Organika Black Cumin Seed Oil is a special blend of beneficial compounds
that provide wide-spectrum immune support. One of its compounds,
nigellone, has strong anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties
which is considered safe and effective for easing asthma and allergies.
Organika Black Cumin Seed Oil is manufactured in Canada to the highest
standards of the Good Manufacturing Practices code.
BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL 500mg
#1383 - 60 sftgls
#1384 - 120 sftgls
RECOMMENDED DOSE –(ORAL) ADULTS ONLY:
2-4 softgel capsules per day with a glass of water
MEDICAL INGREDIENTS – EACH CAPSULE CONTAINS:
Cold Pressed Black Cumin Seed Oil
500 mg
Non-medical ingredients
Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water
Contains No
Dairy, egg, artificial preservatives, colors, artificial sweeteners, yeast, soya, wheat, gluten, or corn.
Cautions
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Black Seed Oil Benefits
As I was studying the range of anti inflammatory herbs out there, I came across an interesting oil I hadn't heard of before, black seed oil, also known as black cumin. Like most healthy natural oils, black seed oil has been used for a very long time in other cultures, but only recently have black seed oil benefits been discovered by westerners. Black seed oil has had a long history of 1400 years of use, and traditionally it was used to help a wide variety of ailments, from simple things like nervousness to serious things like heart disease.
Black seed oil seems to be especially effective against respiratory ailments because it has an active agent that calms the nerves and is antispasmatic, and it also contains an active ingredient that helps support the bronchial tubes. But the reason why I'm intrigued by black seed oil is because it acts both as a detoxifier as well as an anti inflammatory. Those are two benefits which I've been researching heavily in recent days. Not only that, but black seed oil contains over 100 different nutrients that are all beneficial to the human body. This too I like, since one of my quests is to take as few supplements as possible.
Black seed oil has been used for centuries and is just now being recognized by western medicine.
What's in Black Seed Oil?
As mentioned earlier, there are over 100 nutrients in black seed oil that are beneficial to the body. And even though some medicinal practices with black seed oil direct the user to use black seed oil topically on the body, I like the idea better of ingesting it because then the body can use the valuable nutrients. So what's in black seed oil?
Black Cumin Seed Oil Fatty Acids
Black seed oil is a wealth of fatty acids, which in our modern era is a very important factor. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find the right amounts and types of essential fatty acids in your standard diet. Black seed oil contains both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, making it very valuable. Why do I need fatty acids anyways? Fatty acids comprise the gray matter and working surface of your brain. If you have a deficiency in fatty acid intake, your brain function begins to suffer, which as you can imagine, can cause quite a few other problems.
Black Cumin Seed Oil Vitamins and Minerals
* Black seed oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains things like:
* Plant Protein
* Thiamin
* Riboflavin
* Pyridoxine
* Niacin
* Zinc
* Copper
* Phosphorous
* Folacin
Black Seed Oil for Treating Ailments
So now that there is great nutritional value of black seed oil, a little bit about the various ailments that black seed oil helps to treat. The great thing about this supplement is that it's not only very nutritious, but it also helps soothe ailments. This is a very rare combination, to find something so nutritious, that can also alleviate disease. According to tradition and studies, black seed oil has been effective in treating:
1. Asthma and Coughs
Like we discussed earlier, black seed oil is effective in helping deal with respiratory ailments. One can rub black seed oil on their chest and back, inhale vapors of black seed oil and water, drink it in a tea, or take a tablespoon of it once or twice a day. I personally prefer drinking it in hot tea. The tea will help soothe the throat, and the vapors from inhaling the tea will help magnify the effect, as will the oil itself when it reaches the throat and stomach.
2. Heart Disease
Traditionally, black seed oil was seen as a heart healthy substance. Though it hasn't been substantiated by modern science, black seed oil supposedly has the power to clean out the arteries and dissolve fat. The best way to take it for this is in hot tea.
