What is Black Cumin?

The Nigella Sativa (black cumin) plant has been used in various civilizations since ancient times and is believed to have positive effects on health. N. Sativa is an annual flowering plant that typically grows in Western Asia, the Mediterranean North Sea region, and western-southern Europe. Its flowers are white, pink, yellow, or lavender in color, and its fruits consist of capsules containing black seeds.
In addition to being used as a spice in world cuisines, this medicinal plant, which has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Medicine Systems such as Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Tıbb-ı Nebevî and is considered sacred, has been reported to have positive effects on many diseases such as oxidative stress, hypertension, epilepsy, fatty liver, asthma, and arthritis. It is also believed to have anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antihepatotoxic, antifungal, and other therapeutic effects.

Black Cummin Nutritional Value

The phytochemical composition of black cumin varies depending on the growing region, stage of maturity, processing methods, and isolation techniques, as is the case with many plants.

In general, it is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It also contains many minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, as well as B vitamins (N. Sativa per kg: 84 g fiber, 216 g protein, 249 g free nitrogen extract, 406 g fat, 15.4 mg thiamine, 18 mg copper, 57 mg niacin, 0.16 mg folic acid, 45 g ash, 38 g moisture, 60 mg zinc, 105 mg iron, 527 mg phosphorus, and 1860 mg calcium).

The fixed oil content of black cummin seeds is approximately 28.36%, of which 12.5% is composed of linolenic, oleic, and palmitic acids, while the remaining fatty acids are various unsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic and eicosadienoic acids. In contrast, the saturated fatty acids are myristic, stearic, and palmitic acids.

Other components of the seed oil include citronellyl acetate, cholesterol, carvone, campesterol, α-spinasterol, stigmasterol, p-cymene, β-sitosterol, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, citronellol, nigellone, and limonene.

It contains bioactive phytochemicals such as thymochinone, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. The bioactivities of this compound include analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, anti-arthritic (anti-inflammatory) effects against joint inflammation (anti-arthritic) effect, antibacterial effect, anti-inflammatory effect, antifungal effect, anticancer effect, antioxidant effect by neutralizing free radicals that damage cells (antioxidant) effect, stomach-protective (gastroprotective) effect, liver-protective (hepatoprotective) effect, heart-protective (cardioprotective) effect, kidney-protective (nephroprotective) effect, and nerve-protective (neuroprotective) effect.

The primary phytochemical that makes black cumin valuable for medicinal use is thymoquinone. Research has shown that thymoquinone reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supports the immune system, cell health, and energy metabolism.

ancient times and is believed to have positive effects on health. N. Sativa is an annual flowering plant that typically grows in Western Asia, the Mediterranean North Sea region, and western-southern Europe. Its flowers are white, pink, yellow, or lavender in color, and its fruits consist of capsules containing black seeds.
In addition to being used as a spice in world cuisines, this medicinal plant, which has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Medicine Systems such as Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Tıbb-ı Nebevî and is considered sacred, has been reported to have positive effects on many diseases such as oxidative stress, hypertension, epilepsy, fatty liver, asthma, and arthritis. It is also believed to have anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antihepatotoxic, antifungal, and other therapeutic effects.

Black Cummin Nutritional Value

The phytochemical composition of black cumin varies depending on the growing region, stage of maturity, processing methods, and isolation techniques, as is the case with many plants.
In general, it is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It also contains many minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, as well as B vitamins (N. Sativa per kg: 84 g fiber, 216 g protein, 249 g free nitrogen extract, 406 g fat, 15.4 mg thiamine, 18 mg copper, 57 mg niacin, 0.16 mg folic acid, 45 g ash, 38 g moisture, 60 mg zinc, 105 mg iron, 527 mg phosphorus, and 1860 mg calcium).
The fixed oil content of black cummin seeds is approximately 28.36%, of which 12.5% is composed of linolenic, oleic, and palmitic acids, while the remaining fatty acids are various unsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic and eicosadienoic acids. In contrast, the saturated fatty acids are myristic, stearic, and palmitic acids.
Other components of the seed oil include citronellyl acetate, cholesterol, carvone, campesterol, α-spinasterol, stigmasterol, p-cymene, β-sitosterol, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, citronellol, nigellone, and limonene.
It contains bioactive phytochemicals such as thymochinone, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. The bioactivities of this compound include analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, anti-arthritic (anti-inflammatory) effects against joint inflammation (anti-arthritic) effect, antibacterial effect, anti-inflammatory effect, antifungal effect, anticancer effect, antioxidant effect by neutralizing free radicals that damage cells (antioxidant) effect, stomach-protective (gastroprotective) effect, liver-protective (hepatoprotective) effect, heart-protective (cardioprotective) effect, kidney-protective (nephroprotective) effect, and nerve-protective (neuroprotective) effect.
The primary phytochemical that makes black cumin valuable for medicinal use is thymoquinone. Research has shown that thymoquinone reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supports the immune system, cell health, and energy metabolism.

