‘krishna jeerakam’ (black cumin) in anticancerous treatment

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: ‘krishna jeerakam’ (black cumin) in anticancerous treatment
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: ‘krishna jeerakam’ (black cumin) in anticancerous treatment

Year: 1988

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Krishna Jeerakam’, commonly known as black cumin, is a small black seed utilized in Ayurvedic medicine. It is referred to by various synonyms such as ‘Karavi’, ‘Prithvi’, and ‘Kala’, each implying different beneficial properties. Descriptions from ancient texts highlight the seed's characteristics, indicating its potential to provide diverse health benefits, particularly concerning the immune system, digestion, and even cancer treatment.

Anticancerous Properties of Krishna Jeerakam

Recent research has focused on the anticancerous properties of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’. An important study demonstrated that a decoction containing ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ in combination with ‘Chopchini’ (Smilax china) and ‘Gopangana’ (Hemidesmus Indicus) is effective in treating chronic and malignant ulcers as well as lymph glandular swellings. Remarkably, the oral administration of this preparation in studies involving Swiss Albino mice transplanted with Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells showed a preventive effect against the development of ascites. Further investigations into the individual components of this medicine have revealed a cytotoxic principle in ‘Krishna Jeerakam’, underscoring its potential role in cancer treatment.

Conclusion

The findings surrounding ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ highlight its significance in traditional medicine and its emerging role in contemporary anticancer research. While the preliminary results are promising, it is essential for researchers to continue verifying these claims and explore the medicinal properties of other herbal components associated with ‘Krishna Jeerakam’. Continued research could unveil further therapeutic applications, reinforcing the value of ancient herbal practices in modern medicine.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is 'Krishna Jeerakam' and its common names?

'Krishna Jeerakam' is a small black seed used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known by synonyms such as 'Karavi', 'Prithvi', and 'Kala', each reflecting different properties like saving from death, fame, and its black color.

What are the medicinal properties of 'Krishna Jeerakam'?

'Krishna Jeerakam' has various properties including being antipyretic, digestive, increases memory, reduces tumours, and has aphrodisiac qualities. It also mitigates imbalances in body humours such as 'kapha' and 'vata'.

What other components were used with 'Krishna Jeerakam' in research?

In research, 'Krishna Jeerakam' was combined with 'Chopchini' and 'Gopangana' in a decoction. This formulation was found beneficial for treating chronic ulcers and lymph glandular swellings.

What were the results of the animal experiments with 'Krishna Jeerakam'?

Preliminary experiments showed that oral administration of 'Krishna Jeerakam' prevented ascites in mice with Dalton’s lymphoma cells. Further studies indicated the existence of a cytotoxic principle in 'Krishna Jeerakam'.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “‘krishna jeerakam’ (black cumin) in anticancerous treatment”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
Activity refers to the functional properties and effects of substances, like ‘Krishna Jeerakam’, in terms of health benefits. It encompasses how a compound behaves biologically, particularly in its efficacy against cancer, as evidenced by research on its anti-tumor properties, particularly in the context of diseases like Dalton’s lymphoma.

2) Krishna (Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna in ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ signifies the name of the black cumin seed used in Ayurvedic medicine. The term suggests a cultural and spiritual context, often associated with healing and protection against ailments, emphasizing its revered status in traditional medicine.

3) Drug:
The term drug encompasses the active agents used in treatment, highlighting the pharmacological efficacy of substances like ‘Krishna Jeerakam’. In this context, it refers to the medicinal properties derived from various plants and their combined effects, underscoring the importance of natural compounds in therapeutic approaches.

4) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the application and formulation of substances to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases. In the context of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’, it indicates its use in traditional Ayurvedic practices and emphasizes holistic healing, where natural ingredients play a significant role in promoting health and combating illnesses.

5) Prithvi (Pṛthvī):
Prithvi translates to ‘famous’ and highlights the recognition and cultural significance of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ in the medicinal world. This synonym emphasizes not only its esteemed status in Ayurvedic texts but also its valued properties in combating various ailments, contributing to its enduring reputation.

6) Karavi (Kāravī, Karavī):
Karavi translates to ‘savior from the fear of death’, underlining the fundamental importance of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ in traditional healing practices. It indicates the potency of the seed in alleviating serious health conditions, symbolizing hope and relief from life-threatening diseases through its medicinal properties.

7) Kala (Kālā, Kalā, Kāla):
Kala emphasizes the black color of the seed, which contributes to its identity in both Ayurveda and botany. This term highlights specific physical characteristics of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ that may carry implications for its perception, use, and efficacy within herbal medicine, where color can symbolize power.

8) Kaphapaha (Kaphāpaha, Kaphāpahā, Kapha-apaha):
Kaphapaha denotes the property of reducing the activity of ‘kapha’, one of the three Ayurvedic doshas that govern bodily functions. This suggests ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ has significant roles in balancing different body humors, reinforcing its use in treating conditions attributed to excess kapha, such as certain swellings.

9) Samgrahin (Saṃgrāhin, Saṅgrahī, Saṃgrāhī, Sangrahi, Samgrahi):
Samgrahi signifies constipating properties, which indicates that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ helps in regulating bodily functions, particularly digestion. Understanding this property is crucial for its application in treatments where managing digestive health is vital, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of this seed in holistic medicine.

