The seeds, after steam distillation, give off a yellowish brown volatile oil with an unpleasant odor.
The oil contains the carvone, d-limonene, and a carbonyl compound, nigellone.
The seed oil has antibacterial, insecticidal, bronchiodilatory, hypotensive and immune-stimulant properties. It contains nourishing amino acids such as cysteine, lysine, valine and leucine.
The seed contains saponins, which have cleansing properties.
Key Therapeutic benefits:
The seeds are recommended for cough and bronchial asthma.
Black Cumin is known to prevent dental caries.
The herb also has analgesic properties, which depress the central nervous system.
Black Cumin aids digestion and relieves flatulence.