Nigella sativa (Black seeds) anti-leukemic Effects – A Safer Alternative
THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY DR. MUHAMMAD MUKTAR, PHD, GOOGLE NOTED SCHOLAR
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITTEN FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This article contains affiliate links that I may get a commission on if you buy. See our Privacy Policy.
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITTEN FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This article contains affiliate links that I may get a commission on if you buy. See our Privacy Policy.
|
The anticancer effect of black seeds has been documented against a variety of cancers, including cancer of blood systems, pancreas, breast, cervix, kidney, liver, lung, prostate, and skin. However, in this article, we describe the black seed effects against leukemia.
What is Leukemia? Among humans, white blood cells defend the body from various infections. Their growth and division depend on the type and severity of the infection. However, under certain circumstances, these cells start growing abnormally and lose their functionality of defending the body from various infections. This specific type of cancer is known as leukemia. There are several other types of leukemias involving bone marrow that form white blood cells as well as the lymphatic system. |
How Do You Treat Leukemia?
Treatment of leukemia is highly complex, involving ablation strategies in which chemotherapeutics and radiation treatments are used to control the abnormal growth of white blood cells. Moreover, stem cell transplant and various other targeted therapies are employed.
Treatment of leukemia is highly complex, involving ablation strategies in which chemotherapeutics and radiation treatments are used to control the abnormal growth of white blood cells. Moreover, stem cell transplant and various other targeted therapies are employed.
Side Effects of leukemia Treatments
According to webmd.com (https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/aml-side-effects#1), there is always a need to overcome the side effects of acute myeloid leukemia treatment.
Prominent side effects of leukemia medication are fatigue, hair loss, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, mouth sores, variety of infectious disease, and brain fog, a condition in which people manifest cognitive problems like concentration, multitasking and remembering information.
This situation is worrisome not only for the patients but also for the patient's loved one and caregivers. There has always been a quest for identifying anti-leukemic agents with relatively lesser side effects and this is why we will be discussing the miracle oil, Nigella Sativa.
According to webmd.com (https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/aml-side-effects#1), there is always a need to overcome the side effects of acute myeloid leukemia treatment.
Prominent side effects of leukemia medication are fatigue, hair loss, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, mouth sores, variety of infectious disease, and brain fog, a condition in which people manifest cognitive problems like concentration, multitasking and remembering information.
This situation is worrisome not only for the patients but also for the patient's loved one and caregivers. There has always been a quest for identifying anti-leukemic agents with relatively lesser side effects and this is why we will be discussing the miracle oil, Nigella Sativa.
Thymoquinone Exerts its Leukemia Inhibiting Properties
A scientific study published in the year 2017 not only deciphered the growth suppressing effects in leukemic cells by thymoquinone-an oil-soluble fraction mainly found in the black seeds oil, instead went into detail by describing the mechanism through which thymoquinone exerts its leukemia inhibiting properties. This study utilized a variety of methodologies, including in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo techniques in a mouse model of leukemia. Surprisingly, it was observed that thymoquinone stopped leukemia progression, thus suggesting its utilization in leukemic patients due to its preexisting safety profile as an approved dietary ingredient.
The study further elaborated on the mechanism through which thymoquinone present in the black seeds oil overcomes the abnormal growth of white blood cells, the underlying cause of leukemia. Summarizing the complex scientific information, it can be said that thymoquinone makes an enzyme dysfunctional that is associated with the abnormal growth of white blood cells.
This enzyme is known as DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). The DNMT1 interacts with several other biological moieties, also known as cofactors, to make this enzyme fully functional. Multiple docking studies have shown that thymoquinone mimics the cofactor of DNMT1, occupies the space necessary for the cofactor to bind and thus hinders the progression and division of leukemia. As far as the scientific and technical implications are concerned. This study is more like pre-clinical, with a solid proof of concept showing black seed oil fraction thymoquinone is the real anti-leukemic agent (1).
The study further elaborated on the mechanism through which thymoquinone present in the black seeds oil overcomes the abnormal growth of white blood cells, the underlying cause of leukemia. Summarizing the complex scientific information, it can be said that thymoquinone makes an enzyme dysfunctional that is associated with the abnormal growth of white blood cells.
This enzyme is known as DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). The DNMT1 interacts with several other biological moieties, also known as cofactors, to make this enzyme fully functional. Multiple docking studies have shown that thymoquinone mimics the cofactor of DNMT1, occupies the space necessary for the cofactor to bind and thus hinders the progression and division of leukemia. As far as the scientific and technical implications are concerned. This study is more like pre-clinical, with a solid proof of concept showing black seed oil fraction thymoquinone is the real anti-leukemic agent (1).
