Effect of Black Cumin Seed Oil on Cortisol, Stress and Quality of Life in Healthy Moderately-Stressed Adults

Black seed oil (BSO), derived from Nigella sativa, has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. Its active constituents, such as thymoquinone, nigellone, and other bioactive compounds, are associated with diverse pharmacological effects. Recent scientific investigations have confirmed its potential health benefits, particularly as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Historical records indicate the use of BSO as a spice and medicinal herb dating back at least 1,400 years. Traditional medicinal systems, including Unani, Islamic, and Ayurvedic medicine, recognize its wide-ranging therapeutic properties. Traditional uses of black seed oil include remedies for respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. However, contemporary scientific investigations have provided more precise evidence of its effects on biochemical pathways involved in inflammation, cellular protection, energy metabolism, and stress responses.

Nigella sativa seeds are rich in various bioactive compounds, including:

• Thymoquinone (TQ): The most studied bioactive constituent with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer effects.
• Terpenes and Terpenoids: p-cymene, carvacrol, thymohydroquinone (THQ), dihydrothymoquinone (DHTQ), α-thujene, thymol, t-anethole, β-pinene, α-pinene, and γ-terpinene.
• Fatty Acids: Predominantly linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid.
• Phytosterols: Notably, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol.
• Alkaloids: Including nigellicimine, nigellidine, and nigellamines.
• Polyphenols: Such as quercitrin and kaempferol.

Because of the diversity of bioactive compounds found in BSO, its historical usage as a "cure-all" across various traditional medicine systems, and our emerging understanding of its clinical utility against modern stress-related ailments, this study explores black seed oil's therapeutic potential and relevance to modern health challenges, particularly cortisol modulation and stress response.