Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) – A review of the scientific literature finds unparalleled therapeutic potential
Conrad LeBeau
More than 600 scientific articles published in medical journals supports the hypothesis that black seed has a range of medical and potential medical benefits possibly unparalleled in the history of medicinal herbs. In the last two issues of this journal, we have written about the use and benefits of Black Seed powder in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. More than 60 cases have been written about in medical journals where HIV+ persons used Black Seed powder and increased CD4 counts while a majority reduced their viral loads to non-detectable levels in about 4 months. Also, six outright cures are reported in published studies where sustained sero-conversions have occurred.
In this issue, we will review the published scientific research on the use of Nigella Sativa for a wide range of other illnesses and conditions as well as new developments in case reports. An article (1) published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in May of 2013 offers one of the most thorough reviews of the scientific literature on black seed research and its therapeutic potential that has ever been published. [This review by Ahmad et al published in th e Asian Pacific J. of Trop BioMed is now posted at keephopealive.org as a full text article. Depending on the font size you use– it prints out anywhere from 15 to as much as 38 pages.]
“A Review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle Herb” is written by Aftab Ahmad, and 7 co-authors from Saudi Arabia and India. The article is referenced by 117 scientific citations on clinical studies, experiments, and research of Black Seed’s medicinal properties. In their review, they reported Nigella Sativa is a widely used plant in traditional systems of medicine including Unani, Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. In the Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine) its use has been recommended on a regular basis. Historically, black seed has been used as a medicine, but also has been used as a spice for seasoning for soups, breads, and pickles.
1. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013 May;3(5):337-52
Nigella Sativa’s Historical use as a Medicine. In the Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, A Ahmad et al state:
“The seeds of N. sativa are widely used in the treatment of various diseases like bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, rheumatism and skin disorders. It is also used as liver tonic, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, emmenagogue, to increase milk production in nursing mothers to fight parasitic infections, and to support immune system.” (1)
On its therapeutic properties, the Biomed article states:
“N. sativa has been extensively studied for its biological activities and therapeutic potential and shown to possess wide spectrum of activities viz. as diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer and immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anthelmintics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, renal protective and antioxidant properties.” (1)
Active compounds in black seeds include a long list of scientific names like thymoquinone, P-cymene, carvacrol, and saponin a potential anti-cancer agent. Listing 100 or more scientific names won’t mean a lot to the average reader. With more than 100 compounds identified in the literature, I decided not to list them here. They are listed in the full text article on our website. Unlike single compounds that are patented, whole black seed is one impressive collection of pharmacological chemicals in unique proportion to one another.
Black Seed as a Folk Remedy
Black seeds have a long history of use in Indian and Arabian civilizations as both a food and a medicine. A Ahmad (1) reports on the traditional the use of black seed for “respiratory system, digestive tract, kidney and liver function, cardio vascular system and immune system support, as well as for general well-being.” The seeds have also been used traditionally for asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory diseases.
Here is a list of separate sections in A. Ahmad’s article that discusses published research for specific medicinal activity of black seeds in these areas.
Scientific research with Black Seeds.
Scientific research on the medicinal properties of black seed are discussed in detail in this article. I include a count of the number of articles referenced in each section as a scientific citation and some of the specific health conditions tested in studies: Sections - Scientific Citations - Indications
5.1 Anti-bacterial activity (5 citations) Indications: antibiotic resistant staph infections, H. pylori, MRSA and gram negative bacteria. The authors found that – “The most effective extracts were the crude alkaloid and water extracts.” They also found that - “All tested strains of methicillin resistant Staphylocossus aureus were sensitive to ethanol extract of N. sativa….”
5.2 Anti-fungal activity (4 citations) – Indications: candidiasis, dermaphytes, skin infections. Researchers found two components in the Nigella Sativa seeds (Ds-1 and Ds-2) that were effective against pathogenic fungus.
5.3 Anti-worms activity (3 citations) Indications: S. mansoni, miracidia, cercariae, adult worms. Researchers found that Nigella sativa seeds had “strong biocide effects against all stages of the parasite and an inhibitory effect on egg-laying of adult female worms.”
5.4 Anti-oxidant activity (9 citations) Indications: oxidative stress, premature aging, eyesight, protects brain and all other organs from oxidative stress. Reduces inflammatory cytokines, il-1b, il-6, tnf-a, ifn-y, pge-2 and increased levels of il-10. Supports normal glutathione (GSH) levels. Protects liver and kidneys from oxidative stress.
