Dr. Weeks’ Comment: The endothelial cells which line the inside of your arteries need to be healthy enough to secrete the powerful gas Nitric Oxide which relaxes (vasodilation) the blood vessels. Problem with your endothelial cells producing nitric oxide lead to illnesses such as heart attacks, hypertension, cancer, diabetes and many other ailments. One of the most toxic foods you eat is BAD QUALITY oils (commercially processed vegetable oils like canola, corn, soy oil etc.) which are rancid and cause illnesses. On the other hand, many doctors make powerful endorsements for a low or no oil diet (see https://youtu.be/ZC3wRx4vV7g) but they are wrong: what is needed not a low BAD QUALITY oil diet as they urge, but rather what is healthiest is a diet with adequate GOOD QUALITY omega 6 oils like black cumin seed oil. For example, the argument is made by Dr . Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.(Cleveland Clinic) is that oils compromise endothelial cells’ ability to create nitric oxide. But look at how powerful black cumin seed oil is in doing just that! Eat the organic non-GMO seeds and let those unadulterated seed oils change your life.PEER- REVIEWED ARTICLES demonstrating how black cumin seed optimizes endothelial cell function.
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi 1, Siroos Tajmiri 2
JOURNAL: Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020 Jun;37:207-212.
Abstract
Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Because of the major anti-oxidant properties of black cumin, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of powdered Nigella sativa seeds on markers of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and serum lipids in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Results: Treatment with N. sativa, significantly increased serum TAC, SOD and reduced MDA concentrations with no significant change in GPX (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in VCAM-1 (P = 0.0012), body mass index (P = 0.002), serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.002) and triglyceride (P = 0.02) were also reported in N. sativa-treated group after 8 weeks; while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) also significantly increased (P < 0.05). No change in other parameters were reported.
Conclusions: Giving attention to the potent beneficial effects of powdered black cumin seeds in improving oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, serum lipids and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this medicinal plant can be considered as a therapeutic agent in management of Hashimoto-related metabolic abnormalities.
Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review
Zahra Gholamnezhad 1, et al
JOURNAL: J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Aug 22;190:372-86.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nigella sativa (N. sativa) L. (Ranunculaceae), well known as black cumin, has been used as a herbal medicine that has a rich historical background. It has been traditionally and clinically used in the treatment of several diseases. Many reviews have investigated this valuable plant, but none of them focused on its clinical effects. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive report of clinical studies on N. sativa and some of its constituents.
Results and discussion: During the last three decades, several in vivo and in vitro animal studies revealed the pharmacological properties of the plant, including its antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiepileptic properties, and its effect on improvement in atherogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, glucose metabolism, lipid profile dysfunction, and prevention of hippocampus pyramidal cell loss. In clinical studies, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidiabetic properties as well as therapeutic effects on metabolic syndrome, and gastrointestinal, neuronal, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive disorders were found in N. sativa and its constituents.
Conclusion: Extensive basic and clinical studies on N. sativa seed powder, oil, extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic), and thymoquinone showed valuable therapeutic effects on different disorders with a wide range of safe doses. However, there were some confounding factors in the reviewed clinical trials, and a few of them presented data about the phytochemical composition of the plant. Therefore, a more standard clinical trial with N. sativa supplementation is needed for the plant to be used as an inexpensive potential biological adjuvant therapy.
AND
Effects of Nigella sativa on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: A review
Reza Mohebbati 1, Abbasali Abbasnezhad 2
JOURNAL: J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Apr 24;252:112585.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Endothelial dysfunction is involved in lesion generation by the promotion of both early and late mechanism(s) of atherosclerosis such as adhesion molecules up-regulation, increased chemokine secretion and leukocyte adherence, increased cell permeability, enhanced low-density lipoprotein oxidation, cytokine elaboration, platelet activation and vascular smooth muscle cell migration, and proliferation. Nigella sativa is from the Ranunculaceae family which is used in some countries for various medicinal purposes. Nigella sativa seed has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.
Aim of the review: This review article summarized the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa on endothelial dysfunction.
Results: The current review shows that Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone have a protective effect on endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. This is done by several mechanisms such as reduction of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, improving hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and antioxidant function, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and regulating eNOS, VCAM-1 and LOX-1 genes expression that involve in the endothelial dysfunction. Thymoquinone also reduces expression and secretion of some cytokines such as MCP-1, interleukin-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and Cox-2 that result in anti-inflammation effect.
