{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.03268765133171913, 'fraction_numerical': 0.012106537530266344, 'mean_word_length': 5.406976744186046, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Black seed (Nigella sativa), a COVID-19 medicinal intervention - a recommendation for the Americas

This special report presents the medicinal use of black seed (Nigella sativa) for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The authors analyze current COVID-19-specific black seed studies in the Middle East, South Asia, and the Far East. While black seed has benefits far beyond its antiviral and immunity-enhancing effects, the authors focus on the properties relating specifically to COVID-19. Since some of the countries discussed have fewer financial and human resources than the US, the successful ingestion or inhalation of black seed or black seed oil deserves worthy attention. This report is split into two sections, which explore (1) the Islamic, historical, botanical, and scientific significance of black seed; and (2) the chemical composition, nutritional values, and current use of black seed as a prophylactic and COVID-19 treatment. The authors intend to introduce black seed, a common ancient natural medicine that can be used to improve overall health and well-being, to key stakeholders in the Americas. Key stakeholders include researchers, policymakers, public health and preventive medicine clinicians and practitioners, and other persons concerned about a more equitable, economical, and accessible alternative, all-natural option for preventing and treating COVID-19. Black seed also serves as an introduction to Prophetic Medicine, a complementary practice used throughout the Muslim world alongside allopathic medicine. Implemented into one’s daily life, black seed has proven health implications surpassing the current COVID-19 pandemic.