5.5 Anti-diabetic activity (9 citations) – Indications: diabetes, pre-diabetic conditions, obesity, high blood sugar levels. Reduces elevated glucose levels in animal studies, increases SOD and insulin levels, protects pancreatic B-cell integrity. When used with parathyroid hormone, black seed improves bone mass. Nigella Sativa (NS) reduces sugar absorption from the intestinal tract.
5.6 Anti-cancer activity (references 13 citations) – Indications: cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteocarcinoma (bone cancer), colon cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer.
5.7 Anti-inflammatory (inhibits il1, il-6 and NF KappaB) and analgesic activity. (6 citations) – Indications: nasal allergies and excess mucus congestion, rheumatism, arthritis, food sensitivities. Reduces rhinitis and nasal allergies.
5.8 Immunomodulatory activity (8 citations) supports both antibody production and cell-mediated immunity. Indications: cancer, nerve damaged conditions, auto-immune diseases. May benefit persons with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons, and Neuropathy. Natural Killer cell cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, suppresses inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, TNF-a and NO, increased white blood cell counts, supported spleen function, increased antibody production in response to typhoid vaccination, antioxidant effects protect nerve myelin layer in preventing or reversing multiple sclerosis in animal model, and prevented lung inflammation in lab animals,
5.9 Cardiovascular activity (1 citation) supports heart health. Indications: weak pulse, damaged heart muscles due to lack of oxygen. Prevented a decrease in platelet numbers in one animal study.
5.10 Gastroprotective activity (7 citations) supports intestinal health Indications: ulcers, acid reflux, colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases. A component of Nigella Sativa seeds called Thymoquinone (TQ) was tested in laboratory rats. Ahmad et al found that -
“TQ has novel gastro-protective mechanisms via inhibiting proton pump, acid secretion and neutrophil infiltration, while enhancing mucin secretion.”
The authors found that an aqueous (water) suspension of black seeds-
“significantly prevented gastric severity” and had an anti-ulcer effect that was confirmed histopathologically. The authors also found that: “TQ was found to protect gastric mucosa against the ulcerating effect of alcohol and mitigated most of the biochemical effects induced by alcohol in gastric mucosa, but the effect of TQ was found to be a less than black seed whole.”
This is a very important observation as the authors quoted tested TQ, the main component in Black seed oil, with the effects of a water extract of whole black seeds and found the therapeutic effects of the whole black seeds to be more beneficial than the oil. [This is consistent with what HIV patients are reporting when contrasting the effects of the black seed oil to the whole black seed powder. While the whole black seed powder is producing beneficial results, the oil is not]
5.11 Hepato-protective (liver) activity (3 citations) supports liver function – protects the liver against damage from some drugs and harsh chemicals. Indications: fatty liver, protects against liver damage and toxicity, heavy metal and chemical poisoning, and protects against oxidative damage. Nigella Sativa should benefit all persons whose liver is under stress from chemicals, alcohol, and viruses including all those involved in causing hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
5.12 Nephro-protective (kidneys) activity (9 citations) – supports bladder and kidney function. Protects the kidneys against damage caused by some drugs and harsh chemicals. Indications: may help reduce water and fluid retention, kidney failure, weak kidneys, high blood pressure.
5.13 Pulmonary protective activity (anti-asthmatic effects) (7 citations) support the lung function and normal breathing. Indications: asthma, COPD, bronchitis, excess mucus production, chest colds and pneumonia. Researchers found that a substance called “nigellone” found in the whole black seed may be useful in the treatment of different respiratory diseases. However, TQ found in the black seed oil, showed no benefits for respiratory health in this study.
Boiled extract of black seed was used in a study on 29 asthmatic adults. Wheezing and severity of symptoms significantly improved in all the test patients who used the black seed extract – the need and use of inhalers and steroids decreased in the test patients.
5.14 Testicular-protective activity (1 citation) supports health of the testes. This study found that the use of TQ decreased the destructive effects of methotrexate on testicular tissue in patients. Methotrexate is a generic drug used to treat various forms of cancer.
