Liquid supplements of black cumin and clove are both powerful extracts made from the whole plant. A clove supplement is even made from several types of clove plants and is therefore of a totally different composition than cloves bought in the store. Black cumin extract also comes from the entire plant, a plant that is not the same as the cumin seeds found in the supermarket. These are special supplements for horses, although black cumin oil is also available for humans.

What does thymoquinone from black cumin do?

Scientists have observed that thymoquinone from the black cumin plant does the following:

• Powerful anti-inflammatory

• Antibacterial

• Beneficial for the nervous system

• Supports smooth movement

• Suppresses allergic reactions (itching, shortness of breath, coughing)

• Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-cancer

• Boosts the immune system

• Supports (sugar) metabolism

Recently, evidence has been found that thymoquinone also acts on the neurotransmitters of the ECS system, similar to cannabinoids.

What do cannabinoids from clove do?

These signaling molecules of the endocannabinoid system help with further recovery and physical and mental balance. Cannabinoids are good for:

• Stomach and intestinal problems

• Allergies

• Chronic stress

• Pain

• Laminitis or susceptibility to it

• Summer eczema

• Skin problems and itching

• (Chronic) inflammation

• Fatigue

Difference: Speed and strength

When looking at the list of conditions for which clove and black cumin can be used, you see a number of similarities. This can be confusing, because when do you use what? The main differences between the two supplements are the speed and strength of action. The active ingredient from black cumin, thymoquinone, is more powerful and primarily targets inflammation directly. This substance also works against viral infections, a unique property. The cannabinoids from clove act on the ECS system. By supporting this system - which plays an important signaling role in the body - the cannabinoids help restore balance in the body. Clove is therefore a good supplement for more chronic conditions. It is also cheaper than black cumin.

Acute to chronic

For acute injuries or inflammation, it is wise to use black cumin containing the active ingredient thymoquinone, in combination with cannabinoids to promote recovery. This is always about supporting your horse, of course, also call the vet if your horse is acutely ill or injured! After the acute phase is over, depending on the injury or illness, which can take up to two months, you can switch to a supplement with only cannabinoids from clove.

Two versions

There are two supplements available: Clove only or clove with black cumin.

• Clove: for chronic conditions such as sweet itch, allergies, Equine Metabolic Disorder, susceptibility to laminitis, and internal unrest.

• Clove with black cumin: for acute pain, inflammation, the first phase of an injury, colds, allergic reactions, laminitis, and bacterial infections.

For example, in the case of laminitis, you can first give black cumin because of its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Once the laminitis is under control, you can switch to clove to ensure that there is no imbalance in the body again.

Sources:

• Tamaddonfard, E., Naderi, S., Nafisi, S., Soltanalinejad, F. 2024. Effect of thymoquinone on acetic acid-induced visceral nociception in rats: role of central cannabinoid and α2-adrenergic receptors. Veterinary Research Forum, (), pp. -. doi: https://10.30466/vrf.2023.2005364.3922

• Kaneez Fatima Shad, Wissam Soubra, Dennis John Cordato. The role of thymoquinone, a major constituent of Nigella sativa, in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases

• CEPP. 2021. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1440-1681.13553

• Khader M, Eckl PM. Thymoquinone: an emerging natural drug with a wide range of medical applications. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2014;17(12):950-957.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387230/

• Yousuf Ali, Zakia Akter, Zhiqiang Mei, Meiling Zheng, Mousumi Tania, Asaduzzaman Khan.