What is Thymoquinone? Thymoquinone is a phytochemical derived from the seeds of a plant called Nigella Sativa, native to West Asia (Iraq, Turkey, India).
The seed of Nigella Sativa, contains several natural phytochemicals with beneficial health effects. In addition to Thymoquinone (TQ), it also contains dithymoquinone, thymo hydroquinone (THQ), Omega fatty acids and thymol.
The responsible for most of the pharmacological properties of black cumin is Thymoquinone, which is the major active constituent of Nigella Sativa Seed Oil or Black Cumin Seed Oil.
Thymoquinone is considered a powerful antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory substance. Scientists and researchers remain interested in understanding even more about the multiple benefits of this substance.
The 9 amazing benefits of Thymoquinone
We already know that it has been used for many years for its medicinal properties. But more exactly, what is Thymoquinone good for? We will mention 9 health benefits of using Black Seed Oil (source of Thymoquinone).
1. Helps fight cancer
Studies have been done on the properties of this compound to treat and thwart the growth of colon, pancreas, and prostate cancer cells
"Test-tube studies have shown thymoquinone in black seed oil to help control the growth and spread of several types of cancer cells" - Healthline
2. Antioxidant
Due to the presence of various antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, black seed oil possesses antioxidant properties. As a consequence, it helps combat oxidative stress and cell damage caused by free radicals. The damage generated by free radicals causes several progressive pathological conditions, including neurological disorder, cancer, aging, and endocrine illness This antioxidant activity also delays the effects of aging and the appearance of age-related diseases.
3. Fights diabetes Several studies have shown that using Black Seed can lower blood sugar levels. It is one of the few substances in the world that can be recommended to prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. According to an article in the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, black seed oil improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin, but without the side effects of the latter substance.
4. Helps to lose weight Although there is not much research on this, there are studies that make us think that Black Seed oil can help reduce body mass index (BMI). Another Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders publication on plants that have anti-obesity properties found that black seed oil could be effective in combating obesity. Additionally, it has benefits for digestive transit and detoxification of the body, helping to:
Relieve gastric, intestinal and uterine spasms.
Reduce production and facilitate expulsion of intestinal gas.
Promote urine secretion, facilitating the elimination of waste and toxins from the body.
5. Helps Treating infections
Strengthens the immune system by acting as a natural anti-infective. It helps in defending the body against harmful microorganisms.
“Different extracts of N. sativa as well as TQ, have a broad antimicrobial spectrum including Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, parasites, Schistosoma and fungi” - Fatemeh Forouzanfar
6. Improves fertility Some studies show that Black Seed Oil naturally enhance male fertility, improving sperm movement and increasing sperm count.
7. Improves Cardiovascular Health
High blood pressure and high total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels are important risk factors for heart disease.
Studies link TQ consumption to a significant reduction in bad cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol and blood pressure, both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
8. Anti-inflammatory Thymoquinone is best known for its anti-inflammatory benefits that are helpful in treating chronic diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia, IBS, colitis, peritonitis, allergies and asthma. Inflammation is the common denominator in all these diseases. There are studies that have shown anti-asthmatic effects of TQ, as it can help by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles of the airways. Drugs currently used as anti-inflammatory agents produce severe side effects, unlike TQ that does not.
9. Thymoquinone for Hair and Skin Black seed oil also has properties that make it an ideal complement for hair and skin care. Research in this regard shows that, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its fatty acid content, this oil helps treat some skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dry skin and psoriasis. It fights wrinkles, by deeply moisturizing the skin, gives it flexibility and shine. It may help with hair loss due to androgenic alopecia, in addition to helping to hydrate the hair.