Thyroid cancer is the abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the thyroid gland. The main types of thyroid cancer are follicular, papillary, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but there is a strong link between thyroid cancer and DNA inherited conditions.
Thyroid cancer inhibits the functions of the thyroid glands, such as producing hormones that control metabolism, body temperature, growth, and development. An imbalance in the thyroid hormone causes discomfort such as constipation, muscle weakness, fatigue, and even increased body weight. However, the thyroid cancer survival rate by age can vary. For those who are 65 to 69 the survival rate is lower.
Essential oils are one of the ways to relieve yourself of the discomfort associated with thyroid cancer. So, read on as we take a deep dive into black seed oil and thyroid cancer
What Is Black Cumin Seed Oil?
Black cumin seed oil is an extract from the seed of the flowering Nigella sativa plant. The oil has different names, including:
- Black cumin seed oil
- Kalonji oil
- Nigella sativa oil
- Nigella
- Fennel flower
- Black caraway
- Roman coriander
The black cumin seed oil has been used in the past as alternative functional medicine, particularly in the following regions:
- Southwest Asia
- Middle East
- Africa
- Eastern Europe
Although there is limited information on the health benefits of black cumin, there is evidence that the use of black cumin seed oil might offer certain benefits. Here are examples of key research findings on using cumin seed oil as alternative functional medicine:
- Reducing the blood levels of inflammatory markers, the number of swollen joints, and arthritis symptoms in a rheumatoid arthritis case study
- Reduce risk factors in obese women by helping lower their cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI)
- Improved mean asthma control, reduction in blood eosinophils, and improved forced expiratory volume in an asthma phototherapy research
- Improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetes treatment
- Simpler management of allergy symptoms such as nasal inflammation, sneezing, and itching through the following therapeutic effects:
- Immune-modulator
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antihistamine effects
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Analgesic
How Does Black Cumin Seed Oil Help With Thyroid Cancer?
Black cumin contains many active components with medicinal values, including thymol, alkaloids, saponins, and terpinenes. However, the most significant medicinal components of nigella sative seed or black cumin seed are thymoquinone (TQ), tymohydroquinone (THQ), and dihydrothymoquinone (DHTQ).
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most prominent component, making up 30-48 percent of the essential oil of black seed oil. TQ has various pharmacologic effects on the body, and research has shown that it protects vital body organs such as the kidneys, stomach lining, liver, and brain.
There main biological and pharmacological effects of thymoquinone include:
- Antioxidant
- Antihistamine
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immune system modulation
Thymoquinone has major anti-cancer, chemo preventive, and chemotherapeutic activity. Research shows that Thymoquinone has helped in modulating thyroid hormone and improved thyroid status
Constant use of black cumin seed oil has proven to result in causing a reduction in anthropometric variables such as weight loss, body mass index (BMI), waist, and hips.
Black cumin seed oil usage results in positive thyroid function by altering the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEG F). Besides directly impacting the thyroid, black cumin seed oil addresses related thyroid infections that a cancer patient is susceptible to, for example, Hashimotos thyroiditis.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
The antibacterial properties of black seed oil have proven the ability to grow Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that causes life-threatening infections to people with autoimmune thyroid disease and other thyroid problems. The melanin and Thymoquinone in black seeds have been in use along with alternative antibiotics in the treatment of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Thymoquinone acts as a biofilm disruptor and improves the impact of thyroid medication on H. Pylori, a bacterial infection associated with Hashimotos disease. The black cumin seed oil has gastro-protective properties that increase body antioxidants and protects the body from oxidative stress.
Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Control
Blood sugar imbalance, cholesterol, and diabetes are common co-occurring conditions with autoimmune, thyroid gland infections and thyroid cancer. Blood sugar balancing is one of the first interventions when dealing with thyroid infections and symptoms.
Black seed increases insulin sensitivity, decreases insulin resistance, and acts as an anti-diabetic agent. Consistent usage of black cumin seed oil has proven its ability to increase beta-cell function and boost insulin production.
Clinical trials reviews show that black seed oil improves glucose and lipids in type two diabetes. Balancing of blood sugars often needs to go with glucose and lipids balance.
The advantages of using black cumin seed oil in thyroid cancer treatment as an adjunct therapy have the following results:
- Lowered TSH and antibodies
- Improved T4 to T3 ratio, weight, and anthropometric measurements (body composition)
- Improvement in serum lipids
- Decrease in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Increase in HDL cholesterol
Possible Side Effects of Black Cumin Seed Oil
Black cumin seed oil is relatively safe to use, with little known side effects. However, there is limited information on the effects of long-term black seed oil use or how safe it is to increase the dosage.
