Damascus hellebore
Nigella damascena
Nigella damascena is a flowering plant used within various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as a carminative, vermifuge, diuretic, and emollient, with additional uses for digestive, intestinal, liver, and catarrh-related complaints. Scientific research has explored its genetic pathways and nectar production, while some studies suggest that DAO from its seeds may show procognitive effects by attenuating certain cognitive deficits in specific models. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- carminative · vermifuge
- Traditions
- traditional · Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- carminative
- vermifuge
- catarrh
- digestive complaints
- diuretic
- emollient
- excitant
- intestinal complaints
- liver complaints
- sternutatory
- stimulant
- sudorific
What the science says
- The study achieved a transformation efficiency of 67% for Nigella damascena using Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation.
- The study found that short trichomes and long hairs on Nigella damascena petals develop through distinct genetic pathways involving different components of the MBW complex.
- DAO from Nigella damascena seeds showed procognitive effects by attenuating kynurenine-induced cognitive deficits via metabolites affecting oxidative activity, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and amyloid β aggregation.
- Temporal variations affect nectar and pollen production and availability in Nigella damascena flowers across different flowering seasons.
Frequently asked questions
What is Damascus hellebore?
Damascus hellebore (Nigella damascena) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Damascus hellebore traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Damascus hellebore for: carminative, vermifuge, catarrh, digestive complaints, diuretic, emollient. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Damascus hellebore?
Damascus hellebore appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Damascus hellebore?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Damascus hellebore; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study achieved a transformation efficiency of 67% for Nigella damascena using Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation.
How strong is the evidence for Damascus hellebore?
The strongest finding for Damascus hellebore carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Damascus hellebore safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Damascus hellebore in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Damascus hellebore interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Damascus hellebore in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Damascus hellebore?
Damascus hellebore is also known as: Чернушка дамасская, Nigelle de Damas.
Is Damascus hellebore a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Nigella damascena. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Procognitive effects of methyl 2-amino-3-methoxybenzoate (or daopine) may involve the dorsal striatal anthranilic acid pathway and mutimetabolite-multitarget pharmacology. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evolution of short trichomes and long hairs on Nigella petals through co-option of bHLH and non-MIXTA MYB genes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Temporal Dynamics of Nectar and Pollen Production in Protandrous Flowers of Nigella damascena. literature abstract metadata