Black seed

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Nigella sativa (black cumin or black seed) is a medicinal spice that appears to be active in the dose used to season food products. It has a potent bioactive known as thymoquinone which shows promise in treating epilepsy, allergies, and boosting immunity.

Black seed is most often used for

What is black seed?

Black seed is the seed oil or whole ground seeds of Nigella sativa — a flowering plant in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family that grows in certain parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32394508|title=Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials|published=2020 Oct|authors=Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi Mirhashemi|journal=Phytother Res|]. Black seed has a long history of use in many cultures, both as a spice in foods and as an herbal medicine. It contains a variety of nutritional compounds like polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as an abundance of phytochemicals — thymoquinone (a terpenoid) being considered the most important.

What are black seed’s main benefits?

Black seed has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and immune-modulating properties. Currently, the most well-studied benefits of black seed are for cardiovascular health and metabolic health.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37036558|title=The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2023-Jun|authors=Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Golpour-Hamedani S, Moridpour AH, Vajdi M, Askari G|journal=Inflammopharmacology|]

Black seed may improve glycemic control by lowering fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by a clinically significant degree. This effect is the greatest in people with type 2 diabetes, but benefits are still observed in other relevant conditions like metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38265398|title=Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.|published=2024-Jan-23|authors=Shabani M, Ghavidel F, Rajabian A, Homayouni-Tabrizi M, Jamialahmadi T, Hosseini H, Sahebkar A|journal=Curr Med Chem|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36034891|title=supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2022|authors=Saadati S, Naseri K, Asbaghi O, Abhari K, Zhang P, Li HB, Gan RY|journal=Front Nutr|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32394508|title=Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials|published=2020 Oct|authors=Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi Mirhashemi|journal=Phytother Res|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30873688|title=Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) supplementation on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.|published=2019-May|authors=Askari G, Rouhani MH, Ghaedi E, Ghavami A, Nouri M, Mohammadi H|journal=Phytother Res|]

Black seed may also improve lipid profiles, including reduced triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and total cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32394508|title=Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials|published=2020 Oct|authors=Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi Mirhashemi|journal=Phytother Res|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36034891|title=supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2022|authors=Saadati S, Naseri K, Asbaghi O, Abhari K, Zhang P, Li HB, Gan RY|journal=Front Nutr|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38265398|title=Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.|published=2024-Jan-23|authors=Shabani M, Ghavidel F, Rajabian A, Homayouni-Tabrizi M, Jamialahmadi T, Hosseini H, Sahebkar A|journal=Curr Med Chem|] This lipid-modulating effect has not been found in people with NAFLD despite other observed benefits in this population (reduced levels of liver enzymes, C-reactive protein, and liver fat).[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33728708|title=Effect of Nigella sativa in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials|published=2021 Mar 16|authors=Gang Tang, Linyu Zhang, Jie Tao, Zhengqiang Wei|journal=Phytother Res|]

Lastly, black seed may reduce blood pressure, and in people with overweight or obesity, it may cause slight reductions in weight and body mass index (BMI).[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37341696|title=Antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa supplementation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2023-Aug|authors=Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Safaei E, Mohammadi Asmaroud M, Khashakichafi F, Ahrabi SS, Dehghan P|journal=Phytother Res|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29857879|title=Effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on obesity indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2018-Jun|authors=Mousavi SM, Sheikhi A, Varkaneh HK, Zarezadeh M, Rahmani J, Milajerdi A|journal=Complement Ther Med|]

Most of these effects have been observed in short-term studies (≤12 weeks), meaning the long-term effectiveness of black seed supplementation still needs to be determined. An exception to this is the effect of black seed on glycemic control, with benefits being maintained in some studies spanning 6 to 12 months.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32394508|title=Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials|published=2020 Oct|authors=Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi Mirhashemi|journal=Phytother Res|]

What are black seed’s main drawbacks?

Black seed is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37057067|title=and health outcomes: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.|published=2023|authors=Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, Ma J, Li X, Yan J, Tian Y, Wen Y, Chen T|journal=Front Nutr|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37036558|title=The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2023-Jun|authors=Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Golpour-Hamedani S, Moridpour AH, Vajdi M, Askari G|journal=Inflammopharmacology|]

There have been several case reports of allergic skin reactions following the topical or oral use of black seed, ranging from mild dermatitis and hives to cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, both of which are severe hypersensitivity reactions that can result in extensive blistering/rashes, fever, and potential damage to internal organs.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35419842|title=Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome after topical use of Nigella sativa (black cumin) oil.|published=2022-Aug|authors=Fargeas M, Calugareanu A, Ben-Said B|journal=Contact Dermatitis|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30478848|title=Local and systemic adverse skin reactions following the use of herbal products believed to contain Nigella sativa seeds and oil.|published=2019-Mar|authors=Dehavay F, Kolivras A, Scheers C|journal=Contact Dermatitis|]

How does black seed work?