Some studies have come up with information on the following side effects:
Toxicity: Usage of large amountsof melanthin might be toxic to the body
Allergic reaction: Black Cumin seed oil is an essential oil. Typically, you should not apply essential oil directly without dilution to avoid getting ‘burned’. Individuals with sensitive skin should do a patch test before using black seed oil.
Uncontrolled application of black cumin seed oil might react with the skin and cause allergist contact dermatitis or systemic reaction such as toxic epidermal necrosis.
Organ damage: Doctors have concerns that excessive or prolonged use of black cumin seed oil might result in a build-up of certain toxins that may harm major excretory organs, such as the kidney and liver.
Interaction with medications: Black cumin seed oil might not interact well with certain medications. You should always inquire from your health provider before using black seed oil when under medication.
Bleeding risk: Doctors advise black cumin seed oil users to stop using the oil at least two weeks before a major surgery. Black seed oil might slow blood clotting and increase bleeding risks. Individuals with blood disorders or on medication that alter with blood clotting should consult their health providers before using the black cumin seed oil.
Black Seed Oil Packaging
Black cumin seed oil is available in different forms for different uses. The most common being in 10 ml to 50 ml bottles. There are a few Nigella sativa supplements packaged in the following ways for oral consumption:
1. Capsules
Capsules are the easiest way to take the black cumin seed oil supplements. The capsule content might be in pure form or a combination of Nigella sativa extract and other compounds such as curcumin for synergistic anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects.
You should be careful to check the combined compounds and consult your doctor if you are living with a condition such as gallstones or are under medication.
2. Liquid
Cold-pressed black cumin seed oil is available in latent form for consumption. Alternatively, you can combine the oil with carrier oils and apply it directly to the skin.
3. Powder
Black cumin seeds can be consumed whole or as part of a dish. Alternatively, you can opt to ground the seeds and add the powder to smoothies and meals. However, the seeds have a bitter taste and can be combined with sweet foods to enhance the flavor.
More Information
Black cumin seed oil is not a substitute for prescribed drugs. Instead, it offers therapeutic effects and helps the patient manage the side effects of thyroid cancer and the treatment process when used correctly.
There is no specific dose recommendation for black seed oil. The right dosage depends on your age and health condition. Black cumin seed oil should be used as prescribed and as a dietary supplement to enhance the effects of anti-cancer drugs.
Essential oils such as black cumin seed oil are generally non-toxic for human use and have low adverse effects when used through diffused inhalation and application on the skin. However, you must be careful with the dilution and application.
Essential oils should to be ingested and aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their components might vary. Black cumin seed oil, like other essential oils, might have some side effects such as weight gain, sluggishness, and organ damage.
Essential oils have some pharmacological and therapeutic attributes, but there is no direct correlation between black cumin seed oil use and alternative treatment for thyroid cancer. Talk to your doctor before using any black cumin seed oil product, and only purchase from verified sources.
Have you or your loved one received a thyroid cancer diagnosis? The Immunity therapy center is here for you. We treat all types and stages of cancer, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Adenocarcinoma cancer
- Vaginal and vulva cancer
- Prostate cancer, among others
We understand the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis and do our best to formulate a cancer care plan that fits your needs, financial ability, and family considerations.
Our highly qualified staff will give you compassionate, caring, and efficient healthcare service as you spend your energy responding to treatment and healing.
If you are looking for a skilled medical professional for your treatment or clearer information on a diagnosis from your current provider, the Immunity therapy center is the place for you.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- Comparative immunomodulatory activity of Nigella sativa L. Preparations on proinflammatory mediators: A focus on asthma. (n.d.). Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01075/full
- Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: A randomized controlled clinical trial. (n.d.). RSC Publishing Home – Chemical Science Journals, Books and Databases. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2015/fo/c5fo00316d/unauth
- Immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil on T lymphocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. (2016, April 21). ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301562473_Immunomodulatory_Effect_of_Nigella_sativa_Oil_on_T_Lymphocytes_in_Patients_with_Rheumatoid_Arthritis
- Just a moment... (n.d.). Just a moment… https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196070910001407?via%3Dihub
- Just a moment... (n.d.). Just a moment… https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229915000278?via%3Dihub
- Thymoquinone: An emerging natural drug with a wide range of medical applications. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387230/
- What causes thyroid cancer? (n.d.). American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.