Nigella Sativa & honey – a natural cure

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5822819/pdf/OMCL2018-8367846.pdf Honey as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Honey clasps several medicinal and health effects as a natural food supplement. It has been established as a potential therapeutic antioxidant agent for various biodiverse ailments. Data report that it exhibits strong wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects. It also retains immunomodulatory, estrogenic regulatory, antimutagenic, anticancer, and numerous other vigor effects. Data also show that honey, as a conventional therapy, might be a novel antioxidant to abate many of the diseases directly or indirectly associated with oxidative stress.

It exhibits a broad spectrum therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory [26], antibacterial [27], antimutagenic [28], expedite wound healings [29], antidiabetic [30], antiviral [31], antifungal [32], and antitumoural [5, 33, 34] effects.

It could be purported as a natural cancer “vaccine” as it reduces chronic inflammation, improves healing of chronic ulcers and wounds, and improves immune status; the opposite of these are risk factors to cancer formation [5].

Its anticancer activity has been proved against various types of cancer: breast [35–39], colorectal [40], renal [41], prostate [36], endometrial [36], cervical [39], and oral [42]. Honey has the potential to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in normal healthy individuals [43]. It causes to reduce systolic blood pressure and level of triglycerides and VLDL (low-density lipoprotein) in experimental animals [44]. In a randomized clinical trial, lower incidence of acute respiratory symptoms was observed in individuals who took honey on a daily basis [45]. It improves female hormones [46], increases the percentage of sperms and motility, and reduces the toxic effects on spermatogenesis and testosterone level [47, 48]. Postmenopausal women who received honey therapy showed improvement in their immediate memory compared with the improvement seen in women receiving estrogen plus progestin therapy [49].

Antioxidant Effects of Honey. Antioxidants are agents to counteract deterioration caused by oxidants such as such as O2, OH− , superoxide, and/or lipid peroxyl radicals. Cancer, synthesis of mutagens, aging, atherosclerosis, and many chronic and degenerative lingering diseases are susceptible to oxidative stress [52]. Cells exhibit defense system against oxidative damage. This defense system consists of free radicals and other oxidative protective agents such as, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and polyphenols [53]. These antioxidant agents stimulate biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Cells are altered by this stimulation and ultimately provoking antioxidant response [54]. Honey exhibits strong antioxidant activity [6]. This antioxidant capacity of honey contributes to the prevention of several acute and chronic disorders such as inflammatory, allergic, thrombotic, diabetic, cardiovascular, cancer, and others. The antioxidant properties of honey can be measured in the form of antiradical activity using, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay [24].

Anticancer Effects of Honey. Cancer cells possess two distinct characteristics: unrestrained cell multiplication and inadequate apoptotic turnover [142]. Drugs which are commonly used for cancer treatment are apoptosis inducers [143].

Literature established that honey induces apoptosis in various types of cancer cells [22, 39, 40, 145, 146].

https://www.theperfecthealing.com/nigella-sativa-black-cumin-and-cancer.html

Nigella Sativa, commonly known as Black Cumin is known to have many properties.

Researches on N. Sativa confirmed that it has anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, pro-fertility, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-ischemic effects.

Among the 51 pharmacological effects attributed to the herb, studies have shown N. sativa to be effective against at least 17 types of cancer.

Many of these properties are due to thymoquinone, which is the main component of black cumin essential oil.

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]

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]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308302520_Recent_advances_on_the_anti-cancer_properties_of_Nigella_sativa_a_widely_used_food_additive

Aside from its use as a food flavoring additive, N. sativa seeds oil and extracts have been used since ancient times to treat several diseases and medical conditions. N. sativa plant extracts have been commonly used in various traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Arabic, Islamic, etc. Several N. sativa crude extracts have been popularly used in traditional medicine as appetite stimulants, bronchodilators, liver tonics, and analgesics as well as to treat various conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, liver and kidney diseases, digestive problems, diarrhea, skin disorders, microbial infections, cancer, etc. [7e19] Such uses of N. sativa extracts in traditional medicine have been validated by well-designed experiments showing that such extracts possess cardio-protective, anti- microbial, anti-histaminic, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diarrheal, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, spasmolytic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties [7e19].

