ISLAM AND HEALTH

The Power of Volatile Oil in Black Seed Oil

Published april 08, 2014 By Ar Rahman islamic prophetic medicine 
 

Black seed oil has been used for nearly 4000 years and the earliest record of its cultivation and use come from ancient Egypt. It is known today primarily as black seed and in Arabic culture it is
also known as Habbatul Barakah, meaning the “seed of blessing” because its a remedy for all diseases except death.”
Historically black seed has been use for headache, toothache, nasal
congestion and intestinal worm.
During the 19th century many of the traditionally described health benefits of black seed oil benefits of black seed oil have been clearly confirmed through literature and research and during the last 20 years there has been extensive study on the pharmacological action of black seed oil.
On the basis of researches and identified constituents it is known that there are almost forty health conditions that may be benefited from the use of black seed oil.

Composition of Black seed oil
Black seed oil contains approximately
21% protein
38% carbohydrates
and 35% plant fats and oil.
Analysis of volatile oil in Black seed
According to (Ali BH, 2003) much of the biological and pharmacological activity of black seed oil has been shown due to the presence of its fixed and volatile oil component.
According to (Nickavar B, 2003) the chemical composition of fixed and volatile oil of black seed oil was determined by chromatography technique and the result shows
Eight fatty acids (99.5%) and
Thirty-two compounds (86.7%) have been identified in fixed and volatile oils.
According to research the main fatty acids of the fixed oil was,
Linoleic acid ( 55.6%)
Oleic acid (23.4%)
Palmatic acid (12.5%)
And the major compound of volatile oil was:-
Para Cymene: potent analgesic and anti inflammatory effect
Pinene: Mild expectorant. Colic properties.
Carbony: Anti septic. Anti microbial properties.
Carvone: Anti colic. Flatulence properties.
Limonene: Treatment of gall stones.
Nigellone: One of the most important component of the volatile oil found in black seed oil in 1985. It contributes to black seeds effect against respiratory conditions. These compounds also have anti histaminic action and provide relief from allergies.
Thymoquinone: According to (Hajhashemi V, 2004)7 thymoquinone is one of the major components of black seed oil and play a very important role in its pharmacological actions. According to research by (Ali BH, 2003) thymoquinone is the major component of volatile oil and it is also present in fixed oil. This compound is,
1) Analgesic
2) Anti inflammatory
3) Anti pyretic
4) Anti neoplastic
5)Anti microbial
And also provides protection against nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity induced by other chemicals and diseases.
Some of the important Pharmacological actions of Volatile oil constituent of Black Seed oil
Analgesic (Provides relief from pain)
Anti bacterial (kills bacteria)
Anti inflammatory
Anti ulcer (Cures ulcers)
Anti cholinergic
Anti fungal (Kills fungi)
Anti oxidant
Anti hypertensive (Lower blood pressure)
Anti diabetic (Lowers blood sugar)
Anti viral
Bronchodilator
Anti spasmodic
Insulin sensitizing
Anti cancer effect
Health conditions which get benefit from Black seed oil
Diabetes:

According to (Abdullah O Bamosa, 2010)2 research on type 2 diabetes for this research purpose 94 patients were recuirated and a capsule containing black seed oil was administered in doses of 1,2 and 3 gm / day for three months and result of study clearly proved that the use of black seed oil resulted in
Reduced glucose levels
Decreased insulin resistance
Increased beta cell function
Reduced glycosylated hemoglobin
According to research by (Meddah B, 2009)8 that black seed oil directly inhibits intestinal absorption of glucose and improves glucose tolerance within 30 days of its use and this proved its effectiveness against diabetes.
Peptic ulcer treatment:
Black seed oil possesses anti helico becter pylori properties. According to (Eyad M Salem, 2010)5 black seed oil possesses useful anti ulcer property, eliminates helicobecterpylori which is a causative agent of ulcers and its efficiency is comparable to triple the effect of conventional therapy for ulcers.
Hypertension:
The black seed oil has been known to lower blood pressure. A latest study by (Farshad Roghani Dehkordi, 2006) 6evaluate efficacy of oral black seed oil extract in hypertension patient. The result of study shows that after 8 week treatment with blessed seeds the blood pressure value in patients was significantly decreased as compare to baseline. On the basis of this research it is suggested that daily use of black seed oil for 2 months may lower blood pressure in patients with complain of mild hypertension.
Asthma and respiratory conditions:
According to research by (Rana Keyhanmanesh, 2009)10 thymoquinone the main constituent of black seed oil was proven to be most effective for the treatment of asthma. The volatile oil present in black seed oil has proven to be an excellent protective agent for treatment of bronchial asthma and bronchitis.
Anti bacterial activity:
A research by (Abdul Hannan, 2008)1 proved effectiveness of black seed oil against staphylococci bacteria and the study clearly shows that black seed oil has an inhibitory effect on methacilline resistant staphylococcus aureus.
Anti cancer effect:
The black seed oil constituent was proven to be very effective against various types of cancer. one of the research studies by (Elsayed I Salim, 2003)4 demonstrate that black seed oil has the ability to inhibit colon carcinogenesis in rats.
Cancer cell
Conclusion:
The black seed oil is a remarkable herb and it has been now proven that this herb is valuable against a number of different medical conditions including cancer and respiratory illnesses.