Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritionUsesResearchSide EffectsPrecautionsInteractionsDosageToxicitySources & What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition
Uses
Research
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Dosage
Toxicity
Sources & What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigella sativa(N. sativa), also known as black cumin and black seed, has been used for centuries in alternative medicine to treat conditions such as bronchitis, digestive issues, liver disease, and much more.Research has shown that nigella sativa has antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other beneficial properties.
Given its broad scope of uses, proponents regard it as one of the most significant medicinal plants ever discovered.N. sativa’smain bioactive compound, thymoquinone,is likely responsible for its effects.
Getty Images / Madeleine_Steinbach
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
N. sativaseeds contain both macronutrients and micronutrients essential to your health.
Regarding macronutrients,N. sativaseeds contain protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The seeds are also a source ofdietary fiberand various amino acids, including:
Important micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) can also be found inthe seeds ofN. sativa. These include:
The presence of these compounds and nutrients may be whyN. sativahas been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Thymoquinone, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, alkaloids, saponins, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, essential oilsAlternate name(s):Black seed, black cumin, black caraway, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, seed of blessingSuggested dose:Typically used in doses of about 1 to 2.5 grams (g) or per day for up to 12 weeksSafety considerations: Side effects are rare but may include upset stomach, nausea, and bloating.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Thymoquinone, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, alkaloids, saponins, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, essential oilsAlternate name(s):Black seed, black cumin, black caraway, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, seed of blessingSuggested dose:Typically used in doses of about 1 to 2.5 grams (g) or per day for up to 12 weeksSafety considerations: Side effects are rare but may include upset stomach, nausea, and bloating.
Traditional Uses of Nigella sativa
N. sativais a popular herb in many types of traditional medicine, such astraditional Chinese medicine (TCM)andAyurveda(an ancient traditional medicine system in India).Both the seeds and seed oil are often used to treat a wide array of conditions in these and other types of traditional medicine.
Traditionally,N. sativahas been used for conditions such as:
N. sativais also thought to support the immune system and protect the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract. Various studies have shown thatN. sativapossesses a number of additional properties, including:
What the Research Says
It’s important to look at the research when considering trying a new dietary supplement. Fortunately, there are a fair amount of clinical trials onN. sativaand its potential role in various conditions. These trials give us a starting point when it comes to discussing the use ofN. sativawith healthcare providers.
A review ofN. sativadiscussed several clinical trials that have been performed on the herb.
It should be noted that some studies have shown mixed results regarding how wellN. sativaworks. Therefore, precautions should be taken before usingN. sativato treat a health condition. Remember, also, that supplements should never replace standard care.
Below is a more in-depth look at some research onN. sativain certain health conditions.
May Improve Blood Sugar
Studies have suggested that compounds inN. sativamay help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar.
Various clinical trials have shown the potential ofN. sativato act as a complementary diabetes treatment. A systematic review of 13 clinical trials noted improvements in blood sugar control, including decreases in fasting blood sugar andHbA1c(hemoglobin A1c, a blood test showing the average glucose level over the past three months). Some of the trials also reported improvements in insulin sensitivity due to usingN. sativa.
N. sativamay also aid in diabetes prevention.
One study comparedN. sativatometformin(a diabetes medication) and lifestyle changes to see which intervention may be best for people withprediabetes(high blood glucose levels that are not high enough to be considered diabetes).
N. sativaproduced similar results as metformin regarding anthropometric (e.g., weight, body mass index) measurements and blood sugar control. The herb also improved lipid panels and inflammation in people with prediabetes.
Although these results are promising, some researchers believe more extensive human trials are needed. There is still much to learn when it comes to the dosing and safety ofN. sativafor diabetes.
May Promote Heart Health
Thymoquinone and other compounds inN. sativahave been associated with beneficial effects on heart health. Specifically, studies have shown thatN. sativamay be beneficial forhigh blood pressure,hyperlipidemia,atherosclerosis, and heart damage.
According to one review,N. sativause has been linked to improvements in bothsystolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly due to diuretic properties. These results have been seen in healthy people as well as those with metabolic syndrome.
The same review noted several animal studies in whichN. sativaimproved blood lipids. In short,N. sativahas been shown to increasehigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (considered “good”)and decreaselow-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered “bad”), total cholesterol, andtriglyceridesin rabbits.
