First published: May 5, 2022
Black seed oil (from black seed or Nigella sativa) is often discussed in relation to thyroid cancer use, but current evidence shows it is not proven to treat cancer in humans. Early laboratory and animal studies on thymoquinone, a key compound in nigella sativa oil, are ongoing. However, black seed oil may offer supportive biological effects and can be used as part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, instead of a replacement for medical treatment.
In this article, we examine the black seed oil benefits for alternative cancer treatment, what science says, and if you can take black seed oil with thyroid medicine safely.
What Is Black Cumin Seed Oil?
Black cumin seed oil is an extract from the seed of the flowering Nigella sativa plant. The oil has different names, including:
- Black cumin seed oil
- Kalonji oil
- Nigella sativa oil
- Nigella
- Fennel flower
- Black caraway
- Roman coriander
The black cumin seed oil has been used in the past as alternative functional medicine, particularly in the following regions:
- Southwest Asia
- Middle East
- Africa
- Eastern Europe
Although there is limited information on the health benefits of black cumin, there is evidence that the use of black cumin seed oil might offer certain benefits. Here are examples of key research findings on using cumin seed oil as an alternative functional medicine:
- Reducing the blood levels of inflammatory markers, the number of swollen joints, and arthritis symptoms in a rheumatoid arthritis case study
- Reduce risk factors in obese women by helping lower their cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI)
- Improved mean asthma control, reduction in blood eosinophils, and improved forced expiratory volume in an asthma phototherapy research
- Improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetes treatment
- Simpler management of allergy symptoms such as nasal inflammation, sneezing, and itching through the following therapeutic effects:
-
- Immune-modulator
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antihistamine effects
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Analgesic
Cancer & Black Seed Oil: What Current Research Says
The use of black seed oil in cancer treatments has gained attention due to its active compound, thymoquinone. The effect of nigella sativa has been studied across different types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and research involving thyroid and colon cancer cells.
The effect of black seed compounds on a cancer cell is promising, but it is important to understand that this does not equal proven clinical outcomes in humans.
How Does Black Cumin Seed Oil Help With Thyroid Cancer?
Black cumin contains many active components with medicinal values, including thymol, alkaloids, saponins, and terpinenes. However, the most significant medicinal components of nigella sative seed or black cumin seed are thymoquinone (TQ), tymohydroquinone (THQ), and dihydrothymoquinone (DHTQ).
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most prominent component, making up 30-48 percent of the essential oil of black seed oil. TQ has various pharmacologic effects on the body, and research has shown that it protects vital body organs such as the kidneys, stomach lining, liver, and brain. There main biological and pharmacological effects of thymoquinone include:
- Antioxidant
- Antihistamine
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immune system modulation
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
The antibacterial properties of black seed oil have proven the ability to grow Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that causes life-threatening infections to people with autoimmune thyroid disease and other thyroid problems. The melanin and Thymoquinone in black seeds have been in use along with alternative antibiotics in the treatment of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Thymoquinone acts as a biofilm disruptor and improves the impact of thyroid medication on H. Pylori, a bacterial infection associated with Hashimoto’s disease. The black cumin seed oil has gastro-protective properties that increase body antioxidants and protects the body from oxidative stress.
Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Control
Blood sugar imbalance, cholesterol, and diabetes are common co-occurring conditions with autoimmune, thyroid gland infections and thyroid cancer. Blood sugar balancing is one of the first interventions when dealing with thyroid infections and symptoms. Black seed increases insulin sensitivity, decreases insulin resistance, and acts as an anti-diabetic agent.
Consistent usage of black cumin seed oil has proven its ability to increase beta-cell function and boost insulin production. Clinical trials reviews show that black seed oil improves glucose and lipids in type two diabetes. Balancing of blood sugars often needs to go with glucose and lipids balance. The advantages of using black cumin seed oil in thyroid cancer treatment as an adjunct therapy have the following results:
- Lowered TSH and antibodies
- Improved T4 to T3 ratio, weight, and anthropometric measurements (body composition)
- Improvement in serum lipids
- Decrease in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Increase in HDL cholesterol
Evidence: Human vs Lab Studies on Black Seed Oil and Cancer
Understanding the effect of thymoquinone and nigella sativa seed extract requires separating human evidence from early-stage research:
Human studies (limited):
- Some findings suggest improvements in metabolic markers and inflammation
- No conclusive evidence showing black seed oil can treat or cure cancer in humans, or improve the Thyroid cancer survival rate
Laboratory and animal studies:
- Thymoquinone has shown activity against colon cancer cells and other tumor models
- Studies suggest that black seed oil may slow the proliferation of cancer cells
- The effect of nigella sativa seed compounds includes immune modulation and oxidative stress reduction
In simple terms, thymoquinone is a natural compound in the oil of nigella sativa that researchers are studying for its potential to influence how abnormal cells grow—but this research is still developing.
Can You Take Black Seed Oil With Thyroid Medicine?
A common question is: can you take black seed oil with thyroid medicine?
The answer depends on your condition and medications. The use of black seed oil may influence thyroid hormone levels and metabolism. Because of this, combining black seed oil with thyroid medications may affect treatment outcomes.
If you are considering taking black seed oil, always consult your doctor or endocrinologist. This is especially if you are undergoing cancer therapy, hormone treatment, or have autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Safety, Adverse Effects, and Interactions of Black Seed Oil
While black seed oil benefits for cancer are being studied, safety remains essential.
Important considerations when using black seed oil:
- Bleeding risk: Black seed oil may slow blood clotting; stop use at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Medication interactions: May interact with thyroid medications and drugs affecting blood sugar or blood pressure
- Thyroid impact: The effect of nigella sativa may alter thyroid hormone levels
- Organ considerations: High doses may affect the kidney and liver
- Adverse effects: Possible allergic reactions or digestive discomfort
Although black seed oil has powerful biological activity and seed oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it is not risk-free.
Always speak with your oncologist or endocrinologist before using nigella sativa oil, especially during chemotherapy and radiation.
Exploring Cancer Treatment Beyond Black Seed Oil
While research into cancer black seed oil and the black seed oil benefits for cancer continues to evolve, current evidence shows it should not replace proven cancer treatments. Black seed oil may offer supportive effects due to compounds like thymoquinone, but its role is best understood within a comprehensive, medically guided care plan.
At Immunity Therapy Center, we specialize in advanced alternative cancer treatments that work to fight against cancer by supporting the body’s natural defenses. Our approach focuses on non-invasive therapies designed to target the root causes of disease, not just manage symptoms.
If you are exploring options beyond conventional chemotherapy, our team can guide you through personalized alternative therapies with medically supervised care.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- Comparative immunomodulatory activity of Nigella sativa L. Preparations on proinflammatory mediators: A focus on asthma. (n.d.). Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01075/full
- Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: A randomized controlled clinical trial. (n.d.). RSC Publishing Home – Chemical Science Journals, Books and Databases. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2015/fo/c5fo00316d/unauth
- Immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil on T lymphocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. (2016, April 21). ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301562473_Immunomodulatory_Effect_of_Nigella_sativa_Oil_on_T_Lymphocytes_in_Patients_with_Rheumatoid_Arthritis
- Just a moment... (n.d.). Just a moment… https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196070910001407?via%3Dihub
- Just a moment... (n.d.). Just a moment… https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229915000278?via%3Dihub
- Thymoquinone: An emerging natural drug with a wide range of medical applications. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387230/
- What causes thyroid cancer? (n.d.). American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
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