Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) and Cancer
Written by Rakib Sarwar, Pharmacist
This article is copywritten for theperfecthealing.com only. All Rights Reserved.
This article is copywritten for theperfecthealing.com only. All Rights Reserved.
|
Is Nigella Sativa an effective alternative cancer treatment? Current studies are suggesting a resounding yes, which is not an answer many big pharmaceutical companies want to hear. What do the studies suggest? And why should we dare to trust them?
Cancer diagnoses have increased by 57% over the last 20 years. Treating these cases with conventional medicines may easily cost an individual $5,000-30,000 a month. Although survival rates have been steadily increasing over the last two decades, the costs remain astronomical. And the ongoing side effects |
can become a medical condition in themselves.
Cancer patients generally receive a combination of treatment and therapy types. Some of the categories of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and gene, immuno- or hormone therapy. Many of these treatments can generate debilitating side effects or the growth of other more aggressive cancers over time. Even with all the above options, cancer accounts for 20-25 percent of the deaths in many medical practices.
Just a few of the side effects of conventional cancer treatments can include fatigue, anemia, nausea and vomiting, mouth and throat problems, nerve and muscle problems and digestive disorders. Many sufferers are left weak and without an appetite. Failing to eat properly allows cancerous cells to do more damage more quickly.
Cancer patients generally receive a combination of treatment and therapy types. Some of the categories of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and gene, immuno- or hormone therapy. Many of these treatments can generate debilitating side effects or the growth of other more aggressive cancers over time. Even with all the above options, cancer accounts for 20-25 percent of the deaths in many medical practices.
Just a few of the side effects of conventional cancer treatments can include fatigue, anemia, nausea and vomiting, mouth and throat problems, nerve and muscle problems and digestive disorders. Many sufferers are left weak and without an appetite. Failing to eat properly allows cancerous cells to do more damage more quickly.
Using Nigella Sativa to Fight Cancer
N. sativa has been used as traditional medicine by Middle Eastern and Asian countries for thousands of years, making it one of history's most commonly used herbal remedies. As roasted seeds or cold-pressed oil, the herb is used to treat a myriad of ailments, including the immune system and inflammatory disorders.
Among the 51 pharmacological effects attributed to the herb, studies have shown N. sativa to be effective against at least 17 types of cancer. So many supportive studies validate the confidence of centuries of physicians and individuals who have made the herb an important part of remedies for patient and family suffering. N. sativa is used commonly around the world to safely treat ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, allergies, and digestive problems.
N. sativa has been used as traditional medicine by Middle Eastern and Asian countries for thousands of years, making it one of history's most commonly used herbal remedies. As roasted seeds or cold-pressed oil, the herb is used to treat a myriad of ailments, including the immune system and inflammatory disorders.
Among the 51 pharmacological effects attributed to the herb, studies have shown N. sativa to be effective against at least 17 types of cancer. So many supportive studies validate the confidence of centuries of physicians and individuals who have made the herb an important part of remedies for patient and family suffering. N. sativa is used commonly around the world to safely treat ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, allergies, and digestive problems.
Researches and Studies on Nigella Sativa against Cancer
It comes as no surprise, then, that alternative treatments are being considered with increased seriousness. And one major focus is on the herb Nigella Sativa, a. k. a. black cumin, black seed, kalonji, or haba al barakah. Recent studies conducted at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of the Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania have given researchers even more reasons to suggest N. Sativa as a viable alternative or supplemental cancer treatment.
More than 1000 studies are extolling the possible effectiveness of an extract of N. sativa called thymoquinone (TQ). This extract is showing impressive results against a variety of cancers and tumors. Over 150 books and articles are available in the U. S. about the herb's physical and chemical properties. Ongoing research continues to uncover its positive effects on a number of cancer types.
It comes as no surprise, then, that alternative treatments are being considered with increased seriousness. And one major focus is on the herb Nigella Sativa, a. k. a. black cumin, black seed, kalonji, or haba al barakah. Recent studies conducted at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of the Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania have given researchers even more reasons to suggest N. Sativa as a viable alternative or supplemental cancer treatment.
