Products
In pharmacies and drugstores are available black cumin oil capsules (eg, from Alpinamed, Phytomed), the black cumin oil and black cumin seeds.
Stem plant
Black cumin L. from the Ranunculaceae family is an annual plant that was traditionally used in Asia Minor, Arab countries and southern Europe.
Medicinal drug
The whole or ground seeds (Nigellae sativae semen) and black cumin oil (Nigellae sativae oleum) obtained by cold pressing from the seeds are used as a medicinal herb.
Ingredients
The ingredients of the seeds include fatty oils, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, alkaloids (e.g., nigellicin, nigellidin), saponins, and essential oil. Among the best known and most important active substances is thymoquinone, a component of the essential oil.
Effects
Black cumin is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, anticarcinogenic, organoprotective, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties, among others.
Indications for use
- As a dietary supplement, including for hay fever and other allergic diseases and asthma.
- As a seasoning, the oil is used for cooking and salads
- As a veterinary medicine, for example for horses.