5.15 Neuro-protective activity Specific conditions (6 citations) protects nerves and supports nerve health. Indications: anxiety, increases serotonin (5-HT) levels, improves learning and memory, reduces sugar cravings, anti-depressant, increases brain levels of tryptophan, may help improve sleep quality (especially when combined with chamomile tea taken before bedtime)
The authors also reported on the effects of extracts of nigella sativa and stated they increased glutathione, SOD and catalase levels due to their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
5.16 Anti-convulsant activity (3 citations) Curcumin is cited along with black seed water or alcohol extracts as an anti-convulsant in studies. Two different studies with the use of Nigella Sativa Oil (NSO) produced contradictory results as an anti-convulsant. Indications: epilepsy, convulsions, seizures. Water or alcohol extracts of whole black seed produced good results in the animal studies.
5.19 Toxicological studies. The authors reported that the low toxicity of N. Sativa fixed oil, as evidenced by high LD 50 values, key hepatic enzyme stability and organ integrity, suggest a wide margin of safety for therapeutic doses of N. Sativa fixed oil.
5.20 Drugs-nigella sativa interaction (1 citation) The studies cited indicate that N. Sativa may inhibit the metabolism of a wide range of drugs by inhibiting the P450 cytochrome detoxification pathway in the liver. This means that N. Sativa, like eating grapefruit, will slow down the removal of drugs from the body through the liver. This means that lower doses of many drugs could be given for the same results. It could also mean that the level of antibiotics in blood serum will last longer with the use of black seed. In animal studies, Ahmad reported that the use of black seed extracts increased the absorption of an antibiotic - amoxicillin. He stated: “Nigella enhanced amoxicillin availability in both in vivo and in vitro studies.”
(1) Ref: 1. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013 May;3(5):337-52
This article is published in its entirety on our website at keephopealive.org. It is over 20 pages long.
Measurements and suggested dosage ranges
Research shows that black seed is effective taken as a whole seed powder or as a water or alcohol-based extract. In AIDS studies, Nigella Sativa has been effective mixed with honey using a ratio (by volume) of 6 parts N. sativa powder and 4 parts raw honey. I attempted to duplicate A-Zam by adding mixing 6 parts black seed powder with 4 parts honey. The resulting mixture was very thick and had a peppery taste. The seeds just don’t turn into a smooth paste when mixed with honey or placed in a blender - they are still in small bits – like a fine grit or sand.
Knowing how finicky people are, they are more likely to comply with swallowing capsules than eating a mixture of ground black seeds mixed with honey or fruit juice. Comparing three methods of taking the black seed – the back seed and honey mixture (similar to A-zam), black seed powder added to orange juice or just swallowing a few capsules, I found the capsules are the easier method. Also, with people I talked to, they prefer twice a day dosing regimen to three times a day.
Capsules containing black seed powder from Amazing Herbs contain 475 mg each. Bulk Black Seed powder contains about 2000 mg per teaspoon. Black Seed capsules are also available from Swanson’s Health Products.
Comparing Amazing Herbs Black Seed powder capsules to Swanson’s Health Products
An internet search today turned up another source of Black Seed powder in capsules – Swansons Health Products. The price is about half what Amazing Herbs costs mg for mg.
Here is the breakdown: Amazing Herbs – each mg costs .0003789 while Swansons Health Products cost .0001579. Result is that Amazing Herbs Black seed capsules cost 2.4 times more than Swansons. For a months supply – Swansons costs $15.16 (for 4 bottles) while Amazing Herbs costs about $36.00 for 2 bottles - an equivalent amount.
Amazing Herbs – 100 capsule bottle for $18.00 Each capsule contains 475 mg ea. amazingherbs.com
Swanson”s Health Products – 60 capsules for $3.79. Each capsule contains 400 mg of Black Seed powder. Available from swansonvitamins.com
The dose with Swanson’s Black Seed powder capsules is 400 mg per capsule instead of 475. Taking 4 capsules of Swanson’s Black Seed (called Black cumin) twice a day gives you 1600 mg 2X or 3200 mg for a day total. If the Swanson Black Seed is used 3 times a day you would need 6 bottles per month. The Amazing Herbs product taken at 3 capsules twice a day yields 1425 mg 2X or 2850 mg a day total. Taken 3 times a day you would need about 3 bottles a month. (Cost about $50 a month)
Filtering Black Seed oil
Although medical benefits are reported with the use of black seed oil attributed mainly to TQ, the cold pressed oil may already be deficient in over 100 other compounds found in the whole seed, and filtering of the oil for marketing purposes will remove most of the trace amounts of the 100 chemical constituents found in the whole seed. The use of black seed oil is not recommended here.
