Nigella Sativa: Health Benefits and Medication Interactions

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30 Mar 2024

NİGELLA SATİVA

Nigella sativa, also commonly known as black cumin , is a plant species from the daisy family (Ranunculaceae). This plant grows in various regions such as the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean region. It is widely used in traditional and alternative medicine, especially in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is also noted for its various potential health benefits that are the subject of scientific research.

People have used black cumin for food, medicinal and cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. The seeds of this plant are oily and are used to produce an oil often called black cumin oil. Black cumin oil is generally considered beneficial for health due to the active ingredients it contains.
Much of the research on the health benefits of Nigella sativa has focused on the oil extracted from the plant's seeds. These studies show that black cumin oil may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

Antioxidant Properties: Black cumin oil can have an antioxidant effect by protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause cellular damage and various diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Nigella sativa's anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial in many conditions associated with inflammation. For example, it may be potentially beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and intestinal inflammation.
Antimicrobial Activity: Some research shows that black cumin oil has antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria and fungi. These properties can help fight infections.
Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that black cumin oil may lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. Therefore, it may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Anticancer Effects: Laboratory studies show that Nigella sativa extracts may stop the growth of cancer cells or kill them. However, research in this area is still in its early stages and more studies are needed to confirm its effects in humans.
The use of Nigella sativa is usually through the consumption of the oil obtained from its seeds. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using this oil because it may cause side effects or drug interactions in some people. Additionally, the seeds of the plant are also used as a spice in some dishes and various traditional recipes.

Blood Thinning Drugs (Anticoagulants): Black cumin oil may contain effective substances that prevent blood clotting. Therefore, the risk of bleeding may be increased when used with blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, heparin).
Diabetes Medications: Black seed oil may lower blood sugar. Therefore, there may be an increased risk of blood sugar falling to very low levels when used with diabetes medications (e.g. insulin, metformin).
Hypertension Medications: Black seed oil may lower blood pressure. Therefore, when used with hypertension medications (e.g. ACE inhibitors, beta blockers), blood pressure may drop to very low levels.
Drugs Affecting Liver Enzymes: Black seed oil may increase or decrease the activity of liver enzymes. This may alter the effectiveness of medications that affect liver metabolism.
Sedatives and Sleeping Medications: Black seed oil may increase the effects on the central nervous system when used with some sedatives and sleeping medications.

!!YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT A HEALTH ADVISOR BEFORE TAKING THESE TYPES OF HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS.

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