What are the benefits of black cumin?

Antidiabetic Effects of Black Cumin

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) has protective effects against diabetes. Persistently high blood sugar levels create oxidative stress, which increases insulin resistance and contributes to the progression of diabetes. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of black cumin may slow down this process.

In animal and human studies, black cumin use has been shown to lower blood sugar, HbA1c levels, and insulin resistance, while increasing antioxidant capacity. It has also been found to support wound healing and improve kidney function in diabetic patients.

Black Cumin Keeps Cholesterol Levels Under Control

Studies have shown that black cumin has positive effects on lipid profiles and significantly reduces serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Numerous studies have reported that thymoquinone increases HDL cholesterol concentration and significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels.

Black cumin Helps Protect the Liver

The liver is an incredibly important organ. It removes toxins, metabolizes drugs, processes nutrients, and produces proteins and chemicals that are vital for health. Several promising animal studies have found that black cuminmay help protect against liver damage.

The Anti-Arthritic Effect of Black cumin

Some studies have found that the thymoquinone compound in black cuminis beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. This effect is thought to be due to thymoquinone's anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. In a study involving 42 people with rheumatoid arthritis, taking 1,000 mg of black cumin oil daily for eight weeks was found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress markers.

The Antibacterial Effect of Black cumin

The antibacterial effect of black cumin is due to the thymochinone compound it contains. In vitro studies published between 2000 and 2015 investigating the effects of black cumin and its derivatives have shown that black cumin has strong antibacterial effects against both gram-positive and gram-negative species, including resistant strains. For example, black cumin has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella, Helicobacter pylori, and Escherichia coli, which cause significant gastrointestinal morbidity.

How to Use Black cumin and Black cumin Oil?

Use as seeds:

At breakfast: Sprinkle on cheese, add to yogurt-oatmeal mixtures, or enjoy on bread as a sesame-avocado spread.
In bread and pastries: Add to homemade bread, rolls, and pastries.
In salads: Add the seeds directly to salads for crunch and flavor.
In meals: Use in dishes containing rice and noodles, or in protein-rich baked dishes (fish, red meat, chicken).

Using black cumin oil:

In salads: You can add a few drops to salad dressing instead of olive oil or as a mixture.
At breakfast: You can consume it mixed with honey or yogurt.
Soups & meals: You can add a few drops to meals after cooking to enhance flavor and provide benefits.
In smoothies and beverages: You can add about 1 teaspoon of oil to smoothies or fruit juices.

As capsules/extracts (supplement form):

Black cumin capsules obtained from pharmacies or herbalists can be used as a daily supplement. (With a doctor's recommendation)

What Should Be Considered When Using Black cumin ?

Black cumin are recommended at 1-2 grams/day, and black cuminoil at 1-5 grams/day. However, more advanced clinical studies and human trials are needed to provide clearer results regarding dosage and toxicity.
It is advisable to avoid excessive consumption, as it may cause stomach sensitivity or allergic reactions.
It is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, individuals with low blood pressure, those taking blood-thinning medications, diabetics, individuals with digestive system issues, or those who may experience allergic reactions, as it may pose risks.

Despite its small size, black cumin is a powerful health booster thanks to its rich components. For those who want to support their bodies naturally against factors such as stress, air pollution, and poor nutrition brought on by modern life, black cumin can be a good aid. However, no food is a miracle cure. A healthy lifestyle is possible with sustainable, balanced, and adequate nutrition and physical activity.

Black cumin Yogurt Mix (Snack Alternative)