What Is Kalonji Called in English and What Is It Good for?

Kalonji is a black seed from a herb that grows in North Africa, Russia, Turkey, Southwest Asia, and Southern Europe. It has been used in traditional medicine to cure health conditions. But what is kalonji in English, and why is it good for you?

Kalonji is known by different names worldwide. It's called nigella seed in English. Its botanical name is Nigella sativa. In Hindi, it's called kalonji or "kala jeera." In Europe, it's called black caraway or fennel flower. The Arab world calls kalonji habbatus sauda or Shoniz. Americans call it black cumin or black seed. 

Kalonji is the seed of the annual flowering herb Nigella sativa, which belongs to the buttercup family. It grows up to 25 inches tall and bears fruits with many black seeds or kalonji. The black seeds are used as a spice to flavor food like bread, pickles, sauces, salads, and yogurt. 

Kalonji has been used as a traditional remedy in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Traditional herbal doctors described kalonji as the miraculous “herb from heaven” because of its potential health benefits. In Islamic literature, the Prophet Muhammad stated the healing powers of kalonji, which is why it's still used as a medicinal herb today.

Half a teaspoon or 3 grams of kalonji has the following nutrients:

• 12 calories
• 0.5 grams of protein    
• 1 gram of fat
• 1.5 grams of carbohydrates     
• 0 grams of sugar       
• 0.36 milligrams of iron

Kalonji has no cholesterol or sodium, which makes it good for heart health.

It contains minerals like copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. It also has vitamins like thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, and folic acid.

Kalonji is rich in polysaccharides, a great source of dietary fiber. Black seeds are packed with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid. Your body can't produce these fats, but you can get them from food. 

Black seeds have essential amino acids like alanine, arginine, glycine, and leucine, which are building blocks of proteins. They also have alkaloids like nigellimine, which has many health benefits. They contain various bioactive compounds, including plant sterols and antioxidant polyphenols like quercetin and hyperoside.

Kalonji also contains plant chemicals or terpenes like nigellone and thymoquinone, which have various medicinal properties.

Kalonji has the following health benefits:

Prevents oxidative stress

Oxidative stress caused by harmful molecules or free radicals can damage your cells. It can lead to aging, infections, and health conditions like cancer. Natural antioxidants in medicinal plants like Nigella sativa can help prevent oxidative cell damage. Lab results and animal studies have shown that kalonji has antioxidant effects that reduce oxidative stress and cancer growth in rats and chickens. 

Adding black seed to your diet can help protect your cells and prevent long-term conditions like cancer.

Controls blood sugar levels

Kalonji has been used as an antidiabetic herb in traditional medicine for a long time. Evidence shows that kalonji reduces high blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. Nigella sativa extract and oil contain a plant chemical called thymoquinone. It helps increase insulin levels and decrease blood sugar levels. Nigella seeds can be used as a functional food to control and prevent diabetes.

Reduces blood pressure

Kalonji has been traditionally used as blood pressure medicine because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has proven that they reduce high blood pressure effectively. Clinical studies on people with high blood pressure were given 100 and 200 milligrams of Nigella sativa extract twice daily for 8 weeks. They showed a significant decrease in blood pressure.

Adding nigella seeds to your diet can help control your blood pressure and prevent heart problems and stroke.

Promotes weight loss

Nigella seed oil is known to help with weight loss. A clinical trial in 50 people with obesity revealed that having nigella seed oil with a low-calorie diet for 8 weeks can decrease oxidative damage and body weight. Including kalonji in your diet regularly can help you control your weight.

Prevents digestive problems

Kalonji aids in proper digestion and eases your bowels. It helps treat indigestion, stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, heartburn, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea.

Protects the nervous system

Thymoquinone from kalonji seeds has brain-protecting effects. Studies in rats show that nigella seeds and their oil protect the brain from chemical damage and inflammation. They also help improve brain function. Research also shows that nigella seeds help prevent neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, brain stroke, brain injury, anxiety, depression, seizures, and schizophrenia.

Boosts the immune system

Kalonji has potential immune-boosting effects. It promotes the growth of immune cells that have anti-inflammatory effects and prevents the formation of inflammatory molecules. Nigella sativa oil contains nigellone, which has anti-allergic effects. A study showed that nigellone prevented respiratory spasms in guinea pigs. So, nigella seeds may be able to help relieve allergy symptoms like bronchitis, asthma, and coughing.

Relieves pain and inflammation

Black cumin or kalonji contains terpenes like thymoquinone. They have anti-inflammatory and natural pain-relieving powers. They protect your body from inflammatory conditions like arthritis by stopping the production of inflammatory molecules.

Prevents microbial infection

Nigella sativa seeds and seed oil have antimicrobial properties. Thymoquinone extracted from the seeds is effective against bacteria, including  Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. It's also effective against fungi, viruses, and parasites.

Research shows that 6 grams of ground kalonji seeds and 12 grams of honey daily can help treat gastric ulcers. Kalonji’s antimicrobial properties help kill Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that infects your gut and causes stomach ulcers.

Reduces cancer growth

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of kalonji help prevent your cells from becoming cancerous. Studies show that thymoquinone and other plant bioactive compounds from kalonji help prevent breast cancer, bone cancer, skin cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Including kalonji seeds in your diet can be a natural way to keep long-term illnesses like cancer away.

Prevents male infertility

Oxidative stress can lead to low or abnormal sperm production. It can result in infertility in males. Evidence suggests that herbs like kalonji can reduce oxidative stress and prevent male infertility.

Prevents acne and skin problems

Kalonji has plant-based compounds that protect the skin and promote wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties may also help heal burn wounds. In a clinical trial, 60 people were asked to apply black cumin gel twice daily. They showed reduced symptoms of acne without any side effects. 

Another study showed that black seed oil helps treat vitiligo, a disorder that causes loss of skin pigmentation. Applying a cream with black seed oil promotes re-pigmentation of the vitiligo on the hands, face, and genitals.