More than 1000 studies are extolling the possible effectiveness of an extract of N. sativa called thymoquinone (TQ). This extract is showing impressive results against a variety of cancers and tumors. Over 150 books and articles are available in the U. S. about the herb's physical and chemical properties. Ongoing research continues to uncover its positive effects on a number of cancer types.
|
Prophetic Chemo
Some of these studies have been inspired by the declarations of physicians, philosophers, and religious leaders of the past. Islamic founder and Prophet Muhammad proclaimed his admiration for the herb by calling it "a remedy for every disease except death." This statement has stirred interested in the scientific |
|
community, resulting in a great deal of supporting research results. The positive findings have led some to refer to this herbal giant as "prophetic chemo." Thymoquinone, a bioactive compound derived from Nigella Sativa seeds is familiar as Prophetic Chemo.
More than thousands of publications and research work could be found on effectiveness against cancer of this compound, and there is almost no evidence of side effects of the drug. It also may be the cheapest way to treat all types of cancers. [1]
More than thousands of publications and research work could be found on effectiveness against cancer of this compound, and there is almost no evidence of side effects of the drug. It also may be the cheapest way to treat all types of cancers. [1]
How Nigella Works against Different Cancers
When combined with a detoxifying healthy diet free from sugar, processed foods, and white flour, N. sativa reinforces weak immune systems and destroys cancerous cells. It does this while assisting good cells to fight against cancer. The compounds from N. Sativa especially Thymoquinone, cause the death of apoptotic cells of cancer affected tissues.
It blocks the survival of cancer cells. TQ also deactivates the pathway named NF-Kappa B and keep control over the oncogenic expression. It protects against cancer by potentiating the antioxidant enzymes activity. It also helps in protecting a normal cell from the radiation during cancer cell therapy treatment. [13]
Some of the most deadly and aggressive cancers have been the focus of recent ongoing studies for the effectiveness of Nigella sativa. The herb seems especially useful for inflammation-based cancers such as found in the pancreas, colon, and prostate. Some of the results have taken researchers by surprise and further opened the door for this ancient remedy. [2]
Pancreatic Cancer
Nigella sativa has been particularly successful in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth highest cancer killer in the U. S. This cancer is often not diagnosed until after it has already spread, with just a 4 percent survival rate after five years. Studies conducted at the Kimmel Cancer Center found N. Sativa effective in killing up to 80 percent of pancreatic cancer cells. [3]
In these studies, the application of TQ changed the DNA of pancreatic cancer cells, initiating apoptosis by essentially writing in a self-destruct, or programmed death sequence. [4] While the studies are still in the early stages, these results were unexpected and highly promising for the future application of N. sativa as a preventative measure for high-risk patients or those who have already gone through conventional treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. [5]
Colon Cancer
The anti-inflammatory properties of TQ seem to be one reason for its effectiveness again many types of cancer cells. Researchers saw cancer tumors shrink by as much as 67 percent, along with a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
In a 2010 research project conducted in Tanta, Egypt, researchers also saw greatly reduced colon cancer tumors in rats after treatment with N. sativa. TQ has been found to have an effect similar to co-enzyme Q, an essential nutrient produced naturally in the body. [6]
Colon cancer is another leading cause of death around the world. Studies have shown this extract from Nigella sativa is able to destroy existing cancer cells and inhibit new destructive cells from forming. These results suggest Black seed oil may be an effective treatment for this life-threatening disease.
Prostate Cancer
Research conducted at Tulane University in Louisiana shows TQ’s cancer-fighting properties are also effective against aggressive prostate cancer cells. The study suggests that the oxidative stress induced by TQ may be able to stop the growth of tumors by starting the apoptosis process in cancerous cells. [7]
In addition to initiating apoptosis, TQ’s weakening effect can make treatment-resistant cancers more susceptible to conventional treatments while protecting healthy cells from toxic side effects. This makes it a viable addition to a total cancer treatment plan. [8]
Brain Cancer
N. sativa studies were conducted on several types of brain cancer, including Glioblastoma, which is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor found in humans. These types of tumors are known to be highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy treatment. The average survival time after diagnosis is 15 months.
