Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Nigella sativa (black seed) contains thymoquinone as its primary bioactive compound, which modulates immune function and inflammatory pathways. This compound inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing T-cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Nigella sativa, known as Habbatus Sauda or Black Seed, is a flowering plant native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. Its seeds are harvested and pressed to extract a potent oil used in traditional medicine.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Numerous studies, including RCTs, have explored the health benefits of Black Seed, with some meta-analyses supporting its use for various conditions, such as asthma and hypertension.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"protein": "21%", "fat": "35%", "carbohydrates": "35%", "fiber": "5%"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin B1": "0.4 mg/100g", "Vitamin B2": "0.3 mg/100g", "Vitamin B3": "4.6 mg/100g"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "185 mg/100g", "Iron": "9.7 mg/100g", "Zinc": "5 mg/100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Thymoquinone": "1.5%", "Nigellone": "0.5%", "Saponins": "0.5%"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The presence of fats enhances the absorption of fat-soluble compounds, while the fiber content may slightly reduce the absorption of some minerals."}
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Thymoquinone, the primary active compound in Nigella sativa, inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, reducing production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β. The compound also enhances glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver, promoting detoxification. Additionally, thymoquinone stimulates T-helper cell differentiation and increases interferon-γ production, strengthening adaptive immune responses.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A systematic review of 17 randomized controlled trials found that Nigella sativa supplementation (1-3 grams daily) significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved immune parameters. Studies in asthma patients showed 15-25% improvement in pulmonary function tests after 3-6 months of treatment. However, most trials were small-scale (30-100 participants) and of moderate quality, requiring larger studies to confirm therapeutic effects. Evidence for liver benefits comes primarily from animal studies and small human trials.
Also Known As
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