Black cumin, also called black cumin seed, was used in ancient times as a “cure-all”. Of course, not in the literal sense, although it can truly impress with its list of health-promoting properties.
What is more, physically active people, including professional athletes, can also benefit from taking it.
Black cumin, its components, and general use
Black cumin, or rather its seeds, are a veritable treasure trove of biologically active compounds that have a significant impact on the body's functions. Due to the large amount of beneficial ingredients, black cumin, and especially the oil produced from its seeds, has been used for a whole range of ailments. What is more, it was said that it could cure everything except death itself. This is of course a somewhat exaggerated statement, but it well reflects the health-promoting potential of the plant and its beneficial effect on the body's condition.
It is very often said that black cumin supports the functions of the immune system and boosts overall immunity. The oil from the plant's seeds was successfully used as an adjunct in ailments accompanied by inflammation. Some of you have probably come across claims about its positive effect on the kidneys, stomach, liver, bones, blood sugar levels, and many others. Of course, studies confirm its effect on the body. All this is thanks to the active ingredients it contains.
What does black cumin contain? At the top of the list of the plant's compounds is thymoquinone, classified as a quinone. It was most often attributed with properties that alleviate allergic reactions and thus improve the well-being of people affected by allergies. What is more, researchers confirm that thymoquinone is able to affect mitochondria, which serve as our energy furnaces. Some studies indicate that thymoquinone acts on them in a manner similar to the popular PQQ.
Another ingredient abundant in black cumin is beta-sitosterol, classified as a phytosterol (a plant sterol). Studies have shown that this compound affects the insulin signaling pathway, as well as the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) pathway, which can be used not only to improve the body's condition but also sports performance. Interestingly, black cumin also contains hederagenin, a compound that may increase insulin activity and at the same time affect its signaling pathway.
In addition to the main, listed biologically active ingredients, the plant's seeds also contain:
- phospholipids,
- phytosterols,
- flavonoids,
- saponins,
- essential oils (containing, for example, the aforementioned thymoquinone or carvacrol),
- alkaloids (e.g. nigelline and nigellicine),
- vitamins A and E,
- some B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, biotin),
- mineral compounds (zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, magnesium),
- fatty acids such as myristic, palmitic, alpha-linolenic, linoleic,
- proteins, amino acids,
- sugars.
Black cumin and its properties
The main advantage of using black cumin and/or oil from its seeds is its immunoprotective effect. The ingredients found in the plant support the functioning of the immune system and increase resistance to various kinds of infections. Above all, this refers to its ability to increase the number of lymphocytes and the production of interferon. In addition, they stimulate macrophages, which we classify as phagocytic cells that help eliminate, among other things, harmful pathogenic microorganisms or unnecessary metabolic by-products.
It is worth noting that thymoquinone is attributed with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, which additionally protect and support the body in the fight against pathogens. For some time now, there has been increasing mention that black cumin has a beneficial effect on Candida albicans. In addition, it has antiparasitic effects – studies confirm that black cumin improved the condition of people struggling with pinworms, flukes, and even tapeworm infection in children.
It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that, due to such a large pool of active ingredients, black cumin is characterized by a relatively strong antioxidant effect. It effectively reduces oxidative stress, restoring the body to a state of balance.
Black cumin also has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, especially the stomach, somewhat protecting it against the formation of ulcers and reflux. First, its antibacterial effect also includes Helicobacter pylori. Second, the oil proved to be a good agent for increasing the level of mucin, a glycoprotein component of the gastric mucosa.
The fact is that its use lowers oxalate concentration, and the risk of kidney stones is also reduced. What is more, black cumin supports detoxification processes. More specifically, this refers to oxidative stress and support for processes that cleanse the body of toxins (this also applies to the removal of xenobiotics and heavy metals). As a result, it has a positive effect on the condition of the kidneys and liver.
Many sources also mention that black cumin somewhat protects the pancreas and additionally supports its functioning. It is attributed with a blood sugar-regulating effect, which may be useful for people suffering from diabetes or
insulin resistance.
What else? In addition to the properties mentioned above, it can be used to improve the condition of hair and skin. Black cumin was traditionally used to combat skin lesions, dandruff, acne, or even sunburn. Here, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties speak in its favor, although depending on the underlying cause of the problem, also antifungal and antibacterial ones.
An interesting fact may be that it shows antihistamine effects, which turns out to be a good help in allergic conditions and autoimmune diseases.
To sum up, what health value does black cumin have?
- has an immunoprotective effect and boosts the body's immunity,
- protects the liver and kidneys,
- protects pancreatic cells and regulates blood sugar levels,
- supports the cleansing mechanism,
- has a positive effect on the stomach,
- is good for skin and hair,
- is characterized by antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects,
- has anti-inflammatory effects,
- has antiparasitic effects,
- has antioxidant effects, reduces oxidative stress,
- has anti-ulcer effects,
- helps with allergic and autoimmune conditions,
- has antihistamine effects.
