History of Medicine
Origian Black cumin (carum bulbocastanum) is rarely available so Nigella sativa is widely used instead, in India Carum carvi is the substitute. {cumins are from Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (both names are allowed by the ICBN) family but Nigella sativa is from Ranunculaceae family} Black cumin (not Nigella sativa)seeds come as paired or separate carpels, and are 3-4mm long. They have a striped pattern of nine ridges and oil canals, and are fragrant(Ayurveda says"Kaala jaaji sugandhaa cha"=Black cumin seed is fragrant itself), blackish in colour, boat-shaped, tapering at each extremity, with tiny stalks attached; has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, both as a herb and pressed into oil, in Asia, Middle East, and Africa. It has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, as analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antioxidants, anticancer, antiviral and for general well-being.In Islam, it is regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine available. In the Unani Tibb system of medicine, Black cumin is regarded as a valuable remedy for a number of diseases.
The seeds have been traditionally used in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries to treat ailments including asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to promote digestion and to fight parasitic infections. Its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and to treat cold symptoms. Many researchers have recently also studied it's reaction towards cancer, and it's said to have many anti-cancer conditions.[citation needed] Its many uses have earned Black cumin seed the Arabic approbation 'Habbatul barakah', meaning the seed of blessing.
Scientific Research
Nigella sativa oil(not Black cumin seed oil) contains nigellone, which protects guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchial spasms[6] (perhaps explaining its use to relieve the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and coughing).
The presence of an anti-tumor sterol, beta-sitosterol, lends credence to its traditional use to treat abscesses and tumors of the abdomen, eyes, and liver.[7]
Nigella sativa also has been reported to reduce calculi formation in rats' kidneys.[9]
Nigella sativa oil containing melanthin, nigilline, damascene and tannin. Melanthin is toxic in large dosages and Nigelline is paralytic, so this spice must be used in moderation.
Besides scientific research, there are sayings of Mohammed that clearly underlines the significance of Nigella sativa. According to a hadith narrated by Abu Hurerah, he says that "I have heard Hazrat Muhammad saying that the black granules (Kalonji) is the remedy for all diseases except death." [10]
Thymoquinone and pancreatic cancer treatment
Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone, an extract of Nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death, (apoptosis). While the studies are in the early stages, the findings suggest that thymoquinone could eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in patients who have gone through surgery and chemotherapy or in individuals who are at a high risk of developing cancer.[11]
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