3. Allergic Diseases
Allergic disease encompasses conditions such as allergic rhinitis, a chronic or seasonal expression of symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and a scratchy throat, among other signs; asthma and atopic dermatitis conditions, such as asthma. The 2003 "Phytotherapy Research" journal article supplemented study participants with 40 to 80 mg/kg/day of the seed oil. It was concluded that subjective allergic symptoms decreased over the course of treatment. While the study did not definitively define how black seed oil produced the beneficial results, a Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center describes some of its effects as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant rich.
4. Liver Protection
The liver is a vital organ that assists with the metabolism of food, the production of proteins necessary for fluid balance and immune function and detoxification. When it is diseased due to infection, alcohol and dietary abuse or radiation the need for transplant or surgery may leave a person susceptible to a common complication known as hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury. It is an inflammatory response that causes further damage to the liver, according to a 2008 "Medical News Today" article. The antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of black seed oil, notes the information website of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center, have made it a very viable choice in conditions where this complication is expected. "Medical News Today" notes that the seed oil has no side effects and suggests that it may improve survival rates.
5. Black Seed Oil Uses And Health Benefits For Hair And Skin Soap
Thymoquinone acts an antioxidant and helps in throwing out toxins that are formed in the body and also the oil is high in polyunsaturated fat that aids the body to stay healthy and fit. Polyunsaturated fat helps in maintaining cholesterols and having black seed in turn improves blood circulation and is also useful in treating cardiac disorders and hypertension. Black seed oil benefits in easing out different types of pain like that caused due to rheumatism, where the oil can be massaged on to the affected area and is also helped to relieve toothaches in which case you can mix the oil with warm water and gargle your mouth with it. Flax seed oil is another type of oil that has a number of nutrients and is known to help lower cholesterol and reduce pressure problems and is also strongly recommended for the nutrition of the entire body. Black seed oil hair care is also of great importance as it gives hair the nourishment it needs enabling it to grow well and be healthy. This oil might be used to make black soap as the oil absorbs easily into the skin providing instant relief.
Research
Black cumin seed essential oil, as a potent analgesic and antiinflammatory drug.
Hajhashemi V, Ghannadi A, Jafarabadi H.
Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran.
Abstract:
The steam-distilled essential oil of Iranian black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L.) was investigated for its composition and analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. After oil analysis by GC/MS, 20 compounds were identified in the oil, obtained in 0.4% (v/w) yield. Among them, para-cymene (37.3%) and thymoquinone (13.7%) were the major components. Acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and light tail flick tests were used for assessment of analgesic activity. Antiinflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats and croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. Black cumin seed essential oil (BCSEO) was found to produce a significant analgesic effect in acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and light tail flick tests. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, could not reverse the analgesic effect observed in the formalin test. Although oral administration of BCSEO at doses of 100, 200 and 400 micro L/kg did not exert a significant antiinflammatory effect in the carrageenan test, i.p. injection of the same doses significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema. BCSEO at doses of 10 and 20 micro L/ear could also reduce croton oil-induced oedema. It seems that mechanism(s) other than opioid receptors is (are) involved in the analgesic effect of BCSEO since naloxone could not reverse this effect. Both systemic and local administration of BCSEO showed antiinflammatory activity. Thymoquinone, as one of the major components of BCSEO, probably has an important role in these pharmacological effects.
Nigella sativa: reduces the risk of various maladies.
Butt MS, Sultan MT.
