MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
Organic Black Seed Oil
BOTANY
Nigella sativa L. is sometimes mistakenly confused with the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare). It
is an annual flowering plant, native to southwest Asia. It grows to 20-30 cm tall, with finely divided,
linear (but not thread-like) leaves.
The flowers are delicate, and usually coloured pale blue and white, with 5-10 petals.
The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of 3-7 united follicles, each containing numerous
seeds. The seed is used as a spice.
Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air,
becoming black in color (black seeds). Nigella sativa and its black seeds are known by other names,
varying between places. Some call it black caraway, habbat al barakah, and habbat sawda , others
call it black cumin (kalounji), onion seeds or even coriander seeds. In English, the Nigella sativa plant
is commonly referred to as black cumin. Nevertheless, this is Nigella sativa, which has been known
and used from ancient times and is also known in Persian as Shonaiz.
CHEMISTRY
The seeds contain numerous esters of structurally unusual unsaturated fatty acids with terpene
alcohols (7%); furthermore, traces of alkaloids are found which belong to two different types:
isochinoline alkaloids are represented by nigellimin and nigellimin-N-oxide
pyrazol alkaloids include nigellidin and nigellicin.
In the essential oil (avr. 0.5%, max. 1.5%), thymoquinone was identified as the main component (up
to 50%) besides p-cymene (40%), α-pinene (up to 15%), dithymoquinone and thymohydroquinone.
Other terpene derivatives were found only in trace amounts: carvacrol, carvone, limonene, 4-terpineol,
citronellol. Furthermore, the essential oil contains significant (10%) amounts of fatty acid ethyl esters.
On storage, thymoquinone yields dithymoquinonene and higher oligocondensation products
(nigellone).
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 1/7
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
The seeds also contain a fatty oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (50 – 60%),
oleic acid (20%). Saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic acid) amount to about 30% or less.
Black Seed
Fatty Acids Saturated &
Oil Black
Unsaturated Fatty
Myristic Acid (C14:0) 0.5% Seed Oil
Acids
Palmitic Acid (C16:0) 13.7% Saturated Acid 18.1%
Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1) 0.1% Monounsaturated
23.8%
Acids
Stearic Acid (C18:0) 2.6%
Polyunsaturated Acids 58.1%
Oleic Acid (C18:1) (ω -9) 23.7%
Linoleic Acid (C18:2) (ω-6) 57.9%
Linolenic Acid (18:3n-3) (ω-3) 0.2%
Arachidic Acid (C20:0) 1.3%
TRADITIONAL USES
For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil has been used by millions of people in Asia, Middle East,
and Africa to support their health. It has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and
treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function,
circulatory and immune system support, and for general overall well-being. Black Seed is also known
as Black Cumin and the Blessed Seed.
Black Seed is found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, making it the earliest written
reference: (Isaiah C 27) as a seed harvested by the early Jewish people’s.
It was also discovered inside the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun and would have
played an important role in ancient Egyptian health practice, as items that are entombed with a King
were selected carefully to assist him in the afterlife.
In Islam, Muhammad urged his followers to use black seed as a natural panacea (cure-all), “a healing
seed for all diseases except death”.
The Greek physician Dioskorides used Blackseed to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache
and intestinal parasites. Hypocrates, the grandfather of todays scientific medicine regarded Nigella
Sativa as a valuable remedy in hepatic and digestive disorders.
Ibn Sina, the author of the Canon of Medicine, one of the most famous books in the history of
medicine recommends Blackseed stimulates the metabolism and to recover from dispiritedness and
lethargy.
Ayurvedic medicine appreciates its many qualities and bitter, warming, stimulant nature. Here it is
used or a wide variety of diseases like haemorrhoids, hepatitis, fever, diarrhoea, cough, tapeworm, to
mention only a few of them.
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 2/7
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
Like many aromatic culinary herbs, the seeds of black cumin
are beneficial for the digestive system, soothing stomach
pains and spasms and easing wind, bloating and colic. The
ripe seed is anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive,
diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, laxative and
stimulant. An infusion is used in the treatment of digestive
and menstrual disorders, insufficient lactation and bronchial
complaints.
