Which Is Better – Black Seed Capsules or Black Seed Oil?
Black seed, also known as black cumin, is an herb that has been extensively grown for millennia. Black seed oil in capsule form can be better for calculating a specific supplementary dose, but it also comes in bottled form that can be easier to incorporate into food or cosmetics.
Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of a flowering plant grown in Asia. It has been in use for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. This article will explore the health benefits of black seed oil and the best way to consume it.
Black seed, also known as black cumin (Nigella sativa), is an herb extensively grown for millennia in India and the Middle East. Black seed oil, obtained from this plant, has many medicinal properties.
This herb’s use dates back more than 2,000 years. It has been widely used in foods and medicine, mainly in India and the Arabian civilizations. Traditional medicine has used this plant’s seeds and oil for its positive effects on the respiratory, digestive, liver, cardiovascular, and immune systems.
Black seed oil is indeed a rich source of active biological compounds and nutrients such as thymoquinone, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, proteins, and fatty acids. These components offer many benefits and help treat various conditions. Thymoquinone, the most abundant compound in black seed oil, is attributed to many of its alleged benefits.
While not all of its reported medical capabilities have been proven, the nutrients in black seed oil have been linked to many health benefits. Here are some of them:
Black seed oil could lower blood sugar levels
Research indicates black seed oil could help people with type 2 diabetes. A 2020 study found significantly lower blood sugar levels in participants who were given black seed oil capsules for eight weeks. According to the study, black seed oil capsules reduced the participants’ total cholesterol levels and lipid profile.
Another study found that in people with type 2 diabetes, eating two grams of crushed black seeds considerably reduced fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin levels.
A separate 2017 study involving 99 participants with type 2 diabetes revealed that taking as little as 1.5 milliliters of black seed oil daily reduced blood sugar levels.
It may enhance liver function
The antioxidant properties of black seed oil help preserve kidney and liver functions. A 2014 study identified a reduction in potentially harmful levels of oxidative stress in participants who consumed black seed oil. According to the study, it stimulates the immune system and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant effects of black seed oil are attributed to thymoquinone, which prevents liver damage by blocking free radical activity and increasing the activity of specific enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase.
It could help reduce weight
Research indicates that black seed oil could help lower the body mass index in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. A 2015 study involving 84 women revealed that black seed oil aids weight loss and reduction in waist circumference. The study also found that the participants who were given black seed oil every day reported lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Further research is needed to identify the specific effects of black seed oil on weight loss and its long-term safety.
It may help control symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Research has revealed the effectiveness of black seed oil in managing rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study found that it reduces C-reactive protein levels, which are linked to increased inflammation.
It could help treat asthma
Many studies have identified the positive effects of black seed oil on asthma, a condition that blocks the airways and makes breathing difficult.
In traditional medicine, it has been widely used to treat respiratory conditions. Recent research also shows the effectiveness of thymoquinone in preventing asthma and bronchitis.
A 2017 study involving 80 participants with asthma found that those who were given black seed oil reported increased lung function and more normal blood eosinophil levels. Lower eosinophil levels indicate lesser white blood cell activity, which is linked to normal physiological functioning.
QUESTION
Side effects of black seed oil
Black seed oil certainly seems to have many health benefits, especially when used in small quantities for cooking. However, there is not enough research regarding its long-term effects, and excessive consumption may carry risks.
A 2017 study found that black seed oil contains a volatile oil called melanthin that could be toxic at higher concentrations.
Another 2013 study revealed conflicting findings about its impact on kidney functions, with some showing no effect and others suggesting benefits for certain kidney conditions.
Research also indicates that black seed oil may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it may worsen existing bleeding disorders.
Should you use black seed oil?
While black seed oil is widely used as a supplement, it’s always recommended to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen and determine the most suitable form for you. Your doctor will take into account your medical history and provide appropriate guidance.
Taking black seed oil in capsule form can be better for calculating a specific supplementary dose, but it also comes in bottled form that can be easier to incorporate into food or cosmetics.
Sources:
– Alexandria Journal of Medicine: "First line defence antioxidants-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX): Their fundamental role in the entire antioxidant defence grid."
– Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine: "Renal injury, nephrolithiasis and Nigella sativa: A mini review."
– Chicago Tribune: "The Best Black Seed Oils."
– Food and Function: "Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled clinical trial."
– Immunological Investigations: "Immunomodulatory Effect of Nigella sativa Oil on T Lymphocytes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis."
– Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: "Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus."
– Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences: "The protective effect of Nigella sativa against liver injury: a review," "The relaxant effect of Nigella sativa on smooth muscles, its possible mechanisms and clinical applications."
– Journal of Integrative Medicine: "A case study report of acute renal failure associated with Nigella sativa in a diabetic patient."
– Journal of Pharmacopuncture: "Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone."
– Materials Science and Engineering: "The efficacy of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil and hypoglycemic drug combination to reduce HbA1c level in patients with metabolic syndrome risk."
– MedlinePlus: "Black Seed."
– Mount Sinai: "Eosinophil count – absolute."
– Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences: "Review: Nigella sativa (Prophetic Medicine): A Review."
– Phytotherapy Research: "Effect of Nigella sativa oil supplement on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus," "Nigella sativa Supplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial."
