Nigella is a herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family, known by folk names 'black cumin' and 'black caraway'. The variety *Krymchanka*, developed at the Crimean Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture (NIISKh), is distinguished by high yield indicators and a valuable chemical composition of fixed oil. The seeds of small black grains have a bright taste and contain omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as essential oil with a high content of thymoquinone – a substance possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Oil from the seeds of *Krymchanka* is used as a medicinal agent: it helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, eases skin conditions, dysbiosis, gastritis, and bronchitis, and also contributes to the dissolution of kidney and liver stones. Thanks to its resistance to pests and unpretentious nature, the plant is easily cultivated on poor soils in southern Russia.
A skin care cream has been created based on the processing of nigella seeds. Its composition includes fixed oil, essential oil, and hydrolate obtained from *Krymchanka*. The main active ingredient is thymoquinone, providing rejuvenating, moisturizing, nourishing, and antibacterial effects. The cream helps even out pigmentation and is suitable for mature skin. The product is fully vegetarian, without animal-derived components, and is part of a patented line of cosmetics being developed by scientist Maria Ahrameeva.