Conclusion: Thymoquinone, the main phenolic terpene found in Nigella sativa, has several important properties such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, Nigella sativa can improve endothelial dysfunction.
AND
Abbasali Abbasnezhad 1, et al
JOURNALJ Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jan 10;228:142-147.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nigella sativa L. seed has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The major reason for vascular complications in diabetic patients is endothelial dysfunction. However, the impact of N. sativa seed on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes remains unclear.
Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa seed on eNOS, VCAM-1, and LOX-1 genes expression and the vasoreactivity of aortic rings to acetylcholine (Ach) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat.
Materials and methods: Treated rats received N. sativa seed extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily by gavage for 6 weeks. The fasting blood glucose and lipids were measured and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated. The endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity responses of isolated aortic rings were evaluated in the presence of cumulative concentrations of Ach (10-8-10-5 M). eNOS, VCAM-1, and LOX-1 genes expression in aortic tissue was assessed by using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: Male diabetic Wistar rats treated with N. sativa seed extract for six weeks reduced serum glucose and lipids and improved AIP. The vasorelaxant responses of aortic rings to Ach were markedly improved. N. sativa seed significantly increased eNOS in mRNA expression level and function, while it decreased VCAM-1 and LOX-1 expressions in vascular cells of aortic tissue which assessed only in mRNA level.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that N. sativa seed more likely, has antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties and improved vasoreactivity, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation in diabetic rats’ aorta.
AND
Mohammad Reza Mahmoodi 1, Mehdi Mohammadizadeh 2
JOURNAL: Complement Ther Med. 2020 May;50:102391.
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this up-to-date comprehensive systematic review was to evaluate and summarize all research studies in the field in order to clarify the magnitude of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) effects on the management of Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications.
Results: Dietary supplementation with N. sativa preparations can improve various secondary complications of diabetic patients. N. sativa preparations possess antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, and anti-obesity effects. Beneficial effects of N. sativa preparations include the restoration of the antioxidant defense systems, the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the decrease of inflammatory biomarkers, the suppression of the production pro-inflammatory mediators, improvement of endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic, kidney, heart and immune system functions. They have key roles in managing diabetes-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic patients.
Conclusion: N. sativa preparations have key roles in herbal medicine as an adjuvant in the treatment and management of patients with DM and its complications. Moreover, the beneficial effects of N. sativa preparations were differently based on dosage forms, active ingredients, and duration of intervention. The best dosage to improve glycemic indices and lipid and lipoprotein profiles is 2 g daily powdered N. sativa for at least 12 weeks.
AND
Effects of selected bioactive natural products on the vascular endothelium
Ajaz Ahmad 1, Rao M A Khan, Khalid M Alkharfy
JOURNAL: J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2013 Aug;62(2):111-21.
Abstract
The endothelium, a highly active structure, regulates vascular homeostasis through the release of numerous vasoactive factors that control vascular tone and vascular smooth cell proliferation. A larger number of medicinal plants and their isolated chemical constituents have been shown to beneficially affect the endothelium. For example, flavonoids in black tea, green tea, and concord grape cause a vasodilation possibly through their antioxidant properties. Allicin, a by-product of the enzyme alliinase, has been proposed to be the main active metabolite and responsible for most of the biological activities of garlic, including a dose-dependent dilation on the isolated coronaries. Thymoquinone, the principal phytochemical compound found in the volatile oil of the black seed, and the hawthorn extract have also been shown to improve aging-related impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations in animal models. In this review, the effect of some of the natural products, including Camellia sinensis (black tea and green tea), Vitis labrusca (concord grape), Allium sativum (garlic), and Nigella sativa (black seed) and Crataegus ssp (hawthorn extract), is explored. The molecular mechanisms behind these potential therapeutic effects are also discussed.
AND
Nigella sativa seed decreases endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat aorta
Abbasali Abbasnezhad 1, et al
JOURNAL Avicenna J Phytomed. Jan-Feb 2016;6(1):67-76.
Abstract
Objective: Diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events. The great percent of morbidity in patients with diabetes is due to endothelial dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of hydroalcholic extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on contractile and dilatation response of isolated aorta in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat.
