TriNutra unmasks saturated thymoquinone “antimicrobial compound” for skin health

09 Dec 2021 --- A TriNutra-commissioned patent-pending study on the phytochemical compound thymoquinone in Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed oil, identified the ideal proportions that promote good skin health.

The study concluded that cold-pressed black seed oil standardized to 3% thymoquinone with low free fatty acids, is a safe option to strongly regulate the growth of key microorganisms influencing skin health and to assist in balancing the skin and gut microbiome.

“Detailed research into black seed oil compositions for skin health is still new and we are proud to be able to spearhead efforts to better understand how thymoquinone benefits different aspects of our skin,” says Dr. Liki von Oppen-Bezalel, TriNutra’s business development director and a contributor to the study.

Trade secret on black seed standardization
This research follows an application study using TriNutra’s standardized black seed oil for treatment of scalp redness, itch, seborrhea and scaling.

The research is timely as consumers have increased their demand for more natural solutions for skin care. Clean label credentials are often pegged as a key priority for ingredient manufacturers. 

The study conducted on humans showed a significant scalp soothing and relief of redness, scaling, seborrhoea and itch almost immediately in some of the participants and no later than two weeks of use for others.TriNutra’s ThymoQuin and B’utyQuin are black seed oils standardized to 3% thymoquinone with very low free fatty acid. 

TriNutra spent years cultivating and developing a breed of Nigella sativa that has a higher thymoquinone content than usual. Extracted using a patented cold-press process, TriNutra’s ThymoQuin and B’utyQuin are black seed oils standardized to 3% thymoquinone with very low free fatty acid. The composition of the oil allows the ingredients to deliver optimal therapeutic benefits.

Detail in the balance of TQ and FFA
Antifungal and antibacterial properties of various black seed oil compositions were examined to better understand the ingredient’s range of antimicrobial activity.

Four different compositions of black seed oil based on the percentage of thymoquinone (TQ) and low or high free fatty acid (FFA) content were looked at. Researchers discovered that the low TQ, high FFA oil did not inhibit fungal growth. Low TQ and low FFA provided moderate support. 

However, the oils containing 3% thymoquinone showed the most potent inhibition of M. furfur and C. albicans fungi, with the low FFA oil delivering the best results. 

The oils were also tested on the bacteria S. aureus. All of the tested black seed oils effectively inhibited its growth. 

It is assumed that an additional component or combination of them is responsible for the antibacterial effect by the oil. 

“Regulating growth of S. aureus, C. albicans and M. furfur with the unique composition of black seed oil with 3% thymoquinone and low free fatty acid will play an important and long-term role in maintaining skin homeostasis,” says von Oppen-Bezalel.

Edited by Inga de Jong