New studies say black cumin seeds can protect your joints

Thekabarnews.com—For hundreds of years, black cumin seeds, also known as kalonji or Nigella seeds, have been important in traditional medicine. Islamic tradition says that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Nigella seeds can cure all diseases except death. Today, scientists are starting to look into whether science can explain why this plant has been known for its healing powers for so long.

Nigella seeds contain a bioactive compound called thymoquinone that is known to reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Scientists think that these traits might help keep joints healthy, especially in people with osteoarthritis.

Recent lab studies have shown some favorable results. For instance, researchers injected Nigella seed oil directly into the joints of rabbits. In one study involving animals, these rabbits were just starting to develop osteoarthritis.

The treated group did a much better job of keeping their cartilage than the control group. Researchers also discovered improvements in Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores, indicating that the treatment may safeguard against cartilage degeneration.

Studies with people have looked into the possible benefits of black cumin oil. During clinical trials involving individuals with knee osteoarthritis, participants applied Nigella seed oil to their skin. Moreover, this application lasted for a duration of six weeks.

The results showed that pain intensity, joint stiffness, and physical function all improved in measurable ways. Additionally, researchers used the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) to look at these results. These are two common ways to check the health of your joints.

Experts say that these beneficial effects are because thymoquinone can lower oxidative stress and inflammation, which are two of the main causes of joint degeneration. Therefore, Nigella seeds may help slow down damage to cartilage. They may also make it easier to move around by affecting these processes.

Researchers say that these results are still too early to tell. Despite the promising initial results, researchers need to conduct more extensive and longer clinical trials. This research is necessary to fully determine the safety, dosage, and long-term effects of Nigella sativa on joint disorders.