Natural herbs kills pancreatic cancer cells

An herb used in traditional remedies by lots of Middle Eastern countries may aid in the fight against pancreatic cancer, one of the most difficult cancers to heal. Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson in Philadelphia say that thymoquinone, an extract of black seed (nigella sativa or habbatus sauda) oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell development and stopped the cells growth by enhancing the process of programmed cell death.

While the scientific studies are in the initial development, the findings suggest that thymoquinone could eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in sufferers who have gone through surgery and chemotherapy or in individuals who are at a high risk of developing cancer.

The professor at Jefferson Medical College, Hwyda Arafat, M.D., Ph.D., said that black seed oil aids treat a broad array of medical conditions, including several immune and inflammatory disorders. Preceding studies additionally have shown that anti-cancer activity in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as prostate and colon cancers.

Using a human pancreatic cancer cell line, the team found that adding thymoquinone killed just about 80 pct of the cancer cells. It showed that thymoquinone triggered programmed cell death in the cells, and that a number of important genes, as well as  bcl-2 and p21, p53, Bax, were affected.

The researchers revealed that expression a tumor suppressor gene, and a gene that promotes programmed cell death, was increased, while bcl-2, which  blocks such cell death, was decreased. The p21 gene, which is involved in the regulation of different phases of the cell phase, was substantially improved. She presents her findings Could eighteen  at the Digestive Disease Week in San Diego.

The researchers also found that it  caused “epigenetic” improvements in pancreatic cancer cells, modifying the cells’ DNA. They reported that these improvements include adding acetyl groups to the DNA structure, specifically to blocks of proteins (histone deacetylases). This “acetylation” development can be important for genes to be read and translated into proteins. In this case, it could implicate the genes that are vital to initiating programmed cell death.

“We studied the histones and found surprisingly that thymoquinone asisted the acetylation process,” She says. “We have never predicted that.”

At the same time, adding thymoquinone to pancreatic cancer cells reduced the production and activity of enzymes named as histone deacetylases (HDACs), which eliminate the acetyl groups from the histone proteins, halted the gene transcription process. She said that histone deacetylases inhibitors are a new class of drug treatments that interfere with the function of histone deacetylases, and is being tested as a treatment for neuro-degenerative diseases and cancer. Finding that thymoquinone functions as an histone deacetylases inhibitor. She proclaims, “it was very amazing and really exciting.”

Pancreatic cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in many country. The diseases frequently detected once it has stretch and only four percent of individuals with pancreatic cancer live for five years after diagnosis.

Natural remedies with nigella sativa / habbatussauda

Botanically acknowledged as nigella sativa a.k.a habbatussauda is a natural remedies peculiar to Western Asia.

The black seed is also mentioned in the Bible in Isiah 28:25-27 as the ‘fitches’. Ibn Senna, known in the West as Avicenna, who wrote the great medical treatise 'The Canon of Medicine', referred to the nigella sativa as the seed ‘that stimulates the body's energy and assists recovery from fatigue’.

The ancient Egyptians recognized and used the nigella sativa and described it as a magic potion (cure for problems and diseases / natural remedies). Tutankamun even had a jug of the oil in his tomb!, and Cleopatra reputedly used it as part of her skin care preparations. The Romans also knew this seed and called it Greek Coriander and used it as a dietary supplement.

In the first century, Dioscoredes cited that the nigella sativa were taken to heal head aches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal worms.

What is Nigella Sativa (the black seed)?

Nigella Sativa can grow between 16-24 inches in height and presents white flowers wherein the nigella sativa can be found. When rubbed together they release a strong aromatic smell which resembles that of oregano and the crunchy textured seeds have a strong spicy/peppery flavor with a slight bitterness.

The nigella sativa grows in Russia, Turkey, Middle and Far East, Indonesia, India, France, Germany and the Mediterranean Basin.

Nigella Sativa is known commonly in Arabic as Habbat-ul-Baraka (blessed seed) and in English as Love in the Mist.

Benefits of Nigella Sativa / Habbatussauda

There are many reasons that people prefer to turn to herbal remedies / natural remedies than prescription medicines. Cost, convenience and considerations over the impurities in, and side effect of, medications conduct many to the means of taking control over their health.

Here are a number of of the benefits of Nigella sativa that has been confirmed by investigation and scientists. Given the study of this natural remedies is still ongoing, the list of disorders that can be cured by Nigella sativa will definitely get longer in the future. In fact, traditionally Nigella sativa is also used to heal heart problems, hair loss, hypertension, liver disease, diabetic issues etc. Although apparently not yet proven scientifically, does not mean that Nigella sativa benefits of natural remedies in doubt. The deficiency of scientific data does not mean that a traditional treatments is not effective, but just because the world of science is not yet examined the therapeutic effect secrets.

Indigestion drug. Nigella sativa effective to kill bacteria, including the drugs resist bacteria, such as the E. coli, cholera bacterium and shigella spp. That's why, Nigella sativa may be used to treat disorders of the digestive system caused by bacterial infection and other causes of non-specific abdominal symptoms such as dyspepsia, heartburn, vomiting and diarrhea.

Boost immune system. Nigella sativa can boost protection, especially in patients who have impaired immune systems. In accordance to study, Black Seed caps of one gram, twice a day for four weeks can help improve T-cell ratio between positive and negative up to 72%. Have the better of immunity plays an important role in the healing of colds, influenza, AIDS, and other health conditions associated with the immune system.

Increasing the amount of milk. Nigella increases the production of milk in nursing mothers due to a combination of elements of the lipid and hormonal structure contained therein. In addition, it contain arginine, that is important for infant growth.

Cancer drugs, Fatty acids on Nigella sativa can inhibit cancer cell development. Nigella sativa stimulates the bone marrow productivity, interferon production, and cell immunity. It may help to protects normal cells against cell destroying viruses and against tumor cells without damaging healthy cells.

Source of nutrition, Nigella sativa contains pro-vitamin A, sodium, potassium, iron and calcium. Although needed in small portions by the body, these elements act as co-factors for several enzyme functions. Nigella sativa also has eight of the nine essential amino acids. The acids cannot be synthesized in our bodies that need to be taken from the outside.

Asthma and allergy medications. Histamine is a substance released by the body's immune system as an allergic reaction. Crystalline nigellone on Nigella sativa has a pro-kinase C, a substance known to block histamine release. Giving Nigella sativa can reduce allergic reactions in most patients with asthma, bronchitis, and other allergic diseases with safe.

Anti-inflammatory drugs. Thymoquinine on nigella sativa effective as anti-inflammatory. It can be used as a topical medication on acne. To prevent acne and to smooth the skin, take one spoon of olive oil and mix with half a teaspoon of black seed oil. Gently rub on face and wash with soapy water after one hour later.