Results: The lower concentrations of N. sativa seed extract (DE 100 and DE 200) and metformin significantly reduced the contractile responses to higher concentrations of PE (10(-6) – 10(-5) M) compared to diabetic group (p<0.05 to p<0.01). The relaxation response to Ach 10(-8) M, was increased in DE 200 and metformin groups compared to diabetic group (p<0.05). The relaxation responses to Ach 10(-7) – 10(-5) M were significantly higher in all treated groups compared to diabetic group (p<0.05 to p<0.001).
Conclusion: Chronic administration of N. sativa seed extract has a significant hypoglycemic effect and improves aortic reactivity to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agentsin STZ-induced diabetic rats.
AND
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi 1, Siroos Tajmiri 2
JOURNAL Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020 Jun;37:207-212.
Abstract
Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Because of the major anti-oxidant properties of black cumin, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of powdered Nigella sativa seeds on markers of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and serum lipids in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Results: Treatment with N. sativa, significantly increased serum TAC, SOD and reduced MDA concentrations with no significant change in GPX (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in VCAM-1 (P = 0.0012), body mass index (P = 0.002), serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.002) and triglyceride (P = 0.02) were also reported in N. sativa-treated group after 8 weeks; while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) also significantly increased (P < 0.05). No change in other parameters were reported.
Conclusions: Giving attention to the potent beneficial effects of powdered black cumin seeds in improving oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, serum lipids and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this medicinal plant can be considered as a therapeutic agent in management of Hashimoto-related metabolic abnormalities.
AND
Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review
Zahra Gholamnezhad 1,et al
JOURNAL J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Aug 22;190:372-86.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nigella sativa (N. sativa) L. (Ranunculaceae), well known as black cumin, has been used as a herbal medicine that has a rich historical background. It has been traditionally and clinically used in the treatment of several diseases. Many reviews have investigated this valuable plant, but none of them focused on its clinical effects. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive report of clinical studies on N. sativa and some of its constituents.
Results and discussion: During the last three decades, several in vivo and in vitro animal studies revealed the pharmacological properties of the plant, including its antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiepileptic properties, and its effect on improvement in atherogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, glucose metabolism, lipid profile dysfunction, and prevention of hippocampus pyramidal cell loss. In clinical studies, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidiabetic properties as well as therapeutic effects on metabolic syndrome, and gastrointestinal, neuronal, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive disorders were found in N. sativa and its constituents.
Conclusion: Extensive basic and clinical studies on N. sativa seed powder, oil, extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic), and thymoquinone showed valuable therapeutic effects on different disorders with a wide range of safe doses. However, there were some confounding factors in the reviewed clinical trials, and a few of them presented data about the phytochemical composition of the plant. Therefore, a more standard clinical trial with N. sativa supplementation is needed for the plant to be used as an inexpensive potential biological adjuvant therapy.
AND
Effects of Nigella sativa on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: A review
Reza Mohebbati 1, Abbasali Abbasnezhad 2
JOURNAL J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Apr 24;252:112585.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Endothelial dysfunction is involved in lesion generation by the promotion of both early and late mechanism(s) of atherosclerosis such as adhesion molecules up-regulation, increased chemokine secretion and leukocyte adherence, increased cell permeability, enhanced low-density lipoprotein oxidation, cytokine elaboration, platelet activation and vascular smooth muscle cell migration, and proliferation. Nigella sativa is from the Ranunculaceae family which is used in some countries for various medicinal purposes. Nigella sativa seed has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.
Aim of the review: This review article summarized the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa on endothelial dysfunction.
Results: The current review shows that Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone have a protective effect on endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. This is done by several mechanisms such as reduction of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, improving hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and antioxidant function, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and regulating eNOS, VCAM-1 and LOX-1 genes expression that involve in the endothelial dysfunction. Thymoquinone also reduces expression and secretion of some cytokines such as MCP-1, interleukin-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and Cox-2 that result in anti-inflammation effect.
Conclusion: Thymoquinone, the main phenolic terpene found in Nigella sativa, has several important properties such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, Nigella sativa can improve endothelial dysfunction.