The results of the study showed TQ was able to induce apoptosis, or death sequence, in these aggressive cancer cells. Cancer cells were reduced by at least 50 percent in some instances, and life expectancy extended from 11 months to 2 years. These are certainly promising findings, warranting further study. [9]
Lung Cancer
Studies using human lung cell cancer have shown TQ is able to reduce significantly the ability of lung cancer cells to reproduce themselves. [10] Cell viability decreased by up to 85 percent in these tests and tumors shrank in size.
At the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in 2014 in San Diego, researchers presented the results of a study conducted on mice which further confirms the effects of TQ on lung cancer cells. Their research showed significant shrinking of tumors treated with the antioxidant extract. [11]
Breast Cancer
A 2003 research project from Jackson State University showed promising results using TQ in treating breast cancer cells. Breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of death for women. And N. sativa has been the focus of many promising studies that suggest it as an alternative therapeutic option. Researchers found black cumin oil suppressed the growth of aggressive cells while promoting the growth of non-aggressive cells.[12]
For those women who have been diagnosed as having a high-risk factor for developing breast cancer, adding a regular regimen of black cumin to your diet may be a way to prevent cancer development. Studies have shown N. sativa blocks the growth of cancer cells. No matter what stage of the disease you may be in, the cancer-fighting compounds found in this herb can help bring a quicker recovery.
Blood Cancer
A research in the year 2005 shows that the compound ‘Thymoquinone’ inhibits the proliferative effect of myeloblastic leukemia HL60 cells. Another study in 2003 showed the compound named alpha hederin also cause the death of the cells murine leukemia P-388. There are a lot of studies which have evidence of the effectiveness of Nigella Sativa against leukemia cells. [13]
Hepatic Cancer
In a study in the year 2005, the cytotoxic effect of the seed Nigella Sativa was tested on the HePG2 cell of human hepatoma and found around 88 percent inhibitory effect. Another study of the year 2009 shows that oral administration of the compound Thymoquinone is effective in potentiating the glutathione transferase and quinone reductase enzyme and reported TQ might be an effective compound for the prophylaxis treatment of hepatic cancer. [13]
When combined with a detoxifying healthy diet free from sugar, processed foods, and white flour, N. sativa reinforces weak immune systems and destroys cancerous cells. It does this while assisting good cells to fight against cancer. The compounds from N. Sativa especially Thymoquinone, cause the death of apoptotic cells of cancer affected tissues.
It blocks the survival of cancer cells. TQ also deactivates the pathway named NF-Kappa B and keep control over the oncogenic expression. It protects against cancer by potentiating the antioxidant enzymes activity. It also helps in protecting a normal cell from the radiation during cancer cell therapy treatment. [13]
Some of the most deadly and aggressive cancers have been the focus of recent ongoing studies for the effectiveness of Nigella sativa. The herb seems especially useful for inflammation-based cancers such as found in the pancreas, colon, and prostate. Some of the results have taken researchers by surprise and further opened the door for this ancient remedy. [2]
Pancreatic Cancer
Nigella sativa has been particularly successful in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth highest cancer killer in the U. S. This cancer is often not diagnosed until after it has already spread, with just a 4 percent survival rate after five years. Studies conducted at the Kimmel Cancer Center found N. Sativa effective in killing up to 80 percent of pancreatic cancer cells. [3]
In these studies, the application of TQ changed the DNA of pancreatic cancer cells, initiating apoptosis by essentially writing in a self-destruct, or programmed death sequence. [4] While the studies are still in the early stages, these results were unexpected and highly promising for the future application of N. sativa as a preventative measure for high-risk patients or those who have already gone through conventional treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. [5]
Colon Cancer
The anti-inflammatory properties of TQ seem to be one reason for its effectiveness again many types of cancer cells. Researchers saw cancer tumors shrink by as much as 67 percent, along with a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
In a 2010 research project conducted in Tanta, Egypt, researchers also saw greatly reduced colon cancer tumors in rats after treatment with N. sativa. TQ has been found to have an effect similar to co-enzyme Q, an essential nutrient produced naturally in the body. [6]
Colon cancer is another leading cause of death around the world. Studies have shown this extract from Nigella sativa is able to destroy existing cancer cells and inhibit new destructive cells from forming. These results suggest Black seed oil may be an effective treatment for this life-threatening disease.
