Episode 6 Show Notes

In this episode of Molecules Matter with Dr. Dan, we take a deep molecular dive into thymoquinone, the primary bioactive compound found in black seed oil derived from Nigella sativa.

Rather than focusing on black seed oil as a supplement trend, this episode explores thymoquinone as the molecule doing the work—from its chemical structure and role in plant defense to its documented effects in human biology.

You’ll learn:

• What thymoquinone is and why its quinone structure matters

• How Nigella sativa biosynthesizes thymoquinone

• Why plants use thymoquinone to protect seeds from stress and microbes

• How thymoquinone modulates inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune signaling

• What the peer-reviewed research shows about metabolic, neurological, and immune effects

• Practical considerations for using black seed oil and thymoquinone safely

This episode separates mechanism from marketing and explains why thymoquinone is best understood as a molecular stress-response modulator, not a cure-all.

• Quinones and redox-active molecules

• Plant secondary metabolites and defense chemistry

• NF-κB, oxidative stress, and immune signaling

• Metabolic inflammation and insulin sensitivity

• Black seed oil quality, dosing, and safety

The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and is based on peer-reviewed scientific literature. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

References

Woo, C. C., Kumar, A. P., Sethi, G., & Tan, K. H. B. (2012).

Thymoquinone: Potential cure for inflammatory disorders and cancer. Biochemical Pharmacology, 83(4), 443–451.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2011.09.029

Gali-Muhtasib, H., Roessner, A., & Schneider-Stock, R. (2006).

Thymoquinone: A promising anti-cancer drug from natural sources. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 38(8), 1249–1253.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2005.10.009

Hossen, M. J., Yang, W. S., Kim, D., Aravinthan, A., Kim, J. H., & Cho, J. Y. (2017).

Thymoquinone: An anti-inflammatory agent with therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases. Molecules, 22(4), 1–15.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22040636

Darakhshan, S., Bidmeshki Pour, A., Hosseinzadeh Colagar, A., & Sisakhtnezhad, S. (2015).

Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacological Research, 95–96, 138–158.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2015.03.011

Ahmad, A., Husain, A., Mujeeb, M., Khan, S. A., Najmi, A. K., Siddique, N. A., … Anwar, F. (2013).

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(5), 337–352.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1

Badary, O. A., Taha, R. A., Gamal el-Din, A. M., & Abdel-Wahab, M. H. (2003).

Thymoquinone is a potent superoxide anion scavenger. Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 26(2), 87–98.

https://doi.org/10.1081/DCT-120020404

Fararh, K. M., Atoji, Y., Shimizu, Y., Shiina, T., Nikami, H., & Takewaki, T. (2004).

Mechanisms of the hypoglycaemic and immunopotentiating effects of Nigella sativa oil in streptozotocin-induced diabetic hamsters. Research in Veterinary Science, 77(2), 123–129.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2004.03.002

Episode 2 Show NotesThymoquinone: The Defensive Molecule Inside Black Seed OilKey Topics CoveredDisclaimerPeer-Reviewed References (APA Format)

In this episode of Molecules Matter with Dr. Dan, we take a deep molecular dive into withanolides, the bioactive steroidal lactones found in Withania somnifera (ashwagandha).

We explore:

• What withanolides are and why structure determines function

• How ashwagandha biosynthesizes these compounds

• Why plants evolved withanolides as stress-response molecules

• How withanolides interact with human stress pathways (HPA axis, cortisol signaling, inflammation)

• What peer-reviewed research actually shows about anxiety, stress, cognition, inflammation, and metabolic health

• Evidence-based dosing, extract standardization, and safety considerations

This episode separates mechanism from marketing and explains why ashwagandha works—at the molecular level.

• Steroidal lactones & structure–function relationships

• Plant secondary metabolites as stress-adaptation tools

• NF-κB, cortisol, and inflammatory signaling

• Neuroprotection and stress resilience

• Root vs leaf extracts and withanolide standardization

Medical Disclaimer

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is based on peer-reviewed scientific literature. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

References

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012).

A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262.

https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022

Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019).

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in aging, overweight males. American Journal of Men’s Health, 13(2), 1–13.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319835985

Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K., & Langade, D. (2019).

Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of Ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Cureus, 11(12), e6466.

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466

Ichikawa, H., Takada, Y., Shishodia, S., Jayaprakasam, B., Nair, M. G., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2006).

Withanolides potentiate apoptosis, inhibit invasion, and abolish osteoclastogenesis through suppression of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 5(6), 1434–1445.

https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-06-0096

Kaileh, M., Berghe, W. V., Heyerick, A., Horion, J., Piette, J., Libert, C., De Keukeleire, D., & Essawi, T. (2007).

Withaferin A strongly elicits IκB kinase β hyperphosphorylation concomitant with potent inhibition of NF-κB activation. Journal of Immunology, 178(8), 5279–5287.

https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.178.8.5279

Kuboyama, T., Tohda, C., Zhao, J., Nakamura, N., Hattori, M., & Komatsu, K. (2006).

Axon- and dendrite-promoting activities of Withania somnifera constituents, withanoside IV and its active metabolite, sominone. British Journal of Pharmacology, 149(6), 829–840.

https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0706907

Sharma, A. K., Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018).

Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroidism: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), 243–248.

https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183

Tandon, N., & Yadav, S. S. (2020).

Safety and clinical effectiveness of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): A review of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research, 34(10), 2562–2575.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6702

Thanks for listening and please like, follow, and share!

Items discussed include.

• Tofu and cognitive decline in the middle aged and elderly
• Red Kiwis
• Anti-inflammatory foods to eat
• Best type of pickles to eat
• Are the amounts of cadmium and lead in dark chocolate bad for you?
• Microgreens

And much more!

Some of the items discussed include:

- Cool health benefits of binaural beats

- Are avocados bad for fatty liver

- How to take black seed oil

- What are some the best medicinal spices

- Lemon water

Please send questions you want me to answer through Instagram, Facebook, or my website (www.drdangubler.com)

Thanks for listening and please follow my show, leave a review, and share with others!

This episode of AMA with Dr. Dan answered the following questions:

• Are carnivore and keto diets good for you?
• Is the Mediterranean really that great?
• Does fasting cause your brain to shrink?
• What should I eat during perimenopause?

And much more!

Thanks for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share with someone.

Topics discussed in this AMA include good foods you should eat, the dangers of microplastics, should I do a wellness retreat, and other good times.