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Nigella sativa (Black Cumin)
Thymoquinone-rich oil studied for immune modulation, blood sugar control, and anti-inflammatory effects across numerous trials.
What the evidence says
Black Seed Oil appears to help in 6 of 6 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2003–2026 with a typical study size of 1,086 participants.
Based on 145 studies · 30 meta-analyses · 69 RCTs · 22,081 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceWhat the studies found
By outcome
Numerous meta-analyses consistently show modest improvements in glycemic control, lipids, CRP, and oxidative stress, but underlying trials are small, heterogeneous, and call for larger high-quality RCTs.
67 randomised trials
88% were about Black Seed Oil in an audit of 50 of them
Every randomised or controlled trial of Black Seed Oil indexed in PubMed, not a hand-picked subset. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews are deliberately excluded from this count: most of them cover many compounds at once, so counting them would inflate it.
PubMed · as of Sep 2026
9 trials ongoing or recruiting · 40 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
3 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Black Seed Oil, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
Black seed oil comes from Nigella sativa, a plant with a long history in traditional medicine across cultures. Its main active compound, thymoquinone, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Trials support modest effects on blood sugar and blood pressure.
Immune benefits rest on laboratory and animal work.
Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound
Thymoquinone modulates immune cells in laboratory and animal studies
How Black Seed Oil works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Avoid — insufficient safety data, may affect uterus
May increase bleeding risk
May enhance blood sugar lowering
May have additive effects A grade for this interaction is held for clinical review and has not been validated, so no severity is given. The precaution still applies: ask a pharmacist about the exact supplement and medicine. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines based on this notice.
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Discontinue if rash occurs
Black Seed Oil has an evidence score of 6.5/10 — moderate evidence based on 144 indexed studies, including 21 meta-analyses. Thymoquinone-rich oil studied for immune modulation, blood sugar control, and anti-inflammatory effects across numerous trials. Representative study: PMID 40714301.
The commonly studied dose of Black Seed Oil is 1-3g oil (or 200-400mg thymoquinone) (a typical label dose, the cited trials do not state a fixed daily dose). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Black Seed Oil is with meals. Take it with food. Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) contains thymoquinone as its primary bioactive compound.
Black Seed Oil is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. Reported side effects are uncommon and include GI upset, contact dermatitis (topical). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy (may affect uterine contractions).
Omega-3
Probably helpsEssential fatty acids critical for brain health, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Probiotics
Likely helpsLive microorganisms where strain selection determines outcome — Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains best studied for gut, immune, and mood.
CoQ10
Likely helpsA lipid-soluble antioxidant central to mitochondrial energy production, with the strongest trial support for fertility/IVF outcomes and heart failure.
Vitamin D3
Probably helpsHormone-like vitamin that regulates 1,000+ genes — deficiency is widespread and linked to poor immