Nigella sativa relaxed vessels, increased flow
Reduced chances for heart and circulatory problems
In this study, doctors measured vessel function in 50 adults who had higher chances of developing heart and circulatory issues. Participants took a placebo or 500 mg of black seed (nigella sativa) oil per day.
After two months, for those taking black seed oil, blood vessels were better able to relax and dilate, increasing flow capacity by 2.97 percent compared to 0.71 percent for placebo. Doctors also measured blood levels of nitric oxide metabolites, a molecule the body produces naturally, and which regulates the ability of vessels to relax and dilate. Nitric oxide levels increased 4.73 micromoles per liter of blood (mmol/L) in those taking black seed oil, compared to 0.99 mmol/L for placebo.
Discussing the findings, doctors said heart and circulatory conditions are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide and that black seed oil may help maintain circulatory health.
Reference: Phytotherapy Research; 2022, Vol. 36, No. 5, 2236-45
