Medpedia

Thymoquinone is a plant chemical (phytonutrient) that is found naturally in the plant Nigella sativa, which is more commonly known as black caraway, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, blackseed or Roman coriander.  Numerous research studies have suggested that thymoquinone has cancer-fighting properties, partly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

A new breast cancer research study explored the effects of thymoquinone on breast cancer cells grown in culture to better understand its breast cancer protection benefits.  The breast cancer researchers reported that thymoquinone had multiple protective actions...

• Thymoquinone decreased the growth of breast cancer cells in culture
• Thymoquinone induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) of breast cancer cells
• The ability of certain breast cancer cells to migrate and invade was reduced by treatment with thymoquinone
• Thymoquinone treatment of breast cancer cells reduced the expression of genes responsible for the production of cell survival proteins.

The results of this study continue to clarify the cancer-fighting properties of thymoquinone.  A previous study has suggested that the effects of this compound appear to be fairly specific to cancer cells without damaging nearby healthy cells. Overall, the research on thymoquinone as a natural cancer-fighting agent appears positive.  Thymoquinone appears to be mostly present in the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, so using black caraway seeds or seed oil in cooking is a good way to add this breast cancer-fighting compound to your diet.

To learn about other diet and lifestyle choices to reduce your breast cancer risk, read my FREE book FIGHT NOW: EAT & LIVE PROACTIVELY AGAINST BREAST CANCER. Please recommend to anyone interested in breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer symptoms.