Organic Nigella Supercritical Extract
Also known as: Black seed, Black cumin, Kalijiri, Kalonji, Habbatul barakah, Nigella sativa
Overview
Nigella sativa is a flowering plant native to the Middle East and South Asia, renowned for its seeds that are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly thymoquinone, linoleic acid, and oleic acid. Traditionally, black seed has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Recent research highlights its potential benefits in managing cardiometabolic disorders, enhancing liver and kidney function, and aiding in weight management. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest moderate evidence supporting these claims, although variability in study methodologies may affect reliability. Supplementation forms include whole seeds, oil, and supercritical extracts, each varying in potency and bioavailability.
Benefits
1. Cardiometabolic Health: Research indicates that Nigella sativa significantly improves fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c levels, and lipid profiles, supported by meta-analyses showing reductions in inflammatory markers such as CRP. 2. Liver and Kidney Function: Improvements in liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST) suggest enhanced liver health, although high doses may risk renal marker elevation. 3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: This plant effectively decreases inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. 4. Weight Management: Mixed evidence suggests potential benefits in weight loss, particularly among individuals with obesity-related conditions, favoring those predisposed to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes with significant metabolic enhancements.
How it works
The primary health benefits of Nigella sativa are attributed to thymoquinone, its principal bioactive component. Thymoquinone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhances antioxidant support by stimulating protective enzymes such as superoxide dismutase. It also improves metabolic functions by increasing insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, positively impacting the endocrine and immune systems and promoting liver and kidney health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in these organs.
Side effects
Nigella sativa is generally considered safe at moderate doses but may cause several side effects. Common gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea are reported in over 5% of users. Uncommon reactions, including allergic responses and skin conditions, occur in 1 to 5% of cases, whereas rare side effects (less than 1%) could involve elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, necessitating monitoring of kidney function. Users should be cautious regarding interactions with antidiabetic drugs and blood thinners. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised against its use due to insufficient safety data, and those with existing diabetes, liver, or kidney issues should seek medical supervision.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for Nigella sativa vary depending on desired outcomes, typically ranging from 1 to 3 grams of seeds or extracts. For enhancing cardiometabolic markers, 1-2 grams is often recommended. The minimal effective dose remains unclear, and exceeding 3 grams may increase the risk of side effects due to limited available research. For optimal bioavailability, it is best consumed with meals. The type of supplement—whether seeds, oil, or extract—can influence absorption, with supercritical extracts generally offering superior bioavailability. It is unnecessary to require specific cofactors; however, maintaining a balanced diet and sufficient hydration may enhance supplementation effectiveness.
FAQs
Is Nigella sativa safe to use?
Generally, yes, but it may interact with certain medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.
How should I take Nigella sativa?
It’s advisable to take it with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
What results can I expect?
Benefits, including improved cardiometabolic health and reduced inflammation, can be expected after several weeks to months of supplementation.
Is Nigella sativa a panacea?
No, it should be regarded as a complementary approach under healthcare guidance, not as a cure-all.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646647/ – This systematic review analyzes the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical implications of Nigella sativa, highlighting its health benefits and potential applications in traditional medicine. The review emphasizes the necessity of further research to establish standardized dosages and effectiveness.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579657/ – This meta-analysis assesses the impact of Nigella sativa on various metabolic markers in different populations, finding strong evidence for improvements in blood glucose and lipids while noting methodological limitations in some studies.
