Black Seed Oil versus Turmeric: A Powerful Duo for Optimal Health

Article Summary:

• Both black seed oil and turmeric have numerous health benefits and have been used for centuries across different cultures. 
• Thymoquinone, derived from black seeds, and curcumin, derived from turmeric, exhibit poor absorption and bioavailability, which hinder the efficacy of most supplements containing these nutrients. 
• The proprietary nutrient delivery technology developed by Tesseract Medical Research addresses the bioavailability and palatability issues of these two nutrients to help achieve their health benefits. 

Black seed oil is derived from the seeds of nigella sativa, an annual flowering plant widely known for its beneficial properties. Black seed, also known as black cumin,  has been used across different cultures owing to its antioxidant and immunomodulating properties that promote various health functions.* These benefits are primarily  attributed to the presence of thymoquinone, the major bioactive component of the essential oil, which plays a key role in its therapeutic effects. 

Turmeric comes from the root of curcuma longa, a native Asian flowering plant. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic pigment found in turmeric, is associated with multiple health benefits. The antioxidant properties of curcumin and its ability to maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response are linked to its associated health benefits.* 

This post explores  the benefits of black seed oil versus turmeric, their similarities, differences, and why you should include both nutrients as supplements in your diet.     

Black Seed Oil versus Turmeric: A Comparison 

Both black seed and turmeric have been used for centuries for their many health benefits. The combined effect of these nutrients has also been explored¹ to understand their beneficial roles in addressing various health conditions. When considering black seed oil versus turmeric as supplements, it is worth understanding the similarities and differences between these two nutrients, their mechanisms of action, and how they promote health functions in the body.*  

The following table highlights several key differences and similarities between the two nutrients. 

The poor absorption and bioavailability of black seed oil and turmeric hinder the efficacy of most thymoquinone and curcumin supplements. Advanced formulations that utilize innovative pharmacological approaches can enhance the absorption of these nutrients to help achieve their health benefits.   

Including Black Seed and Turmeric Supplements in Your Diet 

Tesseract Medical Research has developed the proprietary CyLoc® /DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology, which addresses the bioavailability challenges of active nutrients, thus achieving targeted delivery and unprecedented absorption. The CyLoc® technology encases individual nutrient molecules to enhance their palatability and protect them from breaking down during the transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release each molecule at the desired point in the intestinal tract for optimal absorption and bioavailability. 

The following Tesseract supplement formulations contain thymoquinone and curcumin, enhancing the bioavailability of these nutrients to achieve the associated health benefits. 

• ThymoQuell® and ThymoQuell Plus®: ThymoQuell® is a stand-alone thymoquinone formulation that addresses oxidative stress and helps maintain normal inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract.* ThymoQuell Plus® contains turmeric oil and terpenes, in addition to thymoquinone, for a comprehensive approach in promoting gastrointestinal health.* 

• TetraCumin®:  This curcumin supplement contains tetrahydrocurcumin, the most bioactive form of curcumin, for optimal absorption and bioavailability.* The hypoallergenic formulation promotes a healthy immune response, provides optimal support for periodic joint flare-ups, and helps maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response.* 

When it comes to black seed oil and turmeric supplementation, the key is to select a formulation that optimizes the bioavailability of both nutrients to best achieve their health benefits.

Citations: 

¹Amin, F et al. “Clinical efficacy of the co-administration of Turmeric and Black seeds (Kalongi) in metabolic syndrome – a double blind randomized controlled trial – TAK-MetS trial.” Complementary therapies in medicine vol. 23,2 (2015): 165-74. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.01.008