Black cumin oil: could it be the secret cure for respiratory allergies?

“Black cumin oil cures all diseases except death,” said the Prophet Muhammad, in an Islamic writing, about this mysterious product, used thousands of years ago in Middle East and in Central Asia, although for many in the West this remains known.

It was the same for me a few weeks ago, when someone told me about black seed oil while out walking. While some were sneezing and coughing, they told me it could be a great remedy for seasonal allergies.

Since then, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Black cumin oil? Such a far-fetched product, because it’s not cumin normal but it is black, and it is not only black cumin but its oil, will it really work? Or will it be another of these extravagant essences which are today presented as miraculous?

“This oil comes from the plant Nigella sativa or black cumin, which is an herbaceous plant that grows in North Africa and Western Asia, and which has been used for centuries by indigenous people as a medicinal source because of its multiple benefits,” Alison Ruiz, nutritionist on the digital platform.

“There are many natural substances with beneficial properties for human health,” analyzes Manuel Acuña, medical advisor at Examedi. Black cumin is one of them: very appreciated in certain cultures around the world, it is also part of ancient medical systems, such as Ayurveda. “It is possible to think that it has beneficial effects on allergies or respiratory problems, always depending on other variables,” he says.

Francisco Álvarez, professor of chemistry and pharmacy at the Andrés Bello University (Viña del Mar Campus) explains that “this medicinal plant has demonstrated different properties, although it has always in small studies and with limited methodology, therefore “There is still not enough scientific basis to recommend it.”.

Among the benefits seen in limited evidence, according to Álvarez, it may also be useful for lowering cholesterol, blood sugar and weight control.

“It is important to remember that these potential effects are still being studied and that most studies have been carried out on animals or on small groups of people,” explains Mauricio Bonilla, public health specialist at the digital platform Saluta . “Additional studies are needed to confirm these benefits in the general population,” he says.

Nutritionally, “black cumin oil is rich in vitamins A (in the form of carotene) and E, which help strengthen the immune system against viruses and bacteria,” says Ruiz. “It also promotes the formation of red blood cells and widens blood vessels to prevent blood from clotting between them.”

Among the active ingredients present in this oil are thymoquinone and paracymene, which are immune stimulants and have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains nigeline, which stimulates the digestive system, and nigelone, which has anti-allergic and antihistamine effects (the latter useful for stationary allergies).

According to Ruiz, its composition, like all natural oils, is made up of 100% lipids, which are distributed as follows:

• Monounsaturated fatty acids: between 18 and 29 percent (omega 9 oleic acid). These help to reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, regulate our heart rate (preventing arrhythmias) and reduce the risk of producing atherosclerotic plaque.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: among 50 to 60% (Omega 3 linoleic acid). It represents the main source of energy, enriched with proteins and carbohydrates.
• Saturated fatty acids: 13 to 19%, mainly palmitic and stearic acid.

“The nutrients in black cumin oil may contribute to various health benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular function and the immune system, as well as anti-inflammatory properties and improving digestive function,” Bonilla explains.

“ Among the benefits observed, although there is still little evidence, it may be useful in reducing cholesterol, blood sugar and obesity,” explains Álvarez.

“There are those who use this oil in complementary treatments of immunodeficiencies, recurrent infections and stationary allergies,” explains nutrition professional Saluta. “Other studies have shown that one gram of seed capsule, twice a day for four weeks, can improve the proportion of T lymphocytes by 72%, thereby increasing immunity against colds, flu and other diseases. contagious diseases”, comments.

Before getting excited, all the health professionals I consulted explained to me that the incorporation of a food supplement like this requires a prior conversation with a doctor or nutritionist who knows your diet, your habits and your interactions with other medications.

“It is important that people know that this is a supplement and not an alternative or complementary therapy. In this sense, its use must be supervised by a health professional such as a doctor, nutritionist or pharmacist,” explains Álvarez.

“ This can influence the mechanism of action of various drugs, which can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on which drug the patient ultimately consumes,” adds Ruiz.

In addition, it is possible to find black seed oil in its traditional form or in capsules. “The benefits observed,” explains Álvarez, “and I repeat, are limited and there is no guarantee that they will occur for everyone,” are similar in each of these formats.

“The most important thing is to know its origin: that it is truly natural and that the brand can guarantee its quality,” explains Acuña. In the same spirit, Bonilla proposes the following axes which should prevail as selection criteria:

• Quality and purity: Opt for 100% organic, cold-pressed and certified black cumin seed oil. This helps ensure the quality, purity and effectiveness of the product.
• Allergies: If you are allergic to black cumin or any of its components, avoid consuming this oil.

As with most things, there are contexts in which this supplement may have an adverse reaction.

• Lactation: There is not enough scientific evidence on the safety of black cumin seed oil during breastfeeding. “It is recommended to avoid its consumption during this period,” says Bonilla.
• Children: Oral intake is suggested in the short term and in the recommended quantities per body weight, always under the supervision of a doctor.
• Drugs interactions : Black cumin seed oil may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, and antihypertensives.

In the following cases, consuming black seed oil may prove counterproductive:

• In patients using amlodipine: a medicine to lower blood pressure. Pressure should be monitored constantly, as black cumin oil also lowers blood pressure.
• In patients using phenytoin: a medicine to control seizures. Black cumin seed oil has been observed to increase blood levels of phenytoin, so consuming them together may cause side effects.
• In patients taking blood thinners such as warfarin: Black cumin oil may increase the effect of warfarin on blood flow, increasing the risk of bleeding.