Effects of sativa
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Effects of Sativa: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Sativa Varieties
Nigella Sativa: Historical and Clinical Use
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It has been employed to treat a variety of ailments, including metabolic, respiratory, and immunologic disorders. Clinical studies have confirmed its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, among others1 2 7.
Cannabis Sativa: Therapeutic and Recreational Use
Cannabis sativa, particularly its subspecies indica, is widely known for its recreational and medicinal applications. It contains psychoactive compounds like Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and non-psychoactive compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), which have been studied for their effects on the brain and body3 5 6.
Nigella Sativa: Health Benefits and Mechanisms
Metabolic Health and Diabetes Management
Nigella sativa has shown promising results in managing metabolic parameters in diabetes. Studies indicate that it can modulate hyperglycemia and lipid profile dysfunction through its antioxidant properties and effects on insulin secretion and glucose metabolism2 8. Meta-analyses have demonstrated significant reductions in fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipid levels, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy for diabetes management9.
Anti-Obesity Effects
Supplementation with Nigella sativa has been found to reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in adults. These effects are attributed to its ability to modulate metabolic processes and reduce inflammation4.
Respiratory and Immunologic Benefits
Nigella sativa exhibits bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its immunomodulatory properties also help in managing allergic and immunologic disorders7.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
Research suggests that Nigella sativa can control rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and modulating the immune system. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits10.
Cannabis Sativa: Health Effects and Mechanisms
Hepatoprotective Effects
Cannabis sativa has shown hepatoprotective properties by modulating hepatic lipid profiles and mitigating oxidative stress. Its extracts can reverse the effects of iron-mediated oxidative hepatic injury, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in liver diseases3.
Prosocial and Behavioral Effects
Non-psychotropic cultivars of Cannabis sativa have been found to increase social interaction without affecting anxiety or motility in animal models. This indicates potential benefits for social behavior and mental health5.
Cognitive and Psychotic Effects
Δ9-THC, a psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, can impair verbal learning and induce psychotic symptoms by modulating brain regions like the parahippocampal gyrus and ventrostriatal areas. In contrast, cannabidiol does not exhibit these effects, highlighting the complex interactions of different cannabinoids on brain function6.
Conclusion
Both Nigella sativa and Cannabis sativa offer a range of health benefits, from metabolic and respiratory improvements to cognitive and social effects. While Nigella sativa shows promise in managing diabetes, obesity, and respiratory conditions, Cannabis sativa's effects are more varied, including hepatoprotective and prosocial benefits. Further research is needed to standardize dosages and formulations to maximize their therapeutic potential.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review.
Nigella sativa and its main constituent, thymoquinone, show valuable therapeutic effects on various disorders with a wide range of safe doses, but more standard clinical trials are needed for potential biological adjuvant therapy.
Literature Review
Highly CitedEffects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.
Nigella sativa can improve glycemic status and lipid profile in diabetes models, but more clinical trials are needed to clarify its beneficial effects and effective type and dosage for diabetes management.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedCannabis sativa L. (var. indica) Exhibits Hepatoprotective Effects by Modulating Hepatic Lipid Profile and Mitigating Gluconeogenesis and Cholinergic Dysfunction in Oxidative Hepatic Injury
Cannabis sativa L. (var. indica) exhibits hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, gluconeogenesis, and lipid accumulation, while modulating cholinergic and purinergic activities in oxidative hepatic injury.
The effects of Nigella sativa L. on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nigella sativa supplementation shows a moderate effect on reducing body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Meta-AnalysisProsocial Effects of Nonpsychotropic Cannabis sativa in Mice.
Nonpsychotropic Cannabis sativa (NP-CS) has prosocial effects in mice, without altering body weight, motility, and anxiety, and increases social interaction.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyModulation of mediotemporal and ventrostriatal function in humans by Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a neural basis for the effects of Cannabis sativa on learning and psychosis.
Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) in Cannabis sativa increases psychotic symptoms and anxiety, while cannabidiol shows no such effect.
RCTHighly CitedThe effects of Nigella sativa on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders, evidence from experimental and clinical studies, a comprehensive and updated review
Nigella sativa seeds and their constituents show pharmacological and therapeutic effects on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders, with potential remedies for treating these diseases.
Systematic ReviewCannabis sativa subsp. sativa’s pharmacological properties and health effects: A scoping review of current evidence
Hempseed pills show potential benefits for constipation, cannabis dependence, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders, but current evidence on their effectiveness is limited due to variation in test item formulation and experimental designs.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalEffects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Nigella sativa supplementation significantly reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol levels, while insignificantly affecting CRP, TNF-, and MDA levels.
Meta-AnalysisA Systematic Review of the Potential Effects of Nigella sativa on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Nigella sativa shows potential in rheumatoid arthritis treatment by decreasing inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, and modulating the immune system.
Systematic Review