The blood pressure-lowering effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and black cumin oil has been discussed for a long time among experts. However, there is growing evidence that black seed and black seed oil can actually significantly lower blood pressure naturally.
Black cumin – spice and medicinal plant
The use of black cumin oil and black cumin seeds as a spice in the kitchen not only contributes to a special taste, but can also stimulate digestion. But black seed is more than just a spice. It was already used in ancient times in the Orient as a medicinal plant to treat all kinds of health problems.
Even today, black cumin seeds and the oil obtained from them are still used in some oriental countries to treat flatulence, intestinal problems, menstrual problems and male impotence, among other things.
How does black seed affect blood pressure?
For a long time, however, there were doubts among experts about the effect of black cumin or the oil derived from it against high blood pressure.
In recent years, however, there has been increasing evidence that black cumin and black cumin oil have a blood pressure-lowering effect. For example, the results of a current systematic review and meta-analysis of various studies indicate an antihypertensive effect.
In the research, which was published in the English-language journal “Phytotherapy Research”, the team reports that with the help of black seed oil, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure can be significantly reduced, making black seed oil an effective and natural treatment option for high blood pressure.
Effects on cardiometabolic risk factors
A few years earlier, a study was published in the “Journal of Hypertension” that had found a positive effect of Nigella sativa against cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure.
Ultimately, the team evaluated the results of eleven randomized controlled trials with a total of 860 participants, ten of which compared the effects of black seed treatment on high blood pressure with that of a placebo.
In addition, the result of another study was included in the meta-analysis, in which a comparison was made between black cumin treatment and a typical standard treatment for high blood pressure, according to the research team.
Blood pressure significantly reduced
The researchers also came to the conclusion that with the help of black cumin, a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure can be achieved. Depending on the pharmaceutical preparations of black cumin in the form of powder and oil, there are clear differences in the reduction of blood pressure.
The experts could not find any connection between the reduction in blood pressure and the duration of treatment, the dosage of Nigella sativa or the type of black seed. Although the meta-analysis shows that short-term treatment with black cumin can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the long-term effect of lowering blood pressure remains open.
Long-term effect unclear
Black cumin and black cumin oil are therefore a natural way to lower blood pressure, although it is unclear whether regular use in your own diet can protect against high blood pressure and the health consequences. The long-term effects on blood pressure must now be analyzed in further studies. (as)