Anti-cancer effects of N. sativa phytoconstituents

Many of the anti-cancer activities of N. sativa have been attributed to its major active constituent, thymoquinone (TQ). TQ has been shown to exert anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects against cancer cells [6,12,14,16e19,38,53,55,63,64, 66,70,71,77,82e100].

N. sativa is considered by many to be a “miracle” herb due to its effective therapeutic potential to alleviate signs and symptoms of many diseases including cancer. The anti-cancer properties of N. sativa have been mainly attributed to its ability to exert potent anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, and anti-metastatic roles. The protective effects of N. sativa against tumor initiation and progression have also been attributed, at least in part, to their ability to suppress inflammation and exert immune-boosting effects.

https://healthywithhoney.com/black-seed-honey-a-natural-cure-cancer-is-gone/

Nigella Sativa – probably the best against cancer!

According to Mohammad Yaheya Mohammad Ismail in their article “Therapeutic Role of Prophetic Medicine Habbat El Baraka (Nigella sativa L.) – A Review”, published in World Applied Sciences Journal 7 (9): 1203-1208, 2009, and online on citeseerx.ist.psu.edu, Nigella Sativa has clear anticancer activity: “N. sativa decreases DNA damage and thereby prevents initiation of carcinogenesis in colonic tissue secondary to exposure to toxic agents such as azoxymethane [5]. In fact, sustained delivery of TQ (derived from N. sativa) is almost as effective in causing apoptosis of colon cancer cells as sustained delivery of 5-fluorouracil [6]. Similarly, hepatic metastasis from tumors such as mastocytomas is markedly decreased following administration of N. Sativa.” For all the detailed scietific explanation please see Further Reading, in the foot section.

There are over 462 studies made by now.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) stated, “Hold on to the use of the black seed, for indeed it has a remedy for every disease except death.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32351178/ Nigella sativa and Cancer: A Review Focusing on Breast Cancer, Inhibition of Metastasis and Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity - PubMed (nih.gov)

Conclusion: In summary, the data suggest that N. sativa might be used for its anti-cancer and antimetastatic properties and as an immune system activator against cancer.

https://cancercompassalternateroute.com/antioxidants-vitamins-and-minerals/nigella-sativa-oil/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=nigella%20sativa

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8225153/ Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety - PMC (nih.gov)

Anti-Arthritis Effects

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of joints, generally affecting the elderly. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that is characterized by synovial membrane inflammation, swelling, autoantibody production. Due to potent anti-inflammatory action, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) were shown to be effective against arthritis, including RA.

The anticancer potentials of black cumin and TQ are vested on their capacity to regulate various cellular pathways that are implicated in proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis [121]. Most of the anticancer actions of black cumin and TQ are reported to mediate by regulating cellular redox systems [117] through which both TQ and black cumin can inhibit cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and tumor growth by directly acting on growth factor signaling systems, such as EGFR/ERK1/2, Akt/mTOR/S6, Wnt, β-catenin, and VEGF signaling [121,298,299]. TQ can prevent cancer development by its antioxidant function and can hinder cancer progression through its pro-oxidant function [121]. Besides, TQ enhanced chemosensitivity to chemotherapeutics and chemopreventive molecules by downregulating inflammatory signaling pathways and enhancing tumor-suppressing genes [116,118,120,300].

Existing evidence substantiates pharmacological benefits of black cumin and TQ, covering almost every physiological system.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties are the major pharmacological attributes of black cumin and TQ that contribute to their potential health benefits against a wide range of disease conditions. As evident in several studies, black cumin and TQ can also function as efficient natural antidotes, protecting against toxicities in various organs, including the brain, kidney, lung, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tracts, and reproductive system. Because of their potent chelating capacity, black cumin and its constituents can eliminate a variety of toxins that are commonly contaminated or adulterated in food. Furthermore, black cumin and TQ could potentially mitigate side effects of several existing drugs that are used for cancer and other human diseases.

