Black Cumin Seed Oil and Hashimoto’s Disease

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about some recent research on the positive effects of black cumin seed oil and Hashimoto’s disease. I’m always searching for compounds that can help my patients with Hashimoto’s disease and black cumin seed oil looks like a real winner.  In this article I break down two promising studies on black cumin seed oil and how it can help autoimmune thyroiditis. What is Black Cumin Seed? Black cumin seed is also known as Nigella sativa which is a medicinal plant and the seeds have been used in traditional and folk medicine in the Middle East for centuries. Black cumin seeds are used mainly in Iranian, Pakistani and Northern Indian cuisines. Black cumin seeds contain compounds that have the following properties: Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Immune balancing Enhanced blood sugar metabolism thus improving insulin resistance Anti-cancer Kidney protective Decreases pain (Analgesic) Liver protective Bronchodilator Antihistamine Antimicrobial against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi Breaks down biofilms and prevents biofilm formation Gastroprotective Cholesterol-lowering Cardioprotective Hypoglycemic Hypotensive Improves memory Supports a healthy microbiome Reduces lung inflammation Specific chronic diseases that black cumin seed has been shown to improve include: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes High cholesterol Coronary artery disease High blood pressure Gastritis Obesity Polycystic ovarian syndrome Urinary tract disorders Asthma Encephalomyelitis Neurodegenerative disorders Hair loss (alopecia) Eczema Bronchitis Rheumatism Rheumatoid arthritis Indigestion Loss of appetite Diarrhea Male infertility Pain Convulsions Depression Allergies What did the latest research show on Hashimoto’s disease? 40 patients were split into two groups of 20 receiving black cumin seed and 20 receiving a placebo. 2 grams a day of black cumin seed powder was taken for 8 weeks. What improved at the end of the 8 week study period in those who took black cumin seed? Body Mass Index (BMI) improved Waist circumference improved Hip circumference improved TSH decreased indicating improved thyroid function T3 increased which is the most active form of thyroid hormone Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO) decreased None of the above measurements improved in the placebo group who just took a starch pill. This clearly indicates the black cumin seed had a profound effect on weight loss, metabolism, thyroid function and improvement in the Hashimoto’s antibody thyroid peroxidase (TPO). What is it that resulted in such excellent improvements? Black cumin seeds contain a compound called thymoquinone that has all of these beneficial properties. Thymoquinone has been heavily studied and one of its mecha...