black cumin seed oil

black cumin seed oil

Black cumin oil, which was already considered to be a healing agent by the ancient Egyptians, is extracted from the aromatic seed pods of the genuine black cumin (Nigella sativa). Even if black cumin oil is a food and not classified as a drug, there are now several books that are dedicated to the health benefits of black cumin oil.

What makes black cumin oil interesting?

Black cumin oil contains some ingredients that are important the body’s own regulation and can assist the body preserving health. This applies primarily for the unsaturated fatty acids and the essential oils of black cumin oil.

Unsaturated omega fatty acids in black cumin oil

Black cumin oil contains various unsaturated fatty acids. These are the oil acids as omega-9 fatty acid as well as some polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids (Linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, eicosadienoic acid). The primary ingredient is linoleic acid with approx. 50-60 %. This essential fatty acid can be converted in our body via the gamma-linolenic acid in messenger substances (series 1 prostaglandins), which are involved in the regulation of the immune system and the inhibition of inflammation. Moreover, omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for the development of fatty structures like cell membranes. Accordingly, linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid plays a role in the

  • Stabilisation of cell membranes
  • Maintaining the skin function
  • Regulation of the immune system
  • Inhibition of inflammation.

Thus, it is no surprise that black cumin oil is capable of counteracting allergic and inflammatory processes.  In addition, black cumin oil is reported to have an antibacterial and anti-mycotic effect.

Essential oils in black cumin oil

Essential oils contribute largely to the aromatic scent and the characteristic taste of black cumin oils. Due to its somewhat strong taste, black cumin oil is normally preferred to be used as a capsule rather than pure oil.
Among the ingredients in essential oil, thymoquinone is of particular interest with respect to potential health benefits. Thymoquinone is considered to be

  • Antioxidative, i.e. it is able to retain and neutralise radicals that play a role in the aging of skin, etc.
  • Inhibition of inflammation.

The quality of the black cumin oil is essential

Heat treatment can destroy valuable ingredients of the black cumin oil. Therefore, the most natural possible, cold-pressed oils should be used for the production of black cumin oil capsules.

Literature

Please read the following articles as well: