Nigella Sativa

'Let all the black seed upon you,

these contain cure of all

diseases except death'

Attributed possibly to Rasool Allah

 I have let all the black seed (aka Nigella Sativa, or black cumin) upon me in the form of whole black seeds, ground black seeds, or black seed oil for at least five years. I was pleased to come across a research paper published June, 2021 in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology suggesting that N. Sativa could have significant therapeutic effects against COVID-19.

 There are many scientific studies lauding the health virtues of this seed and its primary component thymoquinone (TQ). In Islamic literature, it is considered one of the greatest forms of healing.  The active ingredients of N. Sativa are concentrated in the oil of the seeds, and the oil (available on Amazon, of course, as are the seeds) is therefore used for most health benefits. It is notably beneficial for respiratory illnesses including asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and influenza along with a long list of other maladies. 

 Besides easing the inflammation, congestion, and constriction of airways of the illnesses listed above, various studies have demonstrated its efficacy in controlling or eradicating viruses including HIV, hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus, and influenza. An article in the Journal of Herbal Medicine published late last year suggested that if N. Sativa was used in conjunction with zinc, the combo could potentially stop COVID viral replication in COVID patients.

 Zinc, a non-fat-soluble mineral, is essential for regulating immune function, but it can't move through lipid-based cell membranes without an ionophore buddy that can open a passage through the cell wall. Ionophores are natural plant products such as quercetin (from onions and apples), epigallocatechin (green tea), and bromelain (pineapples), and components of N. Sativa seem capable of acting as an ionophore as well. There also indications in this study the black seed derivatives can stop virion replication in infected cells.

 Unfortunately, TQ has poor solubility and bioavailability in aqueous solutions, and until that problem is solved, it won’t be useful as a therapeutic drug. I, however, will keep will continue to add black seeds to my cereal and black seed oil in my tea or coffee.