The seeds are much used in India to increase the flow of milk
in nursing mothers and they can also be used to treat
intestinal worms, especially in children.
Externally, the seed is ground into a powder, mixed with sesame oil and used to treat abscesses,
haemorrhoids and orchitis. The powdered seed has been used to remove lice from the hair.
Modern Research
Over 150 research papers on Black Seed have been published in recent times confirming many of the
healing properties traditionally attributed to Black Seed.
In 1987, a study conducted at I.I.M.E.R. Panama City, Florida verified the immune-supporting
action of Black Seed. Two randomized groups of volunteers received one-gram of Black Seed
capsules twice daily or a placebo. A complete lymphocyte count carried out before and after four
weeks of administration revealed that the majority of subjects who took Black Seed displayed a 72%
increase in helper-to-suppressor T-cell ratio as well as an increase in NK (natural killer) cell functional
activity.
In the field of AIDS research, human clinical trials conducted at the Department of Biological and
Medical Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1997) showed that Black Seed enhanced the ratio
between helper T-cell by 55% with a 30% enhancement of NK cell activity. These findings suggest
that Black Seed could play an important role in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and other immune
deficiency states.
In 1997 a study undertaken on the anti-cancer activity of the Black Seed undertaken at the
International Immuno-Biology Research Laboratory, South Carolina concluded, “the activity of NS
(Black Seed) blocked the tumor growth and dissemination in metastasis and have remarkable
promises for clinical use.”
Histamine is a substance released by body tissues, which often causes allergic reactions and is
associated with conditions such as bronchial asthma. In 1960, scientists discovered that a substance
called Nigellone (dimer dithymoquinone) isolated from Black Seed’s volatile oil suppressed asthma
symptoms in a majority of patients when given orally.
As early as 1960, it was reported that Black Seed oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and that it
could be useful for relieving arthritis pain. Following up on these claims, a group of scientists from
Kings College, Department of Pharmacy, London, decided to test Black Seed oil and its derivative
thymoquinone as an anti-inflammatory agent. It was discovered that the agents possessed anti-
oxidant activity and inhibited eicosanoid generation in cells. Certain eicosanoids (short lived local
tissue hormones) are responsible for the inflammatory response whereas anti-oxidants help to slow
cartilage degeneration.
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 3/7
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
The inhibitory effect on eicosanoid generation, however, was higher than could be expected from
thymoquinone alone. This suggests that other compounds in the oil might be responsible for the
enhanced anti-inflammatory reactions in cells. Researchers concluded that pharmacological properties
of Black Seed and its derived products support the traditional use of Black Seed as a treatment for
rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases.
In Europe ongoing scientific research has fueled immense public interest into the health benefits of
using Black Seed, particularly in Austria and Germany, where Black Seed supplements are sold in
most health stores and it is popularly regarded as an effective alternative medicine.
It has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of impotence when the causes are primarily
physiological.
COSMETIC PROPERTIES
Black Seed Oil obtained in the way of cold pressing the Nigella sativa seeds contains several
ingredients (in significant amounts) with potential value. The following charts (see on the next page)
reflect an example of the composition of Black Seed Oil in terms of its active, nutrient components,
and any other significant ingredients (these values are given as an example and cannot be used as a
specification).
The use of Black Seed Oil in cosmetic field is based mainly on the high content of omega-6 acid
(approx. 58%) and omega-9 acid (approx. 24%), 15 amino acids including 8 essential ones and other
valuable active substances like vitamins and minerals.
Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids (EFAs), which means that they are essential
to human health but cannot be made in the body. EFAs belong to the class of fatty acids called
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). They are generally necessary for stimulating skin and hair
growth, maintaining bone health, regulating metabolism, and maintaining reproductive capability.
Deficiencies in EFAs can lead to reduced growth, a scaly rash called dermatitis and lack of ability to
fight infection and heal wounds.
Omega-9 fatty acid (oleic acid) is a monosaturated fat generally believed to be good for one’s health.