One teaspoon of black seed oil or crushed seeds mixed with half a teaspoon of raw local honey or raw Manuka honey taken half an hour before breakfast, another in the afternoon between meals and another before bed - cures almost everything except death.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/ A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb - PMC (nih.gov)

Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil.

N. sativa has been traditionally used for the treatment of a variety of disorders, diseases and conditions pertaining to respiratory system, digestive tract, kidney and liver function, cardio vascular system and immune system support, as well as for general well-being[2],[9].

Avicenna refers to black seeds in the “The Canon of Medicine”, as seeds stimulate the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness. Black seeds and their oil have a long history of folklore usage in Indian and Arabian civilization as food and medicine[11],[23]. The seeds have been traditionally used in Southeast Asian and the Middle East countries for the treatment of several diseases and ailments including asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases. Its many uses have earned Nigella the Arabic approbation ‘Habbatul barakah’, meaning the seed of blessing. A tincture prepared from the seeds is useful in indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, dropsy, amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea and in the treatment of worms and skin eruptions. Externally the oil is used as an antiseptic and local anesthetic. Roasted black seeds are given internally to stop the vomiting[2],[11],[23],[24].

The use of herbal drugs as complementary medicine is prevalent and gaining world wide popularity. Many drugs are derived directly from plants; while the others are chemically modified natural products. The original research articles published so far have confirmed the pharmacological potential of N. sativa seeds, its oil and extracts and some of its active principles, particularly TQ and alpha-hederin, possess remarkable in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities against a large variety of diseases and found to be relatively safe.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8539759/ The Role of Bioactive Compounds of Nigella sativa in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy—Current Reports - PMC (nih.gov)

Nigella sativa has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antitumor, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, diuretic, anti-ulcer, and hepatoprotective effects. It also regulates acne and menstrual cycle disorders, and is used in the treatment of asthma [24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45]. Nigella sativa additionally shows a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, depression, and epilepsy [46,47]. The results of scientific research indicate a supporting role of black cumin in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, due to the health-promoting properties of its bioactive ingredients. Nigella sativa seed oil is used topically in Saudi Arabia to treat joint pain and stiffness, and traditional Iranian medicine confirms its effectiveness in reducing joint pain [48]. The evaluation of its use as an alternative, natural method or adjunct to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been analyzed in many scientific studies [49,50].

Conclusions

Nigella sativa has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and RA lesion-reducing effects in in vitro, animal, and human clinical trials. Clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa oil in the treatment of pain and inflammation in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Nigella sativa has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress in RA patients, and supplementation with the seed extract may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy in this patient population. Thymoquinone, the active ingredient present in Nigella sativa, has a beneficial effect on clinical, inflammatory, oxidative, and immune parameters in RA.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769720/ Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Nigella sativa Oil in a Rat Model of Arthritis - PMC (nih.gov)

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present findings supported the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive effect of Nigella sativa oil administered sub-chronically on AIA rats was dose-dependent, and that the higher dose (1.82 mL/kg) prevented the development of arthritis with an inhibition of 56%. In particular, Nigella sativa oil was effective in the control of acute phase inflammation and prevented the development of RA, but it was not able to ameliorate the severity of arthritis in the chronic phase where indomethacin resulted in being more active.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711318301181 Nigella sativa fixed oil as alternative treatment in management of pain in arthritis rheumatoid - ScienceDirect

Results

The results of our investigation showed N. sativa fixed oil, especially thymoquinone content had valuable anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects via different pathways. The efficacy of thymoquinone as potential treatment was confirmed in different animal model of arthritis and the clinical studies confirmed the oral (n = 4) and topical use (n = 1) of N. sativa fixed oil without adverse effects in patients suffering from arthritis rheumatoid.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330449971_Sub-acute_toxicity_of_black_seed_Nigella_sativa_and_honey_mixture

Consumption of black seed (Nigella sativa) and honey mixture (BSH) has been reported to provide multiple health advantages. However, the toxicity effect of black seed and honey mixture (BSH) consumption has not been reported, although it has been consumed for centuries.

This study clearly demonstrates that consumption of BSH is safe and do not provide any adverse or delayed toxicity effect.