Prostate Cancer
Research conducted at Tulane University in Louisiana shows TQ’s cancer-fighting properties are also effective against aggressive prostate cancer cells. The study suggests that the oxidative stress induced by TQ may be able to stop the growth of tumors by starting the apoptosis process in cancerous cells. [7]
In addition to initiating apoptosis, TQ’s weakening effect can make treatment-resistant cancers more susceptible to conventional treatments while protecting healthy cells from toxic side effects. This makes it a viable addition to a total cancer treatment plan. [8]
Brain Cancer
N. sativa studies were conducted on several types of brain cancer, including Glioblastoma, which is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor found in humans. These types of tumors are known to be highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy treatment. The average survival time after diagnosis is 15 months.
The results of the study showed TQ was able to induce apoptosis, or death sequence, in these aggressive cancer cells. Cancer cells were reduced by at least 50 percent in some instances, and life expectancy extended from 11 months to 2 years. These are certainly promising findings, warranting further study. [9]
Lung Cancer
Studies using human lung cell cancer have shown TQ is able to reduce significantly the ability of lung cancer cells to reproduce themselves. [10] Cell viability decreased by up to 85 percent in these tests and tumors shrank in size.
At the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in 2014 in San Diego, researchers presented the results of a study conducted on mice which further confirms the effects of TQ on lung cancer cells. Their research showed significant shrinking of tumors treated with the antioxidant extract. [11]
Breast Cancer
A 2003 research project from Jackson State University showed promising results using TQ in treating breast cancer cells. Breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of death for women. And N. sativa has been the focus of many promising studies that suggest it as an alternative therapeutic option. Researchers found black cumin oil suppressed the growth of aggressive cells while promoting the growth of non-aggressive cells.[12]
For those women who have been diagnosed as having a high-risk factor for developing breast cancer, adding a regular regimen of black cumin to your diet may be a way to prevent cancer development. Studies have shown N. sativa blocks the growth of cancer cells. No matter what stage of the disease you may be in, the cancer-fighting compounds found in this herb can help bring a quicker recovery.
Blood Cancer
A research in the year 2005 shows that the compound ‘Thymoquinone’ inhibits the proliferative effect of myeloblastic leukemia HL60 cells. Another study in 2003 showed the compound named alpha hederin also cause the death of the cells murine leukemia P-388. There are a lot of studies which have evidence of the effectiveness of Nigella Sativa against leukemia cells. [13]
Hepatic Cancer
In a study in the year 2005, the cytotoxic effect of the seed Nigella Sativa was tested on the HePG2 cell of human hepatoma and found around 88 percent inhibitory effect. Another study of the year 2009 shows that oral administration of the compound Thymoquinone is effective in potentiating the glutathione transferase and quinone reductase enzyme and reported TQ might be an effective compound for the prophylaxis treatment of hepatic cancer. [13]
Final Words
As cancer continues to ravage the world, the research into alternative treatments continues. Efforts to safely combat this deadly disease with remedies which will restore and extend the lives of suffers will not end so long as the disease exists. Nigella Sativa is one of those remedies which should be taken seriously by scientists and physicians around the globe.
As cancer continues to ravage the world, the research into alternative treatments continues. Efforts to safely combat this deadly disease with remedies which will restore and extend the lives of suffers will not end so long as the disease exists. Nigella Sativa is one of those remedies which should be taken seriously by scientists and physicians around the globe.
