Black Cumin Seed Oil

Black seed oil is a substance that is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant that is native to Egypt, the sub-continent and Asia. Black seed and black seed oil have long been used as herbal medicine for skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin, allergies, colds and more serious health conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer and diabetes. 

Whisk together ingredients until well-combined. Drizzle onto salads or grain-based sides, or use it as a dip for veggies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When consumed in appropriate amounts (hint: More is not better!), black seed oil is unlikely to cause any side effects. However, black seed oil can thin the blood, which makes it unsuitable for certain people. Consuming too much, for anyone, may cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Topically, black seed oil may cause a rash or hives, so it's always a good idea to do a small patch test before slathering it on. "With certain health conditions, taking black cumin oil can potentially be harmful, including bleeding disorders and for pregnant women," says Pedre. "Always consult with your physician before taking black cumin oil or any other supplements, especially if you have an underlying chronic condition or are currently taking medication."

Alcoholic extract of N. sativa indicated remarkable increment in the production of viable and motile sperm cells, enhanced epididymal sperm reservation, weight gaining of reproductive organs, blood testosterone density, gonadotropins content, amount of mature Leydig cells, and fertility indexes compared to the control group in male rats [147]. According to Mohammad et al., black cumin thought to trigger a rise in spermatogenesis hormones on pituitary gland, and an increase in the weight of reproductive organs. The study also reveals that N. sativa can affect oxidative phosphorylation enzymes and increase sperm motility [147]. In addition, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 Iranian infertile men and half of them receive 2.5 mL of black seed oil and the remaining received placebo twice daily for two months. The amount and the motility of sperm and the content of semen volume were raised significantly in black seed oil treated group compared with placebo group after two months of therapy [148]. This indicates that N. sativa can be a potential source for development of natural aphrodisiac agents.

Numerous antihypertensive agents have been clinically used to control hypertension and to relieve associated comorbid conditions. However, the effectiveness of these agents is only in 40-60% of hypertensive patients and commonly combination of two or more blood lowering agents from diverse antihypertensive classes is required to attain the desired outcomes [52]. This eventually increases the likelihoods of untoward effects and also raises the cost of therapy. A number of herbal products such as the seed of N. sativa have been used and claimed to have positive effects against elevated blood pressure (BP).

Black Seed Oil

Some medications that decrease the immune system include include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider. Black seed might slow blood clotting. Taking black seed along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

The endocannabinoid system (the body's "master regulatory system") might benefit from black cumin seed oil, due to its phytocannabinoid content. Phytocannabinoids are beneficial plant compounds found in black cumin seed oil, hemp, hops, rosemary, and more. "Black cumin seed oil contains a key phytocannabinoid called beta-caryophyllene (BCP). BCP binds exclusively to the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. This receptor dominates in the peripheral nervous system, immune system, gut, liver, skin, and bones—so supporting it is important to maintaining health in these systems," explains Robert Rountree, M.D., a functional medicine pioneer.