Since whole black seed powder in bulk or in capsules already contains 40% oil naturally, the whole black seed powder is the preferred source for all the medicinal components of N. Sativa including the oil. The main constituent in the Black Seed oil is called Thymoquinone (TQ) and the bulk of published studies is about this single ingredient. There is a lot of hype in promoting Black Seed oil on the Internet. There is just one little problem as far as using Black Seed oil for treating AIDS is concerned, and it is a lack of positive results.
We have had 4 phone calls and emails from readers who have HIV and used the Black Seed oil at a rate of 3 capsules twice a day or even a couple of tablespoon a day and their CD4 counts did not increase and their viral loads did not decrease with the use of the oil alone. Another problem is disinformation about Black Seed that is going around the internet.
Recently, I got an email from a reader who was angry that I was dissing the Black Seed oil while promoting the use of the powder. He erroneously claimed that Black Seed oil was used in the Nigerian studies. He said a friend in Cameroon was cured of AIDS using Black Seed oil. I wrote back and asked for proof. He emailed 3 articles we already had, and have posted on our website. However, I wrote back to him that I had received a personal email from Dr. Onifade who co-authored all 3 studies and he told me the black seed powder was what he used in his studies, not the oil.
In a subsequent email I received, he admitted that his friend in Cameroon also ate Black Seeds daily along with the oil she used. He did not know how much Black Seed she ate so his claim that the oil cured her is unproven at this point. When two of more medicines are used in a single case study, and the results are good, you cannot arbitrarily pick one of the two and say with any degreee of certainty that the credit belongs to one specific ingredient unless you first test them separately.
Note: So far we have several reports where the Black Seed oil did not yield impressive results in HIV cases. We also have one report of a person with cancer who used Black Seed oil and did not recover. Those who continue to claim that the oil is better than the whole seed powder need to provide proof before jumping to conclusions or passing on misinformation.
2. Journal of Infectious Diseases Photon 113 (2014) 264-269 Does Nigella Sativa Concoction Cure HIV Infection?
Doses for Research purposes
Our suggestions for “research” and “preventative” purposes in adults (not specifically related to a named disease condition) – 500 to 1000 mg daily or 500 mg to 1000 mg per 100 lbs. of body weight will usually suffice based on animal studies, although dosages used in these studies have varied significantly (1).
Therapeutic dosages levels for most disease conditions start at about 500 mg per 25 lbs. of body weight. This estimate is based on studies, current case reports, and results. The dose can be increased to 1000 mg per 25 lbs. of body weight over time. Be sure to make your doctor aware of what you are doing so its effects can be monitored.
Example: a person weight 150 lbs. can take from 3000 to 6000 mg daily divided into 2 or 3 doses. [in 2 daily doses that would be 1500 to 3000 mg per dose where in 3 doses per day, it would be 1000 to 2000 mg per dose]. Based on body weight, a 100 pound person could take from 2000 to 4000 mg daily while a child of 50 lbs could take 1000 to 2000 mg daily in 2 or 3 equally divided doses. It is important to note that drugs taken with black seed will break down slower in the liver and thus their levels in the blood will increase. Inform your doctor of your use of black seed so you can be advised accordingly, with blood levels of drugs and effects monitored.
How long to use N. sativa?
In any health condition, when your doctor says you are cured, and you have achieved the desired effects, you can stop using N sativa altogether or reduce its use to a maintenance dose. It is a good idea to consult with a health care professional – one that has had some education and experience using black seed. Proper diet and organic food should be the foundation of any health maintenance program. OTC and patented drugs have their place in modern medicine, but let the buyer beware of their long-term side effects. Go to drugs.com and enter the names of the drugs you are using to learn more about possible side effects. Some side effects may take several months to show up.
The golden rule is to listen to your body, do some research, and take personal responsibility for your health, and well-being. Never be afraid to bring research articles to your doctor and ask relevant questions.
Emails received from readers
From luigui omfalonmurado1@hotmail.com March 29, 2015.