In a small, long-term study,N. sativawas used daily with a blood sugar–lowering medication for one year in people with diabetes. Compared to a placebo group, those who addedN. sativato their regimen had significant improvements in total cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios. AddingN. sativaalso led to improvements in heart rate and blood pressure.
If you have heart disease, talk with a healthcare provider before usingN. sativa,as research is still emerging. Additionally, like other herbs,N. sativamay interact with certain medications.
May Improve Memory & Cognition
Lab and animal studies have found a potential relationship betweenN. sativaand cognition. What this research has shown is thatN. sativaimprovesmemoryand recall. Some small human trials have found similar results.
A study of 40 healthy older adults comparedN. sativato a placebo to see if either affected memory, attention, and/or cognition. Those randomized to receiveN. sativatook 500 milligrams (mg) capsules of the herb two times a day for nine weeks. At the end of the study,N. sativawas found to have a significant positive effect on logical memory as well as attention and cognition.
Another small trial testedN. sativain healthy adolescent males between the ages of 14 and 17. This study randomized participants to take smaller doses ofN. sativafor shorter periods than the previous study (500 mgdaily for just four weeks vs. twice daily for nine weeks).N. sativawas found to positively affect mood,anxiety, and cognition in the participants, but not significantly better than the placebo.
More research is needed in this area. Larger and longer human trials would provide more information to help researchers determine the role ofN. sativain memory and cognition.
May Be a Complementary Treatment for Certain Skin Conditions
N. sativaessential oil may be used topically to treat various skin conditions.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials concluded thatN. sativamay indeed play a role in the treatment of conditions such as:
In most of the studies included in the review,N. sativawas used topically rather than orally. However, oralN. sativamay also have positive effects on these and other skin conditions.
One study compared the effects ofN. sativawithbetamethasone(a steroid) andEucerin(a lotion) forhand eczema. In the study, participants between 18 and 60 years old were randomized to use one of the three treatments twice daily for four weeks.
BothN. sativaand betamethasone improved hand eczema significantly more rapidly than Eucerin.
A different study comparedN. sativato fish oil for the treatment of vitiligo. The 52 participants were randomized and applied eitherN. sativaessential oil or fish oil to their vitiligo lesions two times a day. By the end of the six-month trial,N. sativashowed more significant improvements in the size of vitiligo lesions than fish oil.
Hopefully, studies will continue to be conducted to strengthen these and other research results that show a positive effect ofN. sativaon skin conditions.
May Alleviate Inflammation
Inflammationis a natural process that may result from injury, infection, or disease. Compounds found in the seeds and seed oil ofN. sativamay help reduce this inflammation.
The effects ofN. sativaon inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed in a recent systematic review. From the 10 clinical trials included in the review, it was concluded thatN. sativareduced inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and increased antioxidant capacity.
As mentioned in various studies and reviews, more research is needed to further confirm if and howN. sativaalleviates inflammation.
What Are the Side Effects of Nigella sativa?
N. sativais generally considered safe for most people to use. Various studies on the herb have paid close attention to possible side effects and the overall safety ofN. sativa.In these studies, very few side effects have been reported forN. sativa.
Although rare, possible side effects of takingN. sativainclude:
These side effects tend to be mild and should resolve once you stop usingN. sativa.If side effects persist or become worse, talk with a healthcare provider.
AlthoughN. sativais considered safe, some people should avoid using it.
In general, children and adults should only useN. sativafor short periods and in proper doses. Taking large doses ofN. sativaor using it for too long may increase the risk of side effects.
People who arepregnantorbreastfeedingshould avoid usingN. sativasupplements. WhileN. sativaused in food may be OK, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if larger doses found in supplements are safe. In fact, there is some evidence thatN. sativamay slow contractions in the uterus, which could be harmful to a fetus.
BecauseN. sativamight increase the risk of bleeding, it’s recommended that people withbleeding disordersor those who have upcoming surgeries don’t use it.
Other precautions may be warranted, but more research is needed on the safety ofN. sativa.Always talk with a healthcare provider before using a new supplement, especially if you have a health condition or take prescription medications.
Sometimes, supplements can interact with medications, herbs, nutrients, or other supplements. These interactions may cause medications, herbs, nutrients, or supplements to work improperly in your body.
N. sativamay interact with certain medications, herbs, and supplements. However, these possible interactions are not well-documented. Regardless, there is concern thatN. sativanegatively interacts with the following:
Other interactions may exist, so it’s important to check with a healthcare provider before usingN. sativaif you take any medications or use other herbs or supplements.
