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Time of India
28-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Black cumin seeds: Why everyone is talking about its anti-inflammatory effects and how it works
Black cumin seeds, also known as kalonji or nigella, have long been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices across Asia and the Middle East. These black seeds are now grabbing headlines in wellness and health communities for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But does it really have any of these health benefits? Let's take a look. Black cumin seeds, derived from the Nigella sativa plant, are small, black, crescent-shaped seeds that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects. They help combat inflammation and support overall health. Are cumin seeds beneficial for health Black cumin seeds have been used for over 2,000 years in traditional medicine, from ancient Egypt to Ayurvedic practices. Historically, they were prized for treating ailments like digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and skin disorders. These seeds are known for their pleiotropic pharmacological effects, which means they influence multiple biological pathways and have various therapeutic benefits beyond just one primary function. The main bioactive component in the black cumin seeds, (TQ), has their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. This promotes immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, and even cancer. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. The thymoquinone found in the black cumin seeds is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Studies suggest that thymoquinone inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules that trigger inflammation in the body. By suppressing these pathways, black cumin seeds may reduce swelling, pain, and tissue damage associated with inflammatory conditions. King Charles' Cancer Secret REVEALED | Royal Whisper EXPOSES Private Health Bombshell | WATCH Also, these seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function. To get the benefits, one can consider adding black cumin seeds to their diet. Sprinkle on foods: Black cumin seeds can be used as a topping on breads, salads, roasted vegetables, yogurt, hummus, and dips. The slightly bitter, nutty flavour can elevate the dishes. In cooking: Black cumin seeds are commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. These can be added to curries, rice, or stews,. Also used in tempering and on flatbreads. Incorporate in tea: A few black cumin seeds can be added to herbal teas for their calming effect. Black seed oil: Black seed oil derived from them is also readily available in the market, and is often used for its and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it comes with its own pros and cons, so it's better to talk to your healthcare provider before using it.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'World's most anti-inflammatory food' is 'better than ibuprofen' says expert
Chronic joint inflammation can cause serious discomfort, pain and stiffness but an expert has flagged a simple seed that can help UK charity Arthritis Action, there are thought to be 10 million people in the UK with some form of arthritis, with the condition characterised by chronic inflammation in the joints that leads to significant pain and stiffness. One way to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis is to tackle that joint inflammation. This can be achieved through anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or even dietary changes. A medical expert has now revealed what he calls the 'world's most anti-inflammatory food,' and he claims it's even 'better than ibuprofen.' Eric Berg is a social media sensation with 17 million subscribers on YouTube and over one million followers on TikTok who often shares health and diet advice on his page, specialising in intermittent fasting and healthy ketosis, reports the Daily Record. In a recent TikTok video, he shared his knowledge on what he describes as the ' world 's most anti-inflammatory food'. He explained: "The most anti-inflammatory food in the world is not turmeric, it's not ginger, and it's definitely not blueberries. "Just one little teaspoon of this food can reduce joint inflammation better than ibuprofen. It has been used for thousands of years and it has outperformed turmeric and ginger in reducing joint inflammation by 60 per cent." Despite much discussion about their benefits, Berg has not crowned turmeric or ginger as the ultimate anti-inflammatory. Instead, he sings the praises of black cumin seed oil as the top pick for easing joint inflammation. Black seed oil comes from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, often identified as black cumin or kalonji. While many of us might not feel as comfortable cooking with it as ginger or tumeric which are spice rack staples, it is readily stocked in health food stores with fans of natural remedies able to get a bottle for £16 at Holland and Barrett or opt for 1000 mg Black Seed Oil Cold Pressed Capsules at £13.99 on Amazon for those less keen on oils. Berg said: "The unique compound in black seed oil is called thymoquinone, which has a direct anti-inflammatory effect comparable to over-the-counter pain medications." According to Medical News Today, health benefits coming from the thymoquinone in black seed oil include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial traits, with some saying the compound may aid in healing wounds and lowering blood pressure. Elsewhere, a scientific study showcased in Science Direct in 2021 confirm thymoquinone's prowess in tackling chronic inflammatory conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, bronchitis, headaches, eczema, fevers, dizziness, and influenza thanks to its trio of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic capabilities. Aside from black seed oil, turmeric and ginger remain more readily available spices which can be incorporated into diet and help give a health boost. Healthline explains that ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol that can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with various conditions like muscle soreness, arthritis, and digestive issues. The Mayo Clinic also explains that there are various studies looking at the benefits of turmeric for anti-inflammation. Several studies show turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts advise against black seed oil as bird flu treatment