Omega-9 is not an 'essential fatty acid' meaning that it can be manufactured by the human body in
limited quantities, unlike Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. It is used by the body to fight
inflammation, to reduce atherosclerosis (fat deposits on the artery walls), blood sugar balance, and to
improve functioning of the immune system. Modern studies suggest that oleic acid helps lower levels
of harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the bloodstream, while leaving levels of beneficial high-
density lipoproteins (HDLs) unchanged.
Cumin (Black Seed Oil) is a reach source of amino acids, both endogenic and exogenous (essential).
An essential amino acid for an organism is an amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the organism
from other available resources. Eight amino acids are generally regarded as essential for humans:
tryptophan, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
Amino acids are hygroscopic substance able to absorb and retain the water in stratuum corneum and
thus maintain the water balance in this skin layer. Amino acids create the lipophil environment around
ionic bonds and provide with energy needed to enhance the filmogenic effect on the hair and skin.
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 4/7
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
The detailed cosmetic’s activity of some of the above mentioned essential amino acid is as follow:
Lysine: Lysine can be used as a nutritional supplement to help against herpes. Lysine is the
limiting amino acid in all cereal grains, but is plentiful in all pulses. A deficiency in Lysine can
result in a deficiency in niacin (which is a B Vitamin). This can cause the disease pellagra.
Black seed oil contains significant amounts of lysine.
Methionine: Methionine is particularly important because it supplies sulfur--a mineral--that
helps to maintain healthy skin tone, well-conditioned hair, and strong nails.
Threonine: Threonine is important for the formation of many proteins and tooth enamel,
collagen, and elastin.
Trytophan: Tryptophan helps the body produce the B-vitamin niacin, which, in turn, helps the
body produce serotonin, a remarkable chemical that acts as a calming agent in the brain and
plays a role in sleep
…
Nutritional Value Black Seed Oil
Protein 208 ug/g
Thiamin (vit B1) 15ug/g Nutritional Composition Black Cumin Seed
Riboflavin (vit B2) 1 ug/g protein 21%
Pyridoxine (vit B6) 5ug/g carbohydrates 35%
fats 35-38%
Niacin (vit B3) 57 ug/g
Folacin (vit B9) 610 IU/g
Calcium 1.859 mg/g
Iron 105 ug/g
Copper 18 ug/g
Zinc 60 ug/g
Phosphorus 5.265 mg/g
Areas of Black Seed Oil application range from treatment of psoriasis, eczema and dry skin to
nourishing and moisturising face creams and shampoos. Traditionally the oil has been used externally
for radiant, smooth skin, and on the head to promote hair growth. When combined in a massage
blend it can help against body pains, aches and stiffness. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory
properties and could help in products for rheumatism, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
In skin care research, it has been shown now that black cumin seed helps the skin resist the aging
process in our bodies through the presence of a water-retentive protein.
Used internally or externally, black seed oil can reverse the harsh sun damage on delicate skin, and
rejuvenate tired, older skin. Innovative cosmetic companies such as Clarins are now incorporating the
seed into their skin care products.
Black Seed Oil can be used in soaps using glycerine based soap for normal skin or a palm oil based
soap for added moisturising effect.
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 5/7
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
SUMMARY
Benefits
- anti-inflammatory
- helps treat psoriasis and eczema
- skin softening
- anti-ageing
Uses
- lip balms
- face creams
- body creams
- shampoos
- after sun products
- soaps
RECOMMENDED DOSE
Lotions & Creams 1 – 10%
Balms 2 – 9%
BIBLIOGRAPHY
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0-600-37216-2
Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959
Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968
Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press 1969 ISBN 0192176218
International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research
Association. 1981
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN Huxley.
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 6/7
MARKETING DOCUMENTATION
A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-
31
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the
Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-
303148
Information sourced from various bibliographical information and websites, Biocosmethic is not liable for any medical claims
reproduced in this document
Biocosmethic – 6, rue du grand chêne 78830 Bonnelles – tél. : (+33)1 30 88 49 18
[email protected] – www.biocosmethic.com
Page 7/7
