BLACK SEED
Nigella sativ is a small black seed that has
been used for centuries in herbal medicine. The seed comes from a flowering
plant (part of the Ranunculacea family)
native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. The plant now grows throughout
India, the Middle East, and Europe. Nigella sativa is sometimes used to treat
certain health conditions including asthma, bronchitis, and inflammation, and
has long been used as a spice and food preservative.
Health
Benefits
To date, there is a
lack of clinical trials testing Nigella sativa's health effects. However, some
research suggests that the seed holds promise for the treatment and/or
prevention of asthma, blood pressure, and certain cancers, thanks to thymoquinone an active ingredient in Nigella sativa oil extract that has anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-hypertensive,
anti-diabetic, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties.
Asthma
According to a 2013 review investigating
the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa in boiled extract form, authors
concluded that the natural substance has potential to alleviate the symptoms of
asthma by widening the bronchioles to allow airflow to the lungs.Similarly, a month-long 2011 study looked at Nigella sativa's impact on allergic
rhinitis. In a sample of 66 men and women who experienced nasal congestion,
runny and itchy nose, and sneezing, Nigella sativa reduced symptoms during the
first two weeks.
High
Blood Pressure
Nigella sativa is widely reported to have
anti-hypertensive properties, which aid in reducing blood pressure. A 2013
study found that Nigella sativa oil significantly decreased systolic and
diastolic blood pressure among 70 participants.However, a more recent study
from 2017 wanted to test Nigella sativa's diuretic properties and ability to
curb overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system to gauge whether it
positively impacted blood pressure. After administering Nigella sativa seed
extract twice per day for 28 days, the result was lower blood pressure, but not
to a significant degree.
Further studies on humans are needed to
confirm this benefit.
Cancer
While most research
has focused on animal studies thus far, a 2019 review cited past studies in
which human breast, bladder, cervical, prostate, and renal cancer cells found
that Nigella sativa has the potential to fight cancer. Studies showed that
thymoquinone inhibited cancer cell multiplication and in some cases, killed
cancer cells.
Other Illnesses and Ailments
Some limited studies have
suggested that Nigella sativa may have potential in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and high
cholesterol. Other
popular uses include:
- Inflammation
- Migraine
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hay fever
- Seizures
- Improved mental performance
- Eczema
- Stomach ulcers
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hepatitis C
- Birth control
- Boosting the immune system
- Congestion
- Cough
- Digestive
problems
- Increasing
breast-milk flow
- Menstrual disorders
That said, there is not enough scientific
evidence to know for sure if Nigella sativa can aid in the treatment of these
conditions.
Possible
Side Effects
When the black seed is used
in food or medicinally in small amounts for a short period of time, it is
possibly safe. But there
isn't enough information to know for sure if it is safe in higher amounts or
for longer periods of time.
Taking Nigella sativa during
chemotherapy may hamper the effects of chemotherapy drugs. Tests on animals
indicate that high doses of Nigella sativa may damage the kidney and/or liver.
There is no standardized dose
of Nigella sativa, but different amounts have been studied in research. For
example, when studying black seed's effect on asthma, two grams of ground
nigella sativa has been used daily for 12 weeks. Also, 500 milligrams of black
seed oil has been taken twice daily for four weeks. When studying its effect on
blood pressure, a half to two grams of black seed powder has been taken daily
for up to 12 weeks.
Certain people should exercise caution and
speak to their healthcare provider before taking or using nigella sativa,
including those with low blood pressure. Although studies analyzing any
effect Nigella sativa might have on pregnancy and breastfeeding have focused on
animals, women are advised to talk to their doctor before consumption.
Lastly, Nigella sativa
may cause an allergic reaction when applied topically.
+2348074926468.
Pharex Global Ventures Foods.
Comments
Post a Comment