Modern research has gathered evidence that the prophetic reference on the black cumin seed’s ability to cure every disease is not an exaggeration. Consistent use of the black seed was found to significantly enhance the body’s immune mechanism. The healing properties of the black seed are attributed to the more than one hundred chemical components isolated from it.
Chemical Composition of Black Cumin Seed
Listed below are some of the important components isolated from the black seeds.
- Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Black Cumin Seeds are rich source of Essential fatty acids (Linoleic acid and Linolenic acid). EFAs are omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids which cannot be synthesized in the body. They are important constituents for the generation of immune cells and for the growth and maintenance of the nervous system.
- Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): Amino Acids are building blocks of proteins. Black Cumin Seeds contain 15 amino acids, 8 of which are Essential Amino Acids that cannot be synthesized in the body.
- Nigellone: This is a potent anti-histamine, which is responsible for the anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic properties of Black Cumin (Nigella).
- Sterols: The seed is rich in sterols especially beta-sitosterol, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Thymoquinone and other Volatile Oils: Thymoquinone is the potent anti-cancer agent found in black seed, which was demonstrated to significantly inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, one of the most invasive cancers of man. It does this by augmenting the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Other volatile oils include p-cymene, limonene and carvone. All these have potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Immunomodulators: These are substances that rectify imbalances in the immune system thereby preventing the occurrence of auto-immune diseases.
- Vitamins: Contains many of the water soluble and fat soluble vitamins, especially carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, which is a potent anti-oxidant.
- Minerals: Black Cumin is a rich source of minerals like sodium, potassium, iron and calcium, which play a number of roles in maintaining the health and vitality.
- Monosaccharides: Good source of monosaccharides like glucose, rhamnose, xylose and arabinose.
- Polysaccharides: Contains non-starch polysaccharides, which are good source of dietary fiber – a component with proven role in the prevention of colonic cancer.
Scientifically Proven Effects of Black Cumin
- Disease Resistance: Black Cumin boosts the immune system by stimulating the bone marrow and the production of white blood cells. It also enhances antibody production. Thus the resistance of the body against bacterial, viral and fungal infections is significantly increased. This property also helps in the cure of such infections.
- Respiratory Illnesses: The antihistaminic and bronchodilatory properties of black cumin helps in the prevention and treatment of respiratory ailments like allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
- Digestive System: Black cumin helps to promote digestion and has got potent anti-helminthic properties, which helps in curing intestinal worms. It also enhances liver function.
- Cancers: Black cumin’s anti-cancer properties are well documented. It helps prevent a number of cancers by facilitating early detection and destruction of cancer cells. It is unbelievably effective in suppressing the progress of many cancers including leukemia and highly invasive pancreatic cancer.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Black Cumin seeds are highly effective in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and SLE. This is due to it anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- Diabetes: Found to be effective in the regulation of blood sugar.
- Skin Diseases: Very effective in the treatment of skin diseases like acne, eczema and psoriasis and also in the quick healing of burns.
- Migraine: Effective in the prevention and treatment of headaches and migraine.
- Kidneys: It enhances kidney function and is an effective diuretic.
- Milk Production: It increases milk production in lactating mothers.
- Libido: Increases sexual energy and libido in both men and women.
- Sperm count: Known to enhance fertility among men by increasing the sperm count.
- Opioid Dependence: Effective in treating opioid dependence.
- Beauty: Oral as well as external uses of black cumin oil preparations helps in enhancing beauty and radiance. These results are achieved by strengthening hair and nails, increasing skin texture and by boosting the overall blood flow and vitality of the body. Cosmetic preparations of black cumin are good moisturizers and helps decrease wrinkles.
- Hair Loss: Very effective in the prevention and treatment of hair loss.
- Menstrual Problems: Black cumin acts as a stimulant of menstruation in conditions like oligomenorrhea.
The use of black cumin is not a quick fix solution for any of the above condition. It is more like a food substance which strengthens the body from within when taken over a period of time. This is what is implied in the prophetic phrase “hold on to the use of the black seed…..”