National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Coinage of terms like nutraceuticals, functional, and pharma foods has diverted the attention of human beings to where they are seeking more natural cures. Though pharmaceutical drugs have been beneficial for human health and have cured various diseases but they also impart some side effects. Numerous plants have been tested for their therapeutic potential; Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, is one of them. It possesses a nutritional dense profile as its fixed oil (lipid fraction), is rich in unsaturated fatty acids while essential oil contains thymoquinone and carvacrol as antioxidants. N. sativa seeds also contain proteins, alkaloids (nigellicines and nigelledine), and saponins (alpha-hederin) in substantial amounts. Recent pharmacological investigations suggested its potential role, especially for the amelioration of oxidative stress through free radical scavenging activity, the induction of apoptosis to cure various cancer lines, the reduction of blood glucose, and the prevention of complications from diabetes. It regulates hematological and serological aspects and can be effective in dyslipidemia and respiratory disorders. Moreover, its immunopotentiating and immunomodulating role brings balance in the immune system. Evidence is available supporting the utilization of Nigella sativa and its bioactive components in a daily diet for health improvement. This review is intended to focus on the composition of Nigella sativa and to elaborate its possible therapeutic roles as a functional food to prevent an array of maladies.
Protective effects of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone against toxicity induced by the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide.
Alenzi FQ, El-Bolkiny Yel-S, Salem ML.
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Al-Kharaj, Saudi Arabia.
Constituents of the Nigella sativa seed are reported to possess potent antioxidant effects. Treatment with anticancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide (CTX) is associated with significant toxicity due to over-production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in increased levels of oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to test whether or not N. sativa L oil (NSO) or its active ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ), can reduce CTX-induced toxicity. Male albino rats were treated with intraperitoneal administration of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or 200 mg/Kg CTX followed by intragastric administration of NSO or TQ on alternate days for 12 days. Administration of NSO and TQ was initiated 6 h before or after CTX injection. Twenty-four hours after the last NSO and TQ treatment, blood and liver were harvested to analyse toxicity-related parameters. Treatment with CTX induced significant toxicity as shown by decrease in haemoglobin concentration and increases in blood sugar levels, activities of liver enzymes, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol) and lipid peroxidation in the liver. Treatment with NSO or TQ induced significant reduction in overall toxicity. The antitoxic effects of NSO and TQ were associated with induction of antioxidant mechanisms. These results suggest that administration of NSO or TQ can lower CTX-induced toxicity as shown by an up-regulation of antioxidant mechanisms, indicating a potential clinical application for these agents to minimise the toxic effects of treatment with anticancer drugs.
Radioprotective effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) oil against hemopoietic damage and immunosuppression in gamma-irradiated rats.
Assayed ME.
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufiya University-Sadat City Branch, Sadat City, Egypt. memzat68@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sixty male Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups, 15 each, were designed as I-control rats, II-rats orally intubated with Nigella sativa oil (1 ml/kg b.wt./day) for 5 days/week, III-whole body gamma irradiated rats with the estimated LD50/30 (4 Gray) and IV-rats daily intubated with Nigella sativa oil then subjected to whole body gamma irradiation, to investigate the radioprotective potential of Nigella crude oil against hemopoietic adverse effects of gamma irradiation.
RESULTS: Irradiation resulted in significant reduction in hemolysin antibodies titers and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction of irradiated rats, in addition to significant leukopenia and significant decrease in plasma total protein and globulin concentrations and depletion of lymphoid follicles of spleen and thymus gland. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration with a significant decrease in plasma glutathione peroxidase, catalase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities were recorded. Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil before irradiation considerably normalized all the above-mentioned criteria; and produced significant regeneration in spleen and thymus lymphoid follicles.
CONCLUSION: Our results strongly recommend Nigella sativa oil as a promising natural radioprotective agent against immunosuppressive and oxidative effects of ionizing radiation.
Anti-inflammatory effects of the Nigella sativa (Black Cumin seed) extract, thymoquinone, in pancreatic cancer cells.
Chehl N, Chipitsyna G, Gong Q, Yeo CJ, Arafat HA.
Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Both hereditary and sporadic forms of chronic pancreatitis are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Inflammation has been identified as a significant factor in the development of solid tumour malignancies. We have recently shown that thymoquinone (Tq), the major constituent of Nigella sativa oil extract, induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in PDA cells. Tq also increased p21 WAF1 expression, inhibited histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, and induced histone hyperacetylation. HDAC inhibitors have been shown to ameliorate inflammation-associated cancer. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of Tq in PDA cells in comparison with that of a specific HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA).