Thymoquinone Mediated Control of Leukemia is Unravelling the Mystery of Leukemia Treatment
A clinical study published in the Clinical Cancer Research Journal further strengthen the above described beneficial effects of thymoquinone the oil-soluble fraction of black seed oil and unravel the complexities of leukemia treatment issues. However, both this one and the prior study involving thymoquinone are pinpointing to a familiar culprit enzyme DNMT whose inhibition is associated with the regression of leukemia.
It was observed that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) get dysregulated, ultimately having an impact on the DNMTs. The pathway for leukemia is an upregulation of RTKs and increased activity of DNMT. Black seed oil fraction halts the leukemia progression at the level of DNMT. So, the choice is either inhibiting DNMTs or RTKs. The thymoquinone is a step ahead of controlling leukemia and also open the doors for leukemia treatment at multiple forefronts (2).
It was observed that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) get dysregulated, ultimately having an impact on the DNMTs. The pathway for leukemia is an upregulation of RTKs and increased activity of DNMT. Black seed oil fraction halts the leukemia progression at the level of DNMT. So, the choice is either inhibiting DNMTs or RTKs. The thymoquinone is a step ahead of controlling leukemia and also open the doors for leukemia treatment at multiple forefronts (2).
Thymoquinone in Black Seed Oil Control Leukemia Through Multiple Pathways
Black seed and its anticancer oil property are known for centuries. Modern science has taken us in the ultimate details of how this historical plant has recognition in Islamic teaching is so much curative. The DNMT inhibition story is so convincing that efforts are ongoing to develop its inhibitors.
However, a natural preparation is always more beneficial with lesser side effects and scientific findings very much support thymoquinone present in the black seed oil.
Thymoquinone mediated control of leukemia is highly targeted at molecular levels. However, it is crucial to take into consideration several allied anticancer benefits of thymoquinone, the primary component of black seed oil. Few worth quoting that might be having substantial anticancer effect besides DNMT inhibitory effect. Among these, the most promising is cancer cell growth.
Every cancer is associated with abnormal growth of cells that involves higher replication/duplication of genetic material, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It has been already reported that thymoquinone exerts an inhibitory effect on the synthesis of DNA, thus providing natural control over the cancer progression(3). Importantly, almost every cancer, including leukemia, is associated with enhanced oxidative stress, which is the excessive generation of free radicals.
These molecular moieties induce changes in healthy cells and put them on the passage to oncogenicity. Thymoquinone overcomes enhanced oxidative stress in cancerous condition and thus protect healthy cells (4).
There are several other anti-oncogenic biochemical effects associated with thymoquinone. Worth mentioning is the lowering of matrix metalloproteinases, control of several transcription factors associated with cancer progression, and reduction of angiogenesis are prominent steps being regulated or controlled by thymoquinone, ultimately benefitting towards cancer control.
However, a natural preparation is always more beneficial with lesser side effects and scientific findings very much support thymoquinone present in the black seed oil.
Thymoquinone mediated control of leukemia is highly targeted at molecular levels. However, it is crucial to take into consideration several allied anticancer benefits of thymoquinone, the primary component of black seed oil. Few worth quoting that might be having substantial anticancer effect besides DNMT inhibitory effect. Among these, the most promising is cancer cell growth.
Every cancer is associated with abnormal growth of cells that involves higher replication/duplication of genetic material, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It has been already reported that thymoquinone exerts an inhibitory effect on the synthesis of DNA, thus providing natural control over the cancer progression(3). Importantly, almost every cancer, including leukemia, is associated with enhanced oxidative stress, which is the excessive generation of free radicals.
These molecular moieties induce changes in healthy cells and put them on the passage to oncogenicity. Thymoquinone overcomes enhanced oxidative stress in cancerous condition and thus protect healthy cells (4).
There are several other anti-oncogenic biochemical effects associated with thymoquinone. Worth mentioning is the lowering of matrix metalloproteinases, control of several transcription factors associated with cancer progression, and reduction of angiogenesis are prominent steps being regulated or controlled by thymoquinone, ultimately benefitting towards cancer control.
CHOOSING RIGHT PREPARATION FOR CONTROLLING LEUKEMIA
Leukemia is one of the hardest to treat cancers. Existing treatments have side effects that compromise the quality of life among the individuals being treated. Now the question is how to use Nigella sativa, i.e., either crude formulation or oil.
According to our evaluations, it depends on the severity of cancer. Crude formulation of Nigella sativa could help overcome leukemia or as a preventive measure.
The Prophet of Islam saying explicitly declares black seed as a treatment for every disease except death.
Now scientific studies very clearly demonstrate:
According to our evaluations, it depends on the severity of cancer. Crude formulation of Nigella sativa could help overcome leukemia or as a preventive measure.
