Several studies point to the effect of black seed and thymoquinone on the immune system by modulating the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Thymoquinone has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress in cells. The seeds have been shown to produce an increase in the ratio of helper to suppressor T cells and enhance natural killer cell activity in healthy volunteers. Because thymoquinone has dual anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, it may be an instrument which not only prevents the direct harmful effects of oxidants, but it may essentially alter the underlying inflammatory processes that play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

In the field of AIDS research, human clinical trials conducted at the Department of Biological and Medical Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia showed that Black Seed enhanced the ratio between helper T-cell by 55% with a 30% enhancement of NK cell activity. These findings suggest that Black Seed could play an important role in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and other immune deficiency states.

References:

Badary OA, Taha RA, Gamal el-Din AM, et al. Thymoquinone is a potent superoxide anion scavenger. Drug Chem Toxicol. 2003 May;26(2):87-98.
El-Kadi A, Kandil O, Tabuni AM, Nigella sativa and cell mediated immunity. Arch AIDS Res. 1989; 1: 232–233.
Gali-Muhtasib H, Roessner A, Schneider-Stock R. Thymoquinone: a promising anti-cancer drug from natural sources. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006;38(8):1249-53.
Hajhashemi V, Ghannadi A, Jafarabadi H. Black cumin seed essential oil, as a potent analgesic and antiinflammatory drug. Phytother Res. 2004 Mar;18(3):195-9.
Haq A, Lobo PI, Al-Tufail M, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa proteins fractionated by ion exchange chromatography. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1999 Apr;21(4):283-95.
Haq A, Abdullatif M, Lobo PI, et al. Nigella sativa: effect on human lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic activity. Immunopharmacology. 1995 Aug;30(2):147-55.
Houghton PJ, Zarka R, de las Heras B, et al. Fixed oil of Nigella sativa and derived thymoquinone inhibit eicosanoid generation in leukocytes and membrane lipid peroxidation. Planta Med. 1995 Feb;61(1):33-6.
Mansour MA, Nagi MN, El-Khatib AS, et al. Effects of thymoquinone on antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation and DT-diaphorase in different tissues of mice: a possible mechanism of action. Cell Biochem Funct. 2002 Jun;20(2):143-51.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.