METHODS: PDA cells were treated with or without Tq (25-75 microM), with or without pre-treatment of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (25 ng/ml). The effect of Tq on the expression of different proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines was analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Luciferase-labelled promoter studies evaluated the effect of Tq on the transcription of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). The effect of Tq on the constitutive and TNF-alpha-induced activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB was examined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: Tq dose- and time-dependently significantly reduced PDA cell synthesis of MCP-1, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta and Cox-2. At 24 h, Tq almost completely abolished the expression of these cytokines, whereas TSA had a less dramatic effect. Tq, but not TSA, significantly and dose-dependently reduced the intrinsic activity of the MCP-1 promoter. Tq also inhibited the constitutive and TNF-alpha-mediated activation of NF-kappaB in PDA cells and reduced the transport of NF-kappaB from the cytosol to the nucleus.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate previously undescribed anti-inflammatory activities of Tq in PDA cells, which are paralleled by inhibition of NF-kappaB. Tq as a novel inhibitor of proinflammatory pathways provides a promising strategy that combines anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic modes of action.
Comparison of chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa seed essential oils obtained by different extraction methods.
Kokoska L, Havlik J, Valterova I, Sovova H, Sajfrtova M, Jankovska I.
Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Institute of Tropics and Subtropics, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
Nigella sativa L. seed essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation (HD), dry steam distillation (SD), steam distillation of crude oils obtained by solvent extraction (SE-SD), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE-SD) were tested for their antibacterial activities, using the broth microdilution method and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the essential oils tested differed markedly in their chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities. The oils obtained by HD and SD were dominated by p-cymene, whereas the major constituent identified in both volatile fractions obtained by SD of extracted oils was thymoquinone (ranging between 0.36 and 0.38 g/ml, whereas in oils obtained by HD and SD, it constituted only 0.03 and 0.05 g/ml, respectively). Both oils distilled directly from seeds showed lower antimicrobial activity (MICs > or = 256 and 32 microg/ml for HD and SD, respectively) than those obtained by SE-SD and SFE-SD (MICs > or = 4 microg/ml). All oil samples were significantly more active against gram-positive than against gram-negative bacteria. Thymoquinone exhibited potent growth-inhibiting activity against gram-positive bacteria, with MICs ranging from 8 to 64 microg/ml.
Anti-tumor properties of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) extracts.
Ait Mbarek L, Ait Mouse H, Elabbadi N, Bensalah M, Gamouh A, Aboufatima R, Benharref A, Chait A, Kamal M, Dalal A, Zyad A.
Laboratory of Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Cadi-Ayyad University, Béni-Mellal, Morocco.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effect of black cumin seed extracts. The essential oil (IC50 = 0.6%, v/v) and ethyl acetate (IC50 = 0.75%) extracts were more cytotoxic against the P815 cell line than the butanol extract (IC50 = 2%). Similar results were obtained with the Vero cell line. Although all extracts had a comparable cytotoxic effect against the ICO1 cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 0.2 to 0.26% (v/v), tests on the BSR cell line revealed a high cytotoxic effect of the ethyl acetate extract (IC50 = 0.2%) compared to the essential oil (IC50 = 1.2%). These data show that the cytotoxicity of each extract depends on the tumor cell type. In vivo, using the DBA2/P815 (H2d) mouse model, our results clearly showed that the injection of the essential oil into the tumor site significantly inhibited solid tumor development. Indeed, on the 30th day of treatment, the tumor volume of the control animals was 2.5 +/- 0.6 cm(3), whereas the tumor volumes of the essential oil-treated animals were 0.22 +/- 0.1 and 0.16 +/- 0.1 cm(3) when the animals were injected with 30 microL (28.5 mg)/mouse and 50 microL (47.5 mg)/mouse per 48 h (six times), respectively. Interestingly, the administration of the black cumin seed oil into the tumor site inhibited the incidence of liver metastasis development and improved mouse survival.