Black seed contains many bioactive phytochemicals that likely contribute to its effects, but thymoquinone is considered its main active compound. Further, its content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and soluble fiber may have positive biological effects. Regardless, our current understanding of how black seed works is largely theoretical and based on animal and in vitro research.

Black seed may modulate lipid levels by several possible mechanisms, including reduced cholesterol synthesis (via downregulation of the rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase), increased clearance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the blood, and increased synthesis of bile acids.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25847566|title=Effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.|published=2015-Apr|authors=Heshmati J, Namazi N|journal=Complement Ther Med|]

Improved glycemic control may be due to reduced intestinal absorption of glucose (via inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter), reduced synthesis of glucose by the liver, and improved integrity of pancreatic beta cells (insulin-secreting cells).[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25847566|title=Effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.|published=2015-Apr|authors=Heshmati J, Namazi N|journal=Complement Ther Med|]

Black seed also appears to activate AMPK in skeletal muscle and liver cells, which likely explains some of its antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21584245|title=The In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Nigella sativa Is Mediated through Activation of the AMPK Pathway and Increased Muscle Glut4 Content.|published=2011|authors=Benhaddou-Andaloussi A, Martineau L, Vuong T, Meddah B, Madiraju P, Settaf A, Haddad PS|journal=Evid Based Complement Alternat Med|]

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of black seed may occur for several reasons, most likely through increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes, reducing lipid peroxidation, inhibiting NF-KB activity, and reducing the formation of various inflammatory mediators.[reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37036558|title=The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.|published=2023-Jun|authors=Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Golpour-Hamedani S, Moridpour AH, Vajdi M, Askari G|journal=Inflammopharmacology|][reference|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32394508|title=Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials|published=2020 Oct|authors=Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi Mirhashemi|journal=Phytother Res|]

What else is Black seed known as?
Note that Black seed is also known as:
  • Nigella sativa
  • Nigella cretica
  • Black caraway
  • Black Cumin
  • Kalonji
  • Charnushka
  • Habbatul baraka
  • Roman Coriander
  • Nigella Cretica
  • Fennel Flower
  • Thymoquinone (the main active compound in black seed)
Black seed should not be confused with:
  • Black pepper
  • Black Cohosh
  • Cumin (which is 'true' cumin
  • or Cuminum cyminum)
  • Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
  • Nutmeg (Myristica genus)
  • Black sesame
  • Black currant seed
Dosage information

Black seed is typically taken in the form of an oil or a ground powder, taken orally at a dosage of 1 to 3 grams daily. For people with type 2 diabetes, preliminary research suggests that 2 grams daily may be the sweet spot for achieving beneficial effects on lipids and blood glucose.[1]

For topical use, most research has used preparations containing 10% to 20% black seed applied twice daily.

While black seed is available in various forms (seed oil, water extract, or whole ground seed), water extracts seem to be less effective, likely because thymoquinone (the main active compound in black seed) is fat-soluble. The whole ground seed and oil appear similarly effective, although more research comparing the two is needed.[2][3]

It’s important to keep in mind that the chemical composition of black seed can vary greatly depending on how it is grown, harvested, and processed. This could lead to inconsistent effects of black seed with seemingly equivalent doses.[4]

Because of the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in black seed, storing the supplement in the fridge in a dark, sealed container may help prevent oxidation.[5]

Examine Database: Black seed
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Update History
11 days ago

Full FAQ and database update

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We expanded the existing FAQs to include more information about how black seed works, its drawbacks, its traditional uses, and how it might affect cardiometabolic health, skin health, asthma, allergies, and COVID-19. We also added 10 new meta-analyses to the Examine database.

2023-11-02 00:30:02

One new meta analysis added

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We added one additional meta-analysis to the database.