The Prophet of Islam saying explicitly declares black seed as a treatment for every disease except death.
Now scientific studies very clearly demonstrate:
- Oil-soluble fraction thymoquinone is the primary ingredient having an anti-oncogenic effect.
- Thymoquinone mainly mimics the cofactor of an enzyme known as DNA methyltransferase 1.
- Binding of Thymoquinone to this enzyme in white blood cells stop them from progressing towards leukemic conditions.
- This could be one of the most targeted and highly specific treatment for leukemia.
- Thymoquinone treatment has opened the doors for comprehensive understanding about leukemia besides a specific treatment
- Future efforts in Leukemia drug discovery will be focused on DNMT inhibitors.
- Several kinases induce the DNMT enzyme towards oncogenicity.
Our Recommendations
Based on the current scientific information, we firmly believe leukemia can be potentially controlled with black seed oil. However, under the present scenario, it is essential to give utmost consideration to the quality of black seed oil. In one of our publications, we have already raised the quality matter related to black seed oil, taking into consideration thymoquinone and other ingredients.
There is an urgent need to standardize levels of thymoquinone in black seed oil, and any adulteration needs to be curbed. Under the prevailing circumstances, black seed oil must be procured from authentic suppliers.
It is safer to conclude that Leukemia patients should use black seed oil as all domains, including basic, pre-clinical, and clinical findings, very much allude to the benefits of this beneficial product.
Based on the current scientific information, we firmly believe leukemia can be potentially controlled with black seed oil. However, under the present scenario, it is essential to give utmost consideration to the quality of black seed oil. In one of our publications, we have already raised the quality matter related to black seed oil, taking into consideration thymoquinone and other ingredients.
There is an urgent need to standardize levels of thymoquinone in black seed oil, and any adulteration needs to be curbed. Under the prevailing circumstances, black seed oil must be procured from authentic suppliers.
It is safer to conclude that Leukemia patients should use black seed oil as all domains, including basic, pre-clinical, and clinical findings, very much allude to the benefits of this beneficial product.
Deaths and Mortality Rates from Leukemia
Survival
*The survival rate of CML in clinical trials is higher than the survival rate reported here, based on SEER data. It is speculated that close clinical monitoring and better medication adherence in clinical trials are associated with a lower risk of disease progression and higher rates of survival. SOURCE
Survival
- The 5-year relative survival rate for leukemia has more than quadrupled, from 14 percent in whites from 1960 to 1963 (the only data available) to 64.5 percent for all races from 2008 to 2014.
- From 2007 to 2013, the five-year relative survival rates overall were
- CML - 68.7 percent*
- CLL - 86.8 percent
- AML - 28.1 percent overall and 68.8 percent for children and adolescents younger than 15 years
- ALL - 71.6 percent overall, 90.6 percent for children and adolescents younger than 15 years, and 94.5 percent for children younger than 5 years.
- In 2019, 22,840 people are expected to die from leukemia (13,150 males and 9,690 females).
- From 2011 to 2015, leukemia was the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the US.
*The survival rate of CML in clinical trials is higher than the survival rate reported here, based on SEER data. It is speculated that close clinical monitoring and better medication adherence in clinical trials are associated with a lower risk of disease progression and higher rates of survival. SOURCE
When treating Leukemia you must understand the full picture and that in most cases a consultant or natural doctor must be used to help guide you on the path of health and rarely in such difficult cases should you ever attempt this alone. There is much more to treating Leukemia than just taking black seed oil. Depending on the stage of cancer the side effects and difficulties you are having will be the complete protocol that is given. If you need more help and guidance, check out my consultation services here.
References
1. Pang J, Shen N, Yan F, Zhao N, Dou L, Wu LC, Seiler CL, Yu L, Yang K, Bachanova V, et al. thymoquinone exerts potent growth-suppressive activity on leukemia through DNA hypermethylation reversal in leukemia cells. Oncotarget 2017;8(21):34453-67. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.16431. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28415607
2. Shen N, Yan F, Pang J, Zhao N, Gangat N, Wu L, Bode AM, Al-Kali A, Litzow MR, Liu S. Inactivation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases Reverts Aberrant DNA Methylation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(20):6254-66. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-17-0235. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28720666
3. Salem AA, El Haty IA, Abdou IM, Mu Y. Interaction of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA with thymoquinone: a possible mechanism for thymoquinone anticancer effect. Biochim Biophys Acta 2015;1850(2):329-42. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.10.018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25450185
4. Morry J, Ngamcherdtrakul W, Yantasee W. Oxidative stress in cancer and fibrosis: Opportunity for therapeutic intervention with antioxidant compounds, enzymes, and nanoparticles. Redox Biol 2017;11:240-53. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2016.12.011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28012439