduced methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and improved liver function in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, enhancing their overall prognosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom Relief

Black seed oil as an adjuvant therapy significantly decreased disease activity scores, pain levels, and inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

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Common Complaints Associated with Black seed (Nigella sativa) Use

Gastrointestinal Issues: Some studies have reported that the use of Nigella sativa can lead to gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, bloating, and stomach upset .

Allergic Reactions: There are instances where individuals have experienced allergic reactions, including skin rashes and itching, upon using Nigella sativa products .

Potential Drug Interactions: Nigella sativa may interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. This is particularly relevant for drugs metabolized by the liver .

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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