FAQs

FAQs

What is black seed oil?

Black seed oil, also known as black cumin seed oil, comes from the Nigella sativa plant native to Asia. It’s recognized for its rich, slightly bitter flavor and a myriad of health benefits. Black seed oil has been used for over 2000 years, primarily for medicinal purposes. Historical records show that it was used by ancient civilizations across the Middle East and Asia, including by the ancient Egyptians. Black seed oil is treasured for its main bioactive, which is thymoquinone, believed to have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is popular today for supporting immune health, reducing inflammation, and even aiding digestion. Its versatility allows Black Seed Oil to be used in cooking-sparingly since it has a very strong flavor-or, more commonly, taken as a supplement. It can also be applied topically for skin and hair care.

What is it used for?

People use black seed oil for all kinds of health conditions ranging from asthma to weight loss to lowering blood pressure. It’s also very good for the skin and has been known to hydrate hair very effectively. New research is focusing on its ability to lower stress levels (cortisol) and to support a healthier metabolism in general. There is some evidence that it may also lower insulin resistance, a primary culprit in many metabolic diseases.

Where Can I Purchase It?

Black seed oil products that are clinically researched, meet USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards, and are standardized for 3% thymoquinone while maintaining a free fatty acid content of under 2% can be found in the following places:

Where Does Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa) Come From?

Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed or black cumin, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This ancient seed was actually discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. It is referenced in many historical texts, where it is noted for its diverse medicinal properties, ranging from supporting digestion to boosting immunity. Over time, research has pinpointed one of its active components, thymoquinone, as a major contributor to these health benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil has been widely studied for its numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, supports healthy inflammatory responses, and promotes heart, liver, and immune system health. Black seed oil also plays a role in skin health, thanks to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Its star compound, thymoquinone, is responsible for many of these effects, making black seed oil a highly prized and increasingly sought-after natural supplement.

What Does the Research Actually Show?

Research suggests black seed oil has favorable effects on several aspects of cardiovascular and metabolic health. It posseses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties, all of which may benefit numerous and diverse conditions.

Currently, the most well-studied benefits of black seed are for cardiovascular health and metabolic health. Black seed oil may improve glycemic control by lowering blood glucose and hemoglaobin A1c by a clinically significant degree, most especially in people with diabetes. It may also improve lipid profiles, lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL. There is also research supporting its role in weight loss, particularly among obese or overweight women.

What is Thymoquinone?

Thymoquinone is one of the most active ingredients in black seed oil and is largely responsible for many of its therapeutic properties.

Thymoquinone has been extensively studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Research suggests that it can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and even inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Its potential effects on health issues like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases have made it a significant focus of scientific research.

Is the Amount of Thymoquinone the Most Important Thing to Look for in Choosing a Black Seed Oil?

The simple answer is “no”, but the better answer is “not exactly”. Indeed, thymoquinone is the most well-known and researched bioactive in black seed oil, and responsible for many of its extraordinary benefits. So it would be easy to think that when it comes to thymoquinone, the more the better.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Thymoquinone exists in a delicate balance with another compound in black seed oil: free fatty acids. Free fatty acids-present in all edible oils-have a nasty tendency to oxidize, generating free radicals. High amounts of free fatty acids interfere with the ability of thymoquinone to do its magic; if free fatty acids are too high, there’s more oxidation and more free radicals, severely limiting the effectiveness of this important bioactive.

At the same time, there are benefits to having the free fatty acids in the oil- one of those free fatty acids is the same fat found in olive oil.

So the correct answer to the question is that the proper balance between thymoquinone and free fatty acids is one of the most important things to look for in selecting an oil. (Selecting an oil with 3% thymoquinone and > 2% free fatty acids.)

Thymoquinone seems Amazing! What’s the best way for me to get Thymoquinone in my diet?

Thymoquinone can be found in various forms, but it is primarily in natural black seed oil. Also available are what’s called “standardized extracts”, as well as isolated thymoquinone supplements. Full-spectrum black seed oil, however, is the preferred delivery system, as it contains not only thymoquinone but also other beneficial compounds (like free fatty acids, which in small amounts can be very beneficial).

Some supplements focus on delivering high concentrations of isolated thymoquinone, while full-spectrum options retain the broader array of balanced compounds present in the oil enhancing the synergistic effect.

Is Black Seed Oil only about Thymoquinone?

Definitely not. While thymoquinone is indeed a key active component, black seed oil also contains other bioactive compounds such as nigellone, p-cymene, and free fatty acids like oleic acid, the same type of fat found in extra-virgin olive oil. All these compounds work together with thymoquinone, creating a full-spectrum synergy-driven product that enhances the effectiveness and bioavailability of thymoquinone.

Why is Full-Spectrum Oil Important?

Full-spectrum black seed oil provides a range of active compounds beyond thymoquinone, including essential fatty acids and other antioxidants. These compounds work synergistically, meaning their combined effect is greater than the effect of isolated thymoquinone alone. Full-spectrum oils aim to deliver a balanced, natural profile of nutrients, enhancing overall health benefits.