Hello Conrad , good morning I would like to share my info for black seed use as a treatment for my Hiv infection , also I give my permission to share my email address as well , thx I start using black seed was feb , 11 2015 , I used the oil first but changed to the black seed powder in march 1st , due to finding out the oil is not as effective as the powder , Actually I take 4 caps of 475 mg each two times a day , 30 mins before breakfast and 30 mins before dinner , I also take this caps with 1/2 teaspoon of manuka honey and 1 , 500 mg capsule of propolis , my regime is follow with vitamins, selenium , 2 caps of neem leaf with meals 1 each time 3 a day, one 10 oz cup of milk kefir during the day and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day with 8 oz water ,
My energy is just amazing noted by people in my work place who had been sick a few times - cold and flu , and I have not get sick. My baseline count would be as March - 13th 2015 viral load 67,325 cd4 count 530 I am not using any hiv drugs since feb 11 2015. In my diet I stop eating , sugars, corn or flour tortillas, any pastas red meat, I increased my protein intake by eating fish, and chicken meat only. I also eat different types of grains , I only eat brown organic rice , fruits and fresh salads, oatmeal , also I work out 4 times a week. I haven't told my doctor of this - I will though, in my next visit . I think he will not like my idea and new way to treat my hiv, but honestly- I don't really care, I feel better than before. If my viral load drops, I am not going back to drugs. Conrad so far- that's my info, have a great day. pls let me know if u need any more info. Luigui
Note: You can reach by Luigui by email at omfalonmurado @ hotmail.com Lugui has outlined a detailed self-help program using Black Seed powder and several dietary changes along with suspending his use of HIV meds. I commend him for his courage to go public with his personal test case, and wish him all the best. We look forward to hearing from him in the future. Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 8:52 AM
From: "Micaell Thomsen" micaell. thomsen@ gmail.com To: "Conrad LeBeau"
Subject: Interesting person
Hello Conrad. I got a email from a person in Las Vegas, USA, who stopped his hiv medicine one month ago. He is now trying Nigella sativa. He will soon go for test. Has he been writing to you, or do you like me to give his email to you ? I mean, I don’t know what he expects after 1 month, but maybe he will get afraid if the results are not as good as expected - but as we know it can take time. He could be a very interesting person to follow. Here is what he wrote to me:
“hello there I was reading ur results in keep hope alive, am hiv pos since 1992, was taking meds for 16 years and decide to stop and give nigella sativa a chance. I have been undetectable, and over 800 T-cells. am in my first month and feel great , am taking Eight 500 mg capsules of (Nigella sativa) powder - 4 each 12 hrs apart and also take 2 capsules of propolis, and raw honey (manuka) , I go to my doctor visit in a couple days - hoping to be undetectable and in good T cell numbers, would like to exchange info about ur regime and results, if u can will be greatly appreciate have a great day” (Name withheld – Las Vegas, NV) Best regards, Micaell - Denmark
Patient R (Milwaukee case) and Patient P (Illinois) updates Patient R (Aron) was called and emailed but we were unable to reach him and we had no return call or email.
We know from mutual friends earlier this month he was still using Black Seed capsules (3 twice a day) and 2 Neem Leaf caps 2 X. Updated reports or lab results will be filed online when they become available. Patient P from Illinois had used Black Seed oil capsules (6 a day) for over 4 months but abandoned them when the CD4 count failed to increase. She said her husband has since switched to using the Black Seed powder capsules. Patient P labs are the 5th case where HIV+ positive persons failed to get satisfactory results using Black Seed oil.
20 plus emails I received
I have received about 20 or so emails from persons (worldwide) who are interested in using Black Seed for HIV or other health conditions. I have established a email group on my computer to reach them all at once for surveys and testimonials. Anyone who is using black Seed for any condition and wants to receive these periodic emails from me can email me at conradlebeau @ gmail.com. Subject line – Add to Black Seed Email Group.
A mixture of Black seed and Honey called A-zam is tested on 51 HIV+ patients in Nigeria.
An article published in Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8(1): 37–44. Published online 2010 Oct 2 by A. A. Onifade et al discusses a mixture made of Black Seed and Honey called A-zam given to 51 HIV+ patients. Read the full text article by Dr. Onifade here. The results were a significant increase in CD4 counts and decrease in the viral load. A few of the patients used the Black Seed remedy (A-zam) along with hiv drugs. The abstract states the following:
“This study was to determine the effectiveness (CD4 count and viral load) of a safe herbal concoction, α-Zam used by clients seeking herbal remedy for treatment of HIV infection in Nigeria. 51 patients taking α-Zam as complementary and alternative therapy through the herbal therapist were studied for a period of 16 months.