Also, it is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients are included. Please review supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Dosage: How Much Nigella sativa Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
N. sativadosage typically depends on various factors, including your age and reason for use. Because there are no set guidelines forN. sativadosage, it’s best to follow dosage directions as provided on your supplement’s label.
Based on the available evidence,N. sativaoil is typically used at a dose of 1 to 2.5 g per day for four to 12 weeks.N. sativapowder, on the other hand, is often used at a dose of 1 to 2 g per day for eight to 12 weeks.
Varying doses ofN. sativahave been used in clinical trials. While a dose of 1 g ofN. sativaper day has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol after three months, higher doses of 2 to 3 g per day have been shown to significantly decrease total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.
Similarly, usingN. sativafor nine weeks at a dose of 1 g per day has been linked to improved memory and cognition in healthy older adults.
If you’re unsure how muchN. sativayou should take, talk with a healthcare provider to get personalized dosage recommendations.
What Happens If I Take Too Much?
N. sativais not known to be toxic. Regardless, it’s important to only useN. sativain recommended doses.
Some animal studies have looked at the potential toxicity ofN. sativaand found that a dose of 2.4 g per kilogram (kg) of body weight (g/kg) was lethal to mice.This level of toxicity has never been seen in humans. In a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg), this would equal an extremely large dose of 163 g ofN. sativa, which is 81 times or more than the average adult dose.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that taking a larger than recommended dose ofN. sativamay increase the risk of side effects like cramping or indigestion.Play it safe and only useN. sativaas directed.
Sources of Nigella Sativa & What to Look For
N. sativacan be used as a food or a supplement. Typically, you can get larger doses ofN. sativain supplement form, but there may be advantages to using the herb as a food.
Remember that dietary supplements can never replace a well-balanced diet. While supplements may fill in nutrient gaps for some people, it’s best to aim to get all the nutrition your body needs through food.
Food Sources of Nigella Sativa
The seeds or oils fromN. sativamay be used to add flavor to foods.
N. sativaseeds are said to have a bitter taste and smell. These seeds may be ground and used similarly to black pepper. Or,N. sativaseeds may be used to flavor certain types of candy, liquor, bread, and cheese.
N. sativais more commonly used as a supplement, however.
Nigella Sativa Supplements
You can easily find and purchaseN. sativasupplements online. These supplements may also be available in certain grocery or retail stores as well as nutrition or supplement shops.
N. sativasupplements may come in capsules, powders, soft gels, liquid extracts, or essential oils. And while the majority of research focuses onN. sativaas an oral supplement, certain forms may also be used topically.
AlthoughN. sativais naturallyveganand gluten-free, some supplements may contain animal-based ingredients orgluten. Be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure the supplement meets your dietary preferences or needs.
Summary
Nigella sativais a medicinal plant popularly used in various types of alternative medicine. Research shows thatN. sativamay benefit blood sugar, heart disease, memory impairment, skin conditions, and inflammation. However, in many cases, additional studies are needed to further prove the efficacy ofN. sativain these and other conditions.
If you thinkN. sativamight be beneficial for your health, talk with a healthcare provider to learn more and make sure it’s a safe supplement for you.
Nigella sativais sometimes called black cumin, which means the two names are interchangeable.N. sativamay also be called black seed, black caraway, seed of blessing, or many other names.Black cumin is not the same as cumin. In fact, the two are completely unrelated. Cumin comes from the plantCuminum cyminum.
Nigella sativais sometimes called black cumin, which means the two names are interchangeable.N. sativamay also be called black seed, black caraway, seed of blessing, or many other names.
Black cumin is not the same as cumin. In fact, the two are completely unrelated. Cumin comes from the plantCuminum cyminum.
N. sativais thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. In clinical trials,N. sativasupplementation has led to decreases ininflammatory biomarkerslike CRP and TNF-a.Larger studies are needed, though, to fully determine the role ofN. sativain inflammation.
You can findN. sativasupplements in the form of capsules, powders, soft gels, extracts, and essential oils.
Very few side effects have been reported forN. sativa, and most were mild. Most side effects associated withN. sativaaffect thedigestive system.If you experience side effects, it’s best to stop usingN. sativaand consult with a healthcare provider.
Very few side effects have been reported forN. sativa, and most were mild. Most side effects associated withN. sativaaffect thedigestive system.
If you experience side effects, it’s best to stop usingN. sativaand consult with a healthcare provider.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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