Nigella sativa (black seed, black cumin)

Nigella sativa, also know as black cumin seed, black seed, or black caraway, is an herb used in cooking, and for its many medicinal qualities. It's native to south and southwest Asia.

Thymoquinone, one of the active components of the cold pressed oil, was found to induce levels of glutathione in vitro.[4]


Effects on Enzymes

P450 Enzyme Strength Dosage Verified in Man
CYP2D6 99% inhibition1 2.5 g ground seed twice daily for seven days Yes[1]
CYP3A4 41% inhibition2 2.5 g ground seed twice daily for seven days Yes[1]

It's important to note that there is a difference between black seed oil and ground black seed. While ground black seed is proven to inhibit CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, tests on the effectiveness of black seed oil on CYP2D6 have not be found. It's possible that the oil has no effect on CYP2D6.

Thymoquinone, one of the active components of the cold pressed oil, was found to potently inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, but had no effect on CYP2E1 in vitro.[3]

Cold Pressed Oil Toxicity

Oral LD50 in mice: 28.8 ml/kg body weight[2]
Intraperitoneal LD50 in mice: 2.06 ml/kg body weight[2]

Cold Pressed Oil Dosage

The typical recommended dosage for use as a dietary supplement is 1-2 teaspoons a day for adults.


Bibliography
1. Effect of black seed on dextromethorphan O- and N-demethylation in human liver microsomes and healthy human subjects.
Al-Jenoobi FI, Al-Thukair AA, Abbas FA, Ansari MJ, Alkharfy KM, Al-Mohizea AM, Al-Suwayeh SA, Jamil S. PubMed PMID: 20201775
2. Acute and chronic toxicity of Nigella sativa fixed oil.
Zaoui A, Cherrah Y, Mahassini N, Alaoui K, Amarouch H, Hassar M. PubMed PMID: 11924767
3. Modulation of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes by dietary doses of thymoquinone in female New Zealand White rabbits.
Elbarbry F, Ragheb A, Marfleet T, Shoker A. PubMed PMID: 22422469
4. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin and thymoquinone on the viability and proliferation of a HTB-93 rheumatoid arthritis cell model.
May M, Benghuzzi H, Tucci M, Mohamed A, Tan M, Norwood A. PubMed PMID 16817631
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