AND
Abbasali Abbasnezhad 1, et al
JOURNAL J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jan 10;228:142-147.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nigella sativa L. seed has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The major reason for vascular complications in diabetic patients is endothelial dysfunction. However, the impact of N. sativa seed on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes remains unclear.
Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa seed on eNOS, VCAM-1, and LOX-1 genes expression and the vasoreactivity of aortic rings to acetylcholine (Ach) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat.
Results: Male diabetic Wistar rats treated with N. sativa seed extract for six weeks reduced serum glucose and lipids and improved AIP. The vasorelaxant responses of aortic rings to Ach were markedly improved. N. sativa seed significantly increased eNOS in mRNA expression level and function, while it decreased VCAM-1 and LOX-1 expressions in vascular cells of aortic tissue which assessed only in mRNA level.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that N. sativa seed more likely, has antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties and improved vasoreactivity, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation in diabetic rats’ aorta.
AND
Mohammad Reza Mahmoodi 1, Mehdi Mohammadizadeh 2
JOURNAL Complement Ther Med. 2020 May;50:102391.
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this up-to-date comprehensive systematic review was to evaluate and summarize all research studies in the field in order to clarify the magnitude of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) effects on the management of Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications.
Results: Dietary supplementation with N. sativa preparations can improve various secondary complications of diabetic patients. N. sativa preparations possess antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, and anti-obesity effects. Beneficial effects of N. sativa preparations include the restoration of the antioxidant defense systems, the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the decrease of inflammatory biomarkers, the suppression of the production pro-inflammatory mediators, improvement of endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic, kidney, heart and immune system functions. They have key roles in managing diabetes-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic patients.
Conclusion: N. sativa preparations have key roles in herbal medicine as an adjuvant in the treatment and management of patients with DM and its complications. Moreover, the beneficial effects of N. sativa preparations were differently based on dosage forms, active ingredients, and duration of intervention. The best dosage to improve glycemic indices and lipid and lipoprotein profiles is 2 g daily powdered N. sativa for at least 12 weeks.
AND
Effects of selected bioactive natural products on the vascular endothelium
Ajaz Ahmad 1, Rao M A Khan, Khalid M Alkharfy
JOURNAL: J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2013 Aug;62(2):111-21.
Abstract
The endothelium, a highly active structure, regulates vascular homeostasis through the release of numerous vasoactive factors that control vascular tone and vascular smooth cell proliferation. A larger number of medicinal plants and their isolated chemical constituents have been shown to beneficially affect the endothelium. For example, flavonoids in black tea, green tea, and concord grape cause a vasodilation possibly through their antioxidant properties. Allicin, a by-product of the enzyme alliinase, has been proposed to be the main active metabolite and responsible for most of the biological activities of garlic, including a dose-dependent dilation on the isolated coronaries. Thymoquinone, the principal phytochemical compound found in the volatile oil of the black seed, and the hawthorn extract have also been shown to improve aging-related impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations in animal models.In this review, the effect of some of the natural products, including Camellia sinensis (black tea and green tea), Vitis labrusca (concord grape), Allium sativum (garlic), and Nigella sativa (black seed) and Crataegus ssp (hawthorn extract), is explored. The molecular mechanisms behind these potential therapeutic effects are also discussed.
AND
Nigella sativa seed decreases endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat aorta
Abbasali Abbasnezhad 1, et al
JOURNAL:Avicenna J Phytomed. Jan-Feb 2016;6(1):67-76.
Abstract
Objective: Diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events. The great percent of morbidity in patients with diabetes is due to endothelial dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of hydroalcholic extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on contractile and dilatation response of isolated aorta in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat.
Results: The lower concentrations of N. sativa seed extract (DE 100 and DE 200) and metformin significantly reduced the contractile responses to higher concentrations of PE (10(-6) – 10(-5) M) compared to diabetic group (p<0.05 to p<0.01). The relaxation response to Ach 10(-8) M, was increased in DE 200 and metformin groups compared to diabetic group (p<0.05). The relaxation responses to Ach 10(-7) – 10(-5) M were significantly higher in all treated groups compared to diabetic group (p<0.05 to p<0.001).
Conclusion: Chronic administration of N. sativa seed extract has a significant hypoglycemic effect and improves aortic reactivity to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agentsin STZ-induced diabetic rats.