“Preliminary medical and laboratory examinations using WHO and CDC criteria were done after confirmation of HIV infection by Western blotting in the nearest teaching hospitals to the residence of the patients.
“Regular visits were paid to the patients after commencement of the α-Zam to assess the side-effects, drug interactions, toxicity and effectiveness of the herbal remedy. There was a statistical significance (P<0.05) between pre-treatment and post-treatment CD4 count. 4 (7.8%) of the patients had average increase in CD4 count of 262±16 cell/µL, 23 (45.1%) patients with average increase 310±16 cell/µL, 16 (31.4%) patients with average increase 456±25 cell/µL and 8 (15.7%) patients with average increase 510±36 cell/µL( %) were at WHO staging I , II, III and IV respectively within 4 months on herbal therapy.
“There was very marked reduction in viral (HIV-RNA) load with 41 (80.4%) [had undetectable viral loads] and 10 (19.6%) HIV infected patients had <1000 copies/ml respectively after the therapy. All symptoms and signs associated with HIV infection in all patients fully subsided within 4 weeks of commencement of α-zam therapy and there was no evidence of negative drug interaction in those HIV patients using both the herbal and highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART).
“The study is in progress to determine periodic immunological outcomes of post therapy in all patients. The full text article with charts is available on our website. The mean average CD4 at the start of treatment was 262. After Black seed therapy, the mean average CD4 count increased to 703. Of 51 patients, 41 had undetectable viral loads and 10 had detectable viral loads less than 1000. The study reports that all symptoms of all the patients were gone within the first 4 weeks."
Clinical trial tests black seed oil for Hepatitis C (HCV)
Volunteers wanted to test Black Seed powder for treating HCV or HBV
A study was done in Egypt to test the effects of Black Seed oil on patients with HCV. While viral titers for HCV declined on this study, the dose used was one 450 mg capsule 3 times a day. We have posted the full text article on our website. The black seed oil clearly has shown efficacy in this trial although we believe that the whole black seed powder would have shown even better results.
We are interested in hearing from anyone who is using Black Seed powder for cancer, HIV, HCV, HBV, kidney failure, and other health conditions mantioned in this newsletter. Send us a letter or email.
Researchers find that a mixture of Nigella Sativa seeds and honey protected rats 100% against cancer
An article was published in the J Exp Clin Cancer Res. by Mabrouk GM1, Moselhy SS, Zohny SF, Ali EM, Helal TE, Amin AA, Khalifa AA. (1) The article reported on the effect of a study of using honey and Nigella sativa seeds “as nutraceuticals on the oxidative stress and carcinogenesis induced by methylnitrosourea (MNU) in Sprague Dawely rats.” Mabrouk et al stated –
“Four groups of animals were used and fed ad-libitum. The first group was a control (n=8), the second (n=8), the third (n=15) and the fourth groups (n=12) were injected MNU (single i.v. dose 50 mg/kg body weight). After one week the third and fourth groups were given orally 0.2 g ground Nigella grains and 0.2 g Nigella with 5 g honey/rat/day, respectively.” They reported that “the MNU injected in the second group produced …..severe inflammatory reaction in lung and skin to colon adenocarcinoma in four out of six animals.” They stated that the use of Nigella sativa grains given orally protected against MNU-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis by 80%.
“Whereas honey from bees and Nigella sativa together protected 100% (12/12) against MNU-induced oxidative stress, carcinogenesis and abolished the NO and MDA elevations shown in sera of animals who did not receive these nutrients. These results showed that supplementation of diet with honey and Nigella sativa has a protective effect against MNU-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and carcinogenesis.” Ref: 1. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2002 Sep;21(3):341-6. By Mabroik FMi etr al. “Inhibition of methylnitrosourea (MNU) induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis by orally administered bee honey and Nigella grains in S. Dawely rats”
Notice: After being out of the Miraculous Water from San Damiano, Italy, for the past two months, a new shipment finally arrived March 30th. It had been lost for several weeks in the U.S. Mail system.
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