| Meaning |
{
"common_name": "Black Seed",
"scientific_name": "Nigella sativa",
"family": "Ranunculaceae",
"origin": "Native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia",
"description": "An annual flowering plant producing small, black, aromatic seeds that are used as a spice and traditional remedy.",
"nutritional_content": {
"protein": "25‑30 g per 100 g seeds",
"fat": "48‑50 g per 100 g seeds (predominantly polyunsaturated fatty acids)",
"carbohydrates": "20‑25 g per 100 g seeds",
"fiber": "5‑7 g per 100 g seeds",
"key_micronutrients": {
"calcium": "970 mg per 100 g",
"iron": "8.5 mg per 100 g",
"magnesium": "300 mg per 100 g",
"zinc": "3.5 mg per 100 g"
}
},
"bioactive_compounds": [
"Thymoquinone",
"Nigellone",
"α‑hederin",
"p‑cymene",
"carvacrol"
],
"traditional_uses": [
"Digestive aid",
"Respiratory ailments (cough, asthma)",
"Anti‑inflammatory remedy",
"Antimicrobial and antifungal applications",
"Skin conditions (eczema, acne)"
],
"modern_research_findings": {
"antioxidant_activity": "Demonstrated strong free‑radical scavenging in vitro and in animal models.",
"anti‑inflammatory": "Thymoquinone reduces levels of TNF‑α, IL‑6, and COX‑2 expression.",
"glycemic_control": "Supplementation (2‑3 g/day) modestly lowers fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients.",
"lipid_profile": "Meta‑analyses report reductions in total cholesterol, LDL‑C, and triglycerides after 8‑12 weeks of use.",
"immune_modulation": "Enhances NK‑cell activity and modulates Th1/Th2 balance in clinical pilot studies."
},
"culinary_uses": [
"Spice in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines",
"Flavoring for breads (e.g., naan, focaccia)",
"Ingredient in pickles, sauces, and salad dressings",
"Tea or infused oil for beverages"
],
"safety_and_dosage": {
"recommended_daily_intake": "1‑3 g of ground seeds or 0.5‑1 mL of cold‑pressed oil",
"pregnancy": "Generally regarded as safe in culinary amounts; high supplemental doses should be avoided without medical advice.",
"interactions": "May potentiate anticoagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin) and hypoglycemic agents."
}
} |
