Black Cumin: Which Is Which? - Healthline

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Black Cumin: Which Is Which?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Susan York Morris on July 13, 2020

Left: Nigella sativa; Right: Bunium bulbocastanum

Do you have seeds of doubt about which cumin is the real black cumin? You’re not alone. Two botanicals, Bunium bulbocastanum and Nigella sativa, are commonly referred to as black cumin.

Both are purported to have therapeutic properties, and both are spices. So what’s the difference?

Let’s cut through the confusion.

Nigella sativa

The prophet Mohammed is quoted as saying, “This black cumin is healing for all diseases except death.”

The black cumin he was referring to is Nigella sativa. It’s been used for centuries to treat everything from abscesses to herpes zoster.

Nigella sativa is a flowering plant that’s also called:

fennel flower
black caraway
kalonji

It’s native to parts of:

Asia
the Middle East
North Africa

The plant grows nearly three feet and has wispy foliage, small pale flowers, and fruit pods filled with seeds.

These seeds, about the size of caraway seeds, contain a number of active ingredients, including a powerful compound called thymoquinone (TQ).

TQ is said to:

reduce inflammation
enhance the immune system
protect against cancer

Considerable research is being conducted to determine potential applications for N. sativa in the treatment of a range of conditions, including:

Cancer

N. sativa has gained interest as a possible anti-cancer agent. There are ongoing studies to look at the role of N. sativa in controlling the beginning, growth and spreading of tumors.

Recent studies show that there appears to be a cancer-cell-killing potential in N. Sativa that holds hope for future prevention and treatment protocols.

Allergies

A large body of research supports the use of N. sativa for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. One study concluded that N. sativa relieves most common nasal allergy symptoms, including:

congestion
runny nose
sneezing
swelling of the nasal passages

Infection control

In new studies, N. sativa is showing promise as a treatment for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Alzheimer’s disease

Animal research indicates that N. sativa warrants further investigation for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Animal studies are showing promise for use of N. sativa for prevention of cognitive decline.

Bunium bulbocastanum

B. bulbocastanum is also called:

black cumin
great pignut
soil chestnut
black zira

It’s native to:

Northern Africa
Southeastern Europe
Southern Asia

The plant is about two feet tall and topped with white flowers similar to Queen Anne’s lace.

All parts of B. bulbocastanum have uses. The edible roots taste like coconut or chestnuts, while the leaves can be used as herbs. The seeds of B. bulbocastanum are most prized.

Although there hasn’t been extensive research on the therapeutic uses of B. bulbocastanum, several studies indicate that the herb may be effective in several treatment areas.

Infection Control

Researchers are exploring B. bulbocastanum as an antibacterial drug.

Most notably, it helps fight Staphylococcus aureus, which is the primary cause of skin and soft tissue infections.

These infections are often vancomycin-resistant and methicillin-resistant (MRSA), which means they don’t respond to antibiotics. Alternative treatments like B. bulbocastanum would be very beneficial.

Cancer

The fruit of B. bulbocastanum has been shown to be an antioxidant with potential cancer-fighting effects, though more research is needed.

Diabetes

According to some research, B. bulbocastanum has antioxidant properties and improves cell function to prevent aging and cell breakdown.

In the future, B. bulbocastanum may prove to be effective at reducing the effect of diabetes complications and aging due to oxidation and glycation.

These processes damage our cells and contribute to a host of medical conditions.

More human research and clinical trials are required before N. sativa and B. bulbocastanum can be heralded as cures. N. sativa in particular may pan out as a panacea for certain conditions.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ahmad H, et al. (2014). Antioxidation and antiglycation properties of Bunium bulbocastanum fruits various fractions and its possible role in reducing diabetes complication and aging.http://omicsgroup.org/journals/antioxidation-antiglycation-properties-bunium-bulbocastanum-fruits-various-fractions-possible-role-in-reducing-diabetes-complication-ageing-vms.1000118.php?aid=24727
Bakal SN, et al. (2017). Finding novel antibiotic substances from medicinal plants — antimicrobial properties of Nigella sativa directed against multidrug-resistant bacteria. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1556/1886.2017.00001
Bin Sayeed MS, et al. (2013). The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteers. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.004
Cascella M, et al. (2018). Dissecting the potential roles of Nigella sativa and its constituent thymoquinone on the prevention and on the progression of Alzheimer's disease. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00016
Hazarika I, et al. (2016). Anticancer and antioxidant property of Bunium bulbocastanum fruits various fractions.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Iswar_Hazarika/publication/337464462_Anticancer_and_Antioxidant_Property_of_Bunium_bulbocastanum_Fruits_Various_Fractions/links/5dd8c633a6fdccdb445c4e16/Anticancer-and-Antioxidant-Property-of-Bunium-bulbocastanum-Fruits-Various-Fractions.pdf
Khan I, et al. (2013). Screening of Bunium bulbocastanum for antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and haemagglutination activities. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23811459
Majdalawieh AF, et al. (2016). Recent advances on the anti-cancer properties of Nigella sativa, a widely used food additive. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2016.07.004
Mollazadeh H, et al. (2017). Review on the potential therapeutic roles of Nigella sativa in the treatment of patients with cancer: Involvement of apoptosis - Black cumin and cancer - DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.3831%2FKPI.2017.20.019
Nikakhlagh S, et al. (2011). Herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis: The use of Nigella sativa. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2010.07.019
Nigella sativa. (2020).http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/nigella-sativa
Zengin G, et al. (2019). New insights into the chemical profiling, cytotoxicity and bioactivity of four Bunium species. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2019.05.013

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Susan York Morris on July 13, 2020

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