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References
  1. ^Heshmati J, Namazi NEffects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.Complement Ther Med.(2015-Apr)
  2. ^Askari G, Rouhani MH, Ghaedi E, Ghavami A, Nouri M, Mohammadi HEffect of Nigella sativa (black seed) supplementation on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.Phytother Res.(2019-May)
  3. ^Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi MirhashemiEffects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res.(2020 Oct)
  4. ^Md Abdul Hannan, Md Ataur Rahman, Abdullah Al Mamun Sohag, Md Jamal Uddin, Raju Dash, Mahmudul Hasan Sikder, Md Saidur Rahman, Binod Timalsina, Yeasmin Akter Munni, Partha Protim Sarker, Mahboob Alam, Md Mohibbullah, Md Nazmul Haque, Israt Jahan, Md Tahmeed Hossain, Tania Afrin, Md Mahbubur Rahman, Md Tahjib-Ul-Arif, Sarmistha Mitra, Diyah Fatimah Oktaviani, Md Kawsar Khan, Ho Jin Choi, Il Soo Moon, Bonglee KimBlack Cumin ( Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and SafetyNutrients.(2021 May 24)
  5. ^Tarasevičienė Ž, Laukagalis V, Paulauskienė A, Baltušnikienė A, Meškinytė EQuality Changes of Cold-Pressed Black Cumin ( L.), Safflower ( L.), and Milk Thistle ( L.) Seed Oils during Storage.Plants (Basel).(2023-Mar-17)
Examine Database References
  1. Total cholesterol - Qidwai W, Hamza HB, Qureshi R, Gilani AEffectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med.(2009 Jun)
  2. Total cholesterol - Jamal Hallajzadeh, Alireza Milajerdi, Moein Mobini, Elaheh Amirani, Susan Azizi, Elhameh Nikkhah, Babak Bahadori, Razieh Sheikhsoleimani, Seyyed Mehdi MirhashemiEffects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res.(2020 Oct)
  3. Blood Pressure - Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Safaei E, Mohammadi Asmaroud M, Khashakichafi F, Ahrabi SS, Dehghan PAntihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa supplementation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res.(2023-Aug)
  4. Total cholesterol - Bin Sayeed MS, Asaduzzaman M, Morshed H, Hossain MM, Kadir MF, Rahman MRThe effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteersJ Ethnopharmacol.(2013 Jul 30)
  5. Total cholesterol - Datau EA, Wardhana, Surachmanto EE, Pandelaki K, Langi JA, FiasEfficacy of Nigella sativa on serum free testosterone and metabolic disturbances in central obese maleActa Med Indones.(2010 Jul)
  6. Weight - Mousavi SM, Sheikhi A, Varkaneh HK, Zarezadeh M, Rahmani J, Milajerdi AEffect of Nigella sativa supplementation on obesity indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med.(2018-Jun)
  7. Immunity - Işik H, Cevikbaş A, Gürer US, Kiran B, Uresin Y, Rayaman P, Rayaman E, Gürbüz B, Büyüköztürk SPotential adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patientsMed Princ Pract.(2010)
  8. Asthma Symptoms - Kalus U, Pruss A, Bystron J, Jurecka M, Smekalova A, Lichius JJ, Kiesewetter HEffect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on subjective feeling in patients with allergic diseasesPhytother Res.(2003 Dec)
  9. Allergy Symptoms - Nikakhlagh S, Rahim F, Aryani FH, Syahpoush A, Brougerdnya MG, Saki NHerbal treatment of allergic rhinitis: the use of Nigella sativaAm J Otolaryngol.(2011 Sep-Oct)
  10. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) - Sabzghabaee AM, Dianatkhah M, Sarrafzadegan N, Asgary S, Ghannadi AClinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trialMed Arh.(2012)
  11. Lung Function - Boskabady MH, Javan H, Sajady M, Rakhshandeh HThe possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patientsFundam Clin Pharmacol.(2007 Oct)
  12. Asthma Symptoms - Han A, Shi DThe efficacy of Nigella sativa supplementation for asthma control: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.(2021-Aug)
  13. Heart Rate - Dehkordi FR, Kamkhah AFAntihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertensionFundam Clin Pharmacol.(2008 Aug)
  14. Red Blood Cell Count - Eman Mahmoud Fathy Barakat, Lamia Mohamed El Wakeel, Radwa Samir HagagEffects of Nigella sativa on outcome of hepatitis C in EgyptWorld J Gastroenterol.(2013 Apr 28)
  15. Pain - Gheita TA, Kenawy SAEffectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo controlled studyPhytother Res.(2012 Aug)
  16. Blood glucose - Abdullah O Bamosa, Huda Kaatabi, Fatma M Lebdaa, Abdul-Muhssen Al Elq, Ali Al-SultanbEffect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusIndian J Physiol Pharmacol.(Oct-Dec 2010)
  17. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Saadati S, Naseri K, Asbaghi O, Abhari K, Zhang P, Li HB, Gan RY supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr.(2022)
  18. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Golpour-Hamedani S, Moridpour AH, Vajdi M, Askari GThe effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Inflammopharmacology.(2023-Jun)
  19. Lung Function - Boskabady MH, Farhadi JThe possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests on chemical war victims: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med.(2008 Nov)
  20. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Najmi A, Nasiruddin M, Khan RA, Haque SFEffect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndromeInt J Diabetes Dev Ctries.(2008 Jan)
  21. Seizure Frequency - Akhondian J, Kianifar H, Raoofziaee M, Moayedpour A, Toosi MB, Khajedaluee MThe effect of thymoquinone on intractable pediatric seizures (pilot study)Epilepsy Res.(2011 Jan)
  22. Liver Enzymes - Gang Tang, Linyu Zhang, Jie Tao, Zhengqiang WeiEffect of Nigella sativa in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPhytother Res.(2021 Mar 16)
  23. Liver Enzymes - Neda Azizi, Mohammad Reza Amini, Kurosh Djafarian, Sakineh Shab-BidarThe Effects of Nigella sativa Supplementation on Liver Enzymes Levels: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsClin Nutr Res.(2021 Jan 29)
  24. Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase - Kheiridoost-Langaroodi H, Shakouri SK, Amirpour M, Iranshahi AM, Farshbaf-Khalili AThe Effect of Selected Herbal Medicines on Bone Turnover Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Family Reprod Health.(2022-Mar)