References:
- Hussain AS Deenal, Muhammad Musharraf Hussain, Prophetic Chemo Is the Safest, Cheapest and Most Effective Alternative to Modern Chemotherapy for the Cure of all Forms of Cancers – A Review, J Cancer Sci Ther/Vol.10.5 090(2018), Vol 10(5) DOI: 10.4172/1948-5956.1000525, found online at https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/prophetic-chemo-is-the-safest-cheapest-and-most-effective-alternative-to-modern-chemotherapy-for-the-cure-of-all-forms-of-cancers-1948-5956-1000525-101181.html?aid=101181
- Samantha Davis, Black Cumin Seed, and Cancer, November 13, 2013, found online at http://weeksmd.com/2013/11/black-cumin-seed-cancer/
- Dr. Hwyda Arafat, Traditional Herbal Medicine Kills Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Researchers Report, May 23, 2008, found online at http://blog.kimmelcancercenter.org/?p=103
- Daniel Relles, Ganina I. Chipitsyna, Qiaoke Gong, Charles J. Yeo, and Hwyda A. Arafat, Thymoquinone Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Cell Death and Reduction of Tumor Size through Combined Inhibition of Histone Deacetylation and Induction of Histone Acetylation, Adv Prev Med. 2016; 2016: 1407840, found online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5220391/
- Thymoquinone Inhibits the Development of Pancreatic Cancer, May 13, 2009, found online at http://blog.kimmelcancercenter.org/?p=448
- Elkady AI, Hussein RA, El-Assouli SM, Mechanism of Action of Nigella sativa on Human Colon Cancer Cells: the Suppression of AP-1 and NF-κB Transcription Factors and the Induction of Cytoprotective Genes, Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2015;16(17):7943-57, found online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26625825
- Kathleen Blanchard, Black Seed Oil Compound Kills Prostate Cancer Cells in Lab Study, Jun 2, 2010, eMax Health, found online at https://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/6/36767/black-seed-oil-compound-kills-prostate-cancer-cells-lab-study.html
- Nalakrats, Thymoquinone Flavone, Oct 27, 2017, Health Unlocked, MaleCare, found online at https://healthunlocked.com/advanced-prostate-cancer/posts/136577245/thymoquinone-flavone
- Ira O. Racoma, Walter Hans Meisen, Qi-En Wang, Balveen Kaur, and Altaf A. Wan, Thymoquinone Inhibits Autophagy and Induces Cathepsin-Mediated, Caspase-Independent Cell Death in Glioblastoma Cells, PloS One. 2013; 8(9): e72882. , online available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767730/
- Al-Sheddi ES, Farshori NN, Al-Aqail MM, Musarrat J, Al-Khedhairy AA, Siddiqui MA, Cytotoxicity of Nigella sativa seed oil and extract against human lung cancer cell line, Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(2):983-7, found online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24568529.
- Kevin Gallagher, Syed Jafri, Reinhold Munker, Glenn Mills, Jennifer Minadeo, Heather Kleiner - Hancock, Misty Prince, Ludmila Gavriliuc, Shubnum Chaudhery, Catherine Chaudoir, and Runhua Shi, Abstract 3132: Nigella sativa oil affects lung cancer growth and modulates anti-oxidant enzymes in a mouse xenograft model, DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3132 Published October 2014, found online at http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/74/19_Supplement/3132
- Sabrina Chaudhry, Safia Siddiqui, Tyrnnon K Steffen, Stacey L. Raimondi, Blackseed )Nigella sativa) and its Active Ingredient, Thymoquinone, Suppress the Aggressive Phenotype of Breast Cancer Cells, American Journal of Undergraduate Research/Volume 14/Issue 2/June 2017, found online at http://www.ajuronline.org/uploads/Volume_14_2/AJUR%20Vol%2014%20Issue%202%2006212017%20high%20res%20p5.pdf
- 13.Anticancer Activities of Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252704/