Ancient Herb Nigella Sativa Oil Extract Kills Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Ancient biblical herb seeds of Nigella Sativa (Referred to in the book of 'Isaiah' in the Old Testament 3 Herbal oil of the plant found in the tomb of Tutuankhamun. 12) used for thousands of years in the Middle East and Asia treat variety of health concerns, and recently discovered has anti-cancer effect on prostate, colon and pancreatic cancer. 1 In civilizations around the world, herbal spice Nigella Sativa referred to as Kalonji (Hindi), Habbat-el-barakrah (literally seeds of blessing arabic), Kezah (Hebrew), Sijah Daneh (Persian) and in English called Black Caraway, Nutmeg, Flower, Fennet Flower or Roman Criander. Nigella Sativa flower usually colored pale blue and white with 5 - 10 petals, and extend to a height of 20 - 30 centimeters. "The fruit (herbal plant) is a large and inflated capsule composed of 3 - 7 united follicles, each containing numerous seeds (Referred to as black cumin 3)." The seeds are used as a spice. 2 Nigella sativa seeds are planted in the spring. The herbal plant grows well in drained soil and preferable in cool weather. 4 "Nigella sativa has a pungent bitter taste and a faint smell of strawberries." 3

In Southeast Asia and the Middle East countries Nigella sativa seeds provide treatment for bronchitis, asthma, related inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, promote healthy digestion, increase milk production in nursing mothers, and combat parasitic infections. 3 "The famous Greek physician Dioscorides used black cumin seeds to treat headaches and toothaches." Neutrophil activity is stimulated by black cumin seeds: "These are short-lived immune cells that are normally found in the bone marrow but mobilized into action when there is a bacterial infection." 5 Also, the herb used to treat cold symptoms, and skin conditions such as boils, and eczema. Oil (contains fatty oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids 2) from herbal plant seeds contain nigellone, which protects guinea pigs from histamine - induced bronchial spasms. 3 Taking NIgella sativa oil in capsules over a period of months stimulates the growth of healthy & strengthen hair and fingernails. 5

In food preparations Black cumin seeds are grinded and mixed with honey or sprinkled on salads. Hot water poured on cumin seeds used to make tea. Nigella sativa seeds are added to breads or casseroles, and used in canning or extracted in wine or vinegar. "Black cumin seeds mixed with honey and garlic are excellent tonics for people with asthma or coughs as well as those who want to enhance their immunity during cold and flu season or when an infection is setting in." 5

Cancer Research Laboratory at Hilton Head in South Carolina discovered Nigella sativa oil suppressed tumor growth by fifty percent without causing negative side effects compared to chemotherapy. Also, the Herb increased bone marrow growth rate by nearly 250%. 6 According to Dr. Hwyda Arafat, M.D., Ph. D. associate professor of Surgery at the Jefferson Medical Center of Thomas Jefferson University and member of the Jefferson Pancreatic, Biliary & Related Cancer Center studies confirmed Nigella sativa seeds have anti-cancer effect on prostate and colon cancers. 3

In the United States, nearly 38,000 new cases of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed every year. 7 Leading cause of cancer deaths is pancreatic cancer, attributed to an estimated 34,290 deaths last year (2008). 8 Frequently pancreatic cancer is diagnosed unfortunately after spreading (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. Statistically four percent of pancreatic cancer patients live five years after diagnosis. 11Dr. Hwyda Arafat and researchers Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson, found Nigella sativa seed oil extract thymoquinone has anti - inflammatory properties, inhibit development of pancreatic cancer cells. 1 During the process of cell death (apoptosis) thymoquinone blocked pancreatic cell growth and killed the cells. 9 In animal studies, thymoquinone shown to have antioxidant effect against heart, liver and kidney damage. 10

In 2009, during the AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) 100th Annual meeting in Denver findings regarding anti-inflammatory properties of sativa seed oil were presented. Dr. Arafat said: "Not only patients with chronic pancreatitis could benefit from this, but also several other groups with risk of development or recurrence of pancreatic cancer, such as high risk family members and post - surgical patients. These potent effects show promise for the herb as a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer." 1 Researchers need to further examine if thymoquinone extract, as a preventative approach against the re-occurrence of cancer after surgery and chemotherapy. 11

References:

1.) Herbal Extract Inhibits The Development of Pancreatic Cancer - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146640.php

2.) Nigella - Sativa - http://www.nigella-sativa-seeds.com/

3.) Nigella sativa - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigella_sativa

4.) nigella - http://www.answers.com/topic/nigella

5.) Black Cumin Seed by Ingrid Naiman - http://www.kitchendoctor.com/articles/blackcumin.html

6.) Medicinal Uses - http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/shaheen_baya/Medicinal%20Uses.htm

7.) Middle Eastern herb shows potential against pancreatic cancer - http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Health-condition-categories/Cancer-risk-reduction/Middle-Eastern-herb-shows-potential-against-pancreatic-cancer

8.) National Cancer Institute - Pancreatic Cancer - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/pancreatic

9.) Nigella sativa - http://www.answers.com/topic/nigella-sativa-1

10.) Thymoquinone - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymoquinone

11.) Thymoquinone may help in the fight against pancreatic cancer - http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/article.php?q=08051919

12.) Black Seed / Cumin: Its Benefits & Scientific Facts - http://www.guidedways.com/articles/blackseed.php