10) Swelling:
Swelling refers to abnormal enlargement in the body, often associated with inflammation or disease. The text mentions lymph glandular swellings, indicating that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ may possess anti-inflammatory properties, relevant in addressing such conditions, thus reinforcing its therapeutic applications in treating various ailments.

11) Vrishya (Vṛṣya):
Vrishya means aphrodisiac, signifying that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ may enhance sexual health and vitality. This property illustrates the seed's role not only in physical wellness but also in emotional and reproductive health, encompassing broader aspects of human well-being and traditional medicinal practices.

12) Pungent:
Pungent refers to the strong taste characteristic of certain substances, including ‘Krishna Jeerakam’. This property influences its use in Ayurvedic formulations, providing therapeutic benefits and enhancing appetite by stimulating digestion, reinforcing the importance of flavor in traditional treatments.

13) Ruksha (Rūkṣa):
Ruksha signifies a rough or dry property, indicating that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ has a specific physical characteristic that contributes to its medicinal effects. This feature suggests its utility in addressing disorders associated with excess moisture in the body, thus reinforcing its functional relevance in Ayurveda.

14) Aranya (Araṇya, Āraṇya, Araṇyā):
Aranya refers to a wild variety of cumin distinguished from cultivated varieties, suggesting additional properties like hypoglycaemic activity. Its inclusion highlights the diversity within the cumin species, encouraging further exploration of its medicinal potential, particularly in metabolic regulation in Ayurvedic medicine.

15) Medhya (Medhyā, Meḍhyā):
Medhya means improving memory, indicating that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ is also recognized for cognitive benefits. This property expands the therapeutic uses of this seed, suggesting its significance in holistic treatments aimed at enhancing mental function and clarity, a valued aspect in Ayurvedic practices.

16) Kapha:
Kapha refers to one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by stability, moisture, and structure. Understanding its role is crucial in delineating the health implications of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’, emphasizing its therapeutic utility in treating imbalances that may manifest as various physical and mental health issues.

17) Ushna (Uṣṇa, Uṣṇā):
Ushna denotes hot properties, indicating that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ possesses warming qualities, which can influence digestive processes and metabolic functions. Recognizing this feature underscores its role in Ayurveda for conditions associated with coldness or stagnation in the body, enhancing its therapeutic profile.

18) Bhava (Bhāva):
Bhava refers to the thematic elements in Ayurvedic texts that describe herbal substances. It emphasizes the nuanced understanding of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ through traditional interpretations, contributing to its cultural and medical identity within the holistic framework of Ayurvedic practices.

19) Mishra (Miśra):
Misra denotes a blending of qualities or properties. In this context, it suggests that ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ encompasses a range of therapeutic effects, reinforcing the importance of recognizing its multifaceted nature in developing comprehensive treatment approaches in traditional medicine.

20) Balya (Bālya, Balyā):
Balya means increasing natural resistance, pointing to the immunomodulatory effects of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’. This property highlights its role in bolstering overall health and resilience, suggesting therapeutic applications for enhancing the body's ability to combat infections and diseases, thus broadening its use in Ayurvedic formulations.

21) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma refers to the scent of a substance, which, in the case of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’, is noted to be absent in the local variety. This characteristic affects its sensory appeal and understanding of its therapeutic potential, emphasizing the significance of aroma in natural healing practices.

22) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to open sores or lesions that can arise in various body parts. The use of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ in treating chronic and malignant ulcers suggests its relevance and potential effectiveness in wound healing and anti-inflammatory treatments, reinforcing its importance in traditional medicinal applications.

23) Pita (Piṭa, Pitā, Pīta, Pītā, Piṭā):
Pitha denotes one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, related to digestion and metabolism. The mention of its vitiation signifies the need for substances like ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ to restore balance and health in conditions associated with pitha imbalances, emphasizing its role in digestive and metabolic health.

24) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China refers to ‘Smilax china’, a component in the decoction with ‘Krishna Jeerakam’, indicating synergy in herbal preparations. The collaborative properties of these plants underline the importance of combining various herbs to enhance therapeutic effects, reflecting the holistic principles of Ayurvedic medicine.

25) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
Vata refers to one of the three doshas characterized by movement and dryness. The property of ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ to reduce vata activity highlights its therapeutic utility in conditions associated with vata imbalances, addressing issues like dryness or irregularity in the body, thus contributing to overall balance and health.

26) Kadu (Kaḍū, Kādū):
Kadu means pungent, indicating a strong taste profile. This characteristic reflects its ability to stimulate digestive processes and enhance the effects of holistic treatments, emphasizing the significance of flavor in traditional practices and its role in promoting appetite and metabolic functions.

27) Fear:
Fear relates to the psychological state often associated with health conditions. The term’s significance in ‘Karavi’ as a 'savior from the fear of death' illustrates the emotional and spiritual dimensions of medicine, highlighting how traditional remedies like ‘Krishna Jeerakam’ provide hope and comfort in the face of serious illness.

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