Introduction
Black Seed Oil is widely known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, recent studies have shown that Black Seed Oil also has anti-tumor properties, making it a potential natural treatment for cancer. 1
There has been an increase in the application of naturally existing substances to control cancer. Herbal preparations, purified active components drawn from plants, and dietary enhancers have all been documented to have anti-cancer and cancer-suppressing benefits. Nigella sativa, also called black seed or black cumin, has been researched widely for its broad anti-cancer benefits in a variety of in vitro and in vivo settings. In this article, we analyse the various claims made about the anti-cancer effects of N. sativa seed preparations and present our findings in a unified whole.
This study examines the experimental evidence for N. Sativa's anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, anti-mutagenic, anti-metastatic, and NK cytotoxic activity-enhancing effects on a wide variety of primary cancer cells and cancer cell lines. We also highlight the molecular modes of action and signal transmission networks thought to be involved in N. Sativa's anti-tumorigenic effects.2
Signalling Mechanism of N. Sativa
When it comes to displaying its anti-cancer action, N. sativa primarily employs the iNOS signaling mechanism. This article summarises the most recent findings that support the medicinal potential of N. sativa in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The experimental results published over the past two decades indicate that N. sativa parts may be useful as agents to regulate tumour start, development, and spread, and thus therapy of a broad variety of malignancies.
Black Seed Oil contains various active compounds such as thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. These compounds have been shown to have anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.
Additionally, Black Seed Oil has been found to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. In one study, cancer patients who took Black Seed Oil along with chemotherapy had fewer side effects than those who did not.3
Black Seed Oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including cancer. The anti-tumor properties of Black Seed Oil have been the subject of numerous studies, which have yielded promising results.
Active Compounds
One of the active compounds found in Black Seed Oil, thymoquinone, has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer effects. Thymoquinone has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer cells, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer cells. Apoptosis is the programmed cell death that occurs naturally in the body, but cancer cells tend to resist apoptosis, leading to uncontrolled growth and proliferation. By inducing apoptosis, Black Seed Oil can help prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading.
In addition to inducing apoptosis, Black Seed Oil has also been found to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. A study conducted on human prostate cancer cells found that Black Seed Oil inhibited cancer cell growth by up to 70%. Another study conducted on breast cancer cells found that Black Seed Oil significantly reduced the number of cancer cells and inhibited their growth.
Immune Boosting Properties
Moreover, Black Seed Oil has immune-boosting properties that can help the body fight cancer. One of the immune-boosting compounds found in Black Seed Oil is alpha-heder in, which has been shown to activate natural killer cells and macrophages. Natural killer cells and macrophages play a crucial role in the immune system's function, as they identify and destroy cancer cells. 4
Black Seed Oil has also been found to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and other side effects, which can be challenging for cancer patients. In a study conducted on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who took Black Seed Oil experienced fewer side effects than those who did not. 5
Summary:
In conclusion, Black Seed Oil has promising anti-tumor properties that can make it a potential natural treatment for cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and efficacy. Nevertheless, Black Seed Oil can be a valuable addition to a cancer patient's treatment plan, as it has been found to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, boost the immune system, and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
As with any supplement or natural remedy, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use. Black Seed Oil has shown promising anti-tumor properties in various studies. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential as a natural treatment for cancer. Nevertheless, Black Seed Oil can be a valuable addition to a cancer patient's treatment plan, as it has been found to have immune-boosting properties and can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. As with any supplement or natural remedy, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use.
References:
Black Seed Oil: A Possible Natural Alternative to Cancer Treatment" by Mawazini, M. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387228/
"Thymoquinone, the main active constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, enhances the antitumor activity of cisplatin" by Chen, M. C., Lee, N. H., Hsu, H. H., Ho, T. J., Tu, C. C., & Hsieh, D. J. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4450426/
"Anti-cancer potential of black seed (Nigella sativa) – a review" by Salim, E. I. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4934353/
"The role of Nigella sativa and its active constituents in learning and memory" by Kooti, W., Hasanzadeh-Noohi, Z., Sharafi-Ahvazi, N., & Asadi-Samani, M. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4376225/
"Cytotoxic activity of thymoquinone and its analogues against leukemia and lymphoma cell lines" by Effenberger-Neidnicht, K., Schobert, R., & Jäger, S. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4665497/
