Kalajaji

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Kalajaji
Latin/Botanical	Nigella sativa L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Thymoquinone
• Thymohydroquinone
• Dithymoquinone (nigellone)
• P-cymene
• Carvacrol
• Alpha-pinene
• Alpha-hederin
• Thymol
• 4-Terpineol
• Kaempferol

How does it work?

• Thymoquinone inhibits NF-kB nuclear translocation, suppresses COX-2 and iNOS expression, and modulates MAPK signaling pathways, mechanisms proposed in preclinical studies to underlie reported anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity
• Alpha-hederin (triterpene saponin) disrupts cancer cell membranes through cholesterol binding and induces apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway activation (cytochrome c release, caspase-3/9 activation)
• Thymoquinone protects pancreatic beta cells from oxidative damage and enhances insulin secretion through modulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis and AMPK pathway activation

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Traditionally used for raised blood sugar. Antidiabetic activity has been reported in clinical studies, with improved glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Traditionally used for rheumatic conditions and pain. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects have been reported in clinical and preclinical studies.
• Held in very high regard in traditional Islamic medicine. Immunomodulatory effects, with an enhanced immune response, have been reported in clinical studies.

What do recent studies show?

• Alberts A, Moldoveanu ET, Niculescu AG and others 2024. Nigella sativa: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications. International journal of molecular sciences. PMID 39769174 · doi:10.3390/ijms252413410
  Review summarising reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective effects with 51 clinical trials identified on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Generally well tolerated; LD50 ranges from 28.8 mL/kg to 3,371 mg/kg in mice; subacute toxicity evaluations showed no toxicity at doses up to 6 g/kg of aqueous/methanol/chloroform extracts
• Mild adverse effects reported in clinical trials include bloating, nausea, and burning sensation in dyspeptic patients; allergic contact dermatitis documented in case reports
• Slight increase in kidney and liver enzymes observed with prolonged use of oil and crushed seeds; chronic toxicity studies found 2 mL/kg fixed oil slightly toxic over extended periods

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

• Thymoquinone
• Thymohydroquinone
• Nigellone (dithymoquinone)
• Carvacrol
• Thymol
• Kaempferol
• Alpha-pinene
• Alpha-hederin

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (seed powder), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (oil), Soft gel capsule, Honey-seed paste

Standard Dosage: 1-3g seed powder twice daily; 2.5-5ml seed oil daily; 500mg extract twice daily; 200-500mg thymoquinone-standardized extract

Optimal Timing: With meals (especially fatty meals) for optimal absorption; morning and evening doses. Traditional: mixed with honey on empty stomach.

Storage: Oil: amber glass bottles, nitrogen-flushed, below 25°C, protected from light. Seeds: cool, dry place. Soft gels: below 25°C, moisture-proof packaging.

Marker Compounds: Thymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Thymol, Carvacrol, p-Cymene, Nigellone (dithymoquinone), Alpha-hederin, Nigellidine

Synergistic Combinations

• With Honey (traditional Prophetic medicine combination)
• With Haridra for anti-inflammatory synergy
• With Methi for blood sugar management
• With Amalaki for immune support and antioxidant action