What is the Bioavailability of Thymoquinone?

Bioavailability refers to how well a substance is absorbed and utilized by the body. In the case of thymoquinone, its bioavailability is enhanced when delivered in a full-spectrum oil that includes just the right amount of free fatty acids. These fatty acids act as carriers, ensuring that thymoquinone is more easily absorbed. Products are formulated to optimize this absorption, making them more effective than isolated forms of thymoquinone.

Is High-Thymoquinone Black Seed Oil Better Than Full Spectrum?

No. Isolated high-thymoquinone products are rarely more effective than full-spectrum oils and are frequently not as good. That’s because the balance full-spectrum oils contain thymoquinone in the proper balance with other beneficial compounds, creating a synergistic effect that can amplify health benefits. While higher concentrations of thymoquinone might seem appealing, the balance provided by a full-spectrum product ensures that all the bioactive compounds work together for optimal results.

What is a Free Fatty Acid?

Free fatty acids are not bound together in a structure (like a triglyceride, which is three fatty acids bound to a single glycerol backbone molecule). Instead, free fatty acids are unbound fatty acids present in oils that are not linked to glycerol molecules.

In black seed oil, free fatty acids– like linoleic and oleic acid (the same fatty acid found in extra-virgin olive oil) – play an essential role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and supporting heart and skin health. These free fatty acids also help improve the absorption and bioavailability of other key compounds like thymoquinone.

Why Are Free Fatty Acids Important?

Free fatty acids in black seed oil are crucial because they facilitate the absorption of thymoquinone and other active compounds. These fatty acids improve the bioavailability of the oil’s beneficial components, allowing them to be more effectively absorbed and utilized by the body. Moreover, free fatty acids themselves provide cardiovascular and skin health benefits, making them an integral part of full-spectrum black seed oil formulations.

What is the Bioavailability of Thymoquinone?

Bioavailability refers to how well a substance is absorbed and utilized by the body. In the case of thymoquinone, its bioavailability is enhanced when delivered in a full-spectrum oil that includes just the right amount of free fatty acids. These fatty acids act as carriers, ensuring that thymoquinone is more easily absorbed. Products are formulated to optimize this absorption, making them more effective than isolated forms of thymoquinone.

How is Black Seed Oil Cultivated and Processed?

The quality of black seed oil depends significantly on the cultivation and processing of Nigella sativa seeds. Premium black seed oil, should be derived from carefully selected seeds grown in ideal conditions. Cold-pressing the seeds ensures that the oil retains its full range of beneficial compounds without degradation from heat.

What is cortisol, and why is it important for the body?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Often referred to as the “stress hormone”, it plays a key role in regulating a variety of bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and energy levels. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and lowering at night, helping to manage the body’s energy levels and fight-or-flight response. While cortisol is essential for handling stress, chronically elevated levels can lead to various health issues, such as weight gain, anxiety, and impaired immune function.

How does Thymoquinone impact cortisol levels?

Thymoquinone in the form of a potent extract from black seed oil (Nigella sativa), has been studied for its potential to modulate cortisol levels in the body. Research has shown that thymoquinone, helps lower elevated cortisol levels, particularly in individuals under physical or emotional stress. By balancing cortisol, thymoquinone can help reduce the negative effects of stress, such as fatigue, mood swings, and a weakened immune system, promoting better overall health and recovery.

Are there any scientific studies showing that Thymoquinone reduces cortisol?

Yes, there are several studies demonstrating the cortisol-lowering effects of Thymoquinone. One notable study led by Dr. Shawn Talbott examined the impact of thymoquinone on athletes. The research showed that thymoquinone significantly reduced cortisol levels in these high-performance individuals, resulting in better stress management and improved recovery times. The findings suggest that thymoquinone could be beneficial for athletes and active individuals who are frequently exposed to physical and mental stress.

Why is reducing cortisol beneficial for athletes and active individuals?

Managing cortisol is particularly important for athletes and physically active individuals. Prolonged elevated cortisol levels can lead to negative health outcomes, such as muscle breakdown, suppressed immune function, and slower recovery times. By lowering cortisol, athletes can improve their resilience to stress, enhance recovery, and optimize their performance. Thymoquinone provides a natural solution to help athletes manage cortisol, promoting better physical recovery and mental well-being.

What else is important in black seed oil besides thymoquinone and free fatty acids?

In addition to thymoquinone (TQ), which is a key active compound, high-quality black seed oil supplements containing other important components. The best formulations ensure at least 3% thymoquinone, less than 1.50% free fatty acids, and include a minimum of 1% p-cymene and 0.1% carvacrol. P-cymene and carvacrol are natural constituents that support the oil’s stability and enhance its overall therapeutic properties. When selecting a black seed oil supplement, it’s crucial to look for USP-grade, standardized, cold-pressed oil to ensure the highest quality and efficacy.