"This black seed oil is so potent -- 90 percent killing all avian influenza virus, called H5N1, known as bird flu," claims Bryan Ardis in a February 3 Instagram reel. Different versions of claims touting black seed oil spread on Facebook, Instagram and X, many of them referencing Ardis, who has an online show discussing health topics. AFP has previously fact-checked Ardis for spreading misinformation about cancer treatments. The clip of Ardis discussing black seed oil comes from a video outlining the supposed benefits of a product he sells on his website that contains the substance. The studies linked under Ardis's "bio-defense" product point to potential benefits of black seed oil in treating various conditions (archived here, here and here), but experts told AFP more research needs to be done before the herbal formula could be proven as a treatment for bird flu in humans. Over the past year, doctors and the poultry industry have been tracking outbreaks of bird flu which have led to American egg shortages and in some cases spread to dairy cattle. Dean Blumberg, chief of the pediatric infectious diseases division at University of California, Davis Health (archived here), told AFP in a February 24 interview that people who work with animals -- especially who come in contact with liquid secretions from birds -- are currently the most at risk from avian flu. Black seed oil, derived from the Nigella sativa plant found in Asia and elsewhere, is often touted across the internet as an immune booster and general health treatment (archived here) but Blumberg said that even though there are some promising cases and small studies (archived here and here) he would not recommend the supplement to a patient to protect against or treat bird flu. "You really want large studies that really prove that something works before you rely on it," Blumberg said. "If I had bird flu, there's no way I would take something unproven like this." Blumberg favored double-blind, clinical trials, which he said had not yet been performed for black seed oil as a treatment for bird flu and other diseases. AFP was able to find a study of a small sample of patients in Saudi Arabia labelled as a randomized, clinical trial which assessed black seed oil for general health and found "promising" results (archived here). To prevent bird flu, Blumberg recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for people working with animals to lower the risk of exposure to contaminated fluids. He also said that while there were human cases of bird flu with unknown origin, most circulating strains of the virus do not appear to typically spread between people. "It hasn't evolved yet into an efficiently transmitted human-to-human pathogen," he said. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, human vaccination against bird flu is not recommended at this time (archived here). While Health Canada says there is a low public risk for the pathogen, it did acquire 500,000 doses of GSK human bird flu vaccines (archived here). Blumberg explained that human cases of bird flu can be treated with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and supportive care including supplemental oxygen if a patient is having trouble breathing (archived here and here). David Cennimo, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (archived here), agreed with Blumberg that even if there is some potential for black seed oil to treat bird flu and other diseases, clear and widely-accepted evidence is lacking. "Some authorities on alternative medicine suggest robust studies need to be done," Cennimo said in a February 25 email. "I tend to favor that approach." Cennimo said he had not found any significant toxicities from black seed oil, but still recommended users check for adverse interactions between supplements and prescription medication. He also said common antivirals used against influenza had already proved effective against current strains of avian influenza and that he would prefer to treat someone with medication that has been evaluated in "well-designed studies." "I caution individuals not to pass up a proven benefit for an uncertain claim about black seed," he said. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Disease in the United States (archived here), also discouraged the use of black seed oil for bird flu and recommended limiting exposure to animal fluids and consultation with a health professional for guidance on testing and treatment. "Scientific studies do not support the use of black seed oil as a treatment for bird flu," Hopkins said in a February 25 email. "However, antiviral flu drugs like oseltamivir are effective in treating bird flu, and new vaccines are being developed," (archived here). Health Canada told AFP that black seed oil is a regulated Natural Health Product (NHP) in Canada and that the agency had authorized two formulations which used it in combination with other substances for general health maintenance products (archived here and here). However, it does not recognize black seed oil as a reliable treatment for bird flu. "Health Canada has seen no evidence to suggest black seed oil works to cure diseases like bird flu, and the department has neither received nor authorised the use of any NHP for treating bird flu in humans," said Mark Johnson, a Health Canada spokesman, in February 25 email. Johnson said selling or advertising unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal. The US Food and Drug Administration has issued at least two warnings to sellers of products with black seed oil over unproven claims that their stock cured, prevented or treated disease (archived here and here). Read more AFP's reporting on health misinformation here.
