Health Benefits of
black seeds
Nigella sativa plants are commonly known as black seeds, which are native to Asian and Mediterranean regions. Black seeds have been used as a therapeutic ingredient in ancient medicine to treat a myriad of health ailments. [1] The pharmacologic properties of black seed are listed down below.
Black Seeds for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by chronic inflammation that involves increased proliferation of keratinocytes and leukocyte infiltration. This leads to the development of dry, scaly, and itchy patches. Black seeds modulate the activity of the immune system and reduce the infiltration of immune and inflammatory cells. Black seed also suppresses the production and release of inflammatory mediators that in turn alleviates psoriasis symptoms. The immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties of black seeds are present in one of its chemicals called thymoquinone. Thymoquinone inhibits the gene expression of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that is responsible for the production of inflammatory mediators. Black seeds also restore normal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes in the skin. [2]
Black Seeds Promote Wound Healing
Thymoquinone is a biologically compound in black seeds which play a significant role in promoting wound healing. Thymoquinone promotes collagen deposition, reepithelization of the wound, and suppresses the inflammation. This compound also accelerates wound contraction. [3]
Figure 2 Group 2 includes psoriasis models whereas group III refers to the treatment of psoriasis with black seeds. Erythema, scaling, and skin thickness scores declined with the use of black seeds. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28926201/
Figure 3 The graph demonstrates the effects of thymoquinone on wound contraction as compared to the effects of silver sulfadiazine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8270244/
Black Seeds for Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory response of the nasal mucosa to exposure to allergens in the environment. Individuals with a history of asthma are more susceptible to allergic rhinitis. The topical application of black seed oil is beneficial for alleviating the symptoms and severity of allergic rhinitis by reducing edema and inflammation. [4]
Anti-Tumor Activity of Black Seeds
The topical application of black seed oil is effective in treating and preventing skin tumors such as papilloma and carcinoma. The primary chemical responsible for the antitumor activity is nigonol and other compounds include linoleic acid and nigellone. [5]
Black Seeds for Diabetic Foot Disorders
Diabetic foot disorder is a common complication observed in individuals who suffer from uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot disorder is characterized by chronic wounds, infections, and chronic ulceration of the foot. Topical application of black seed oil reduces the severity and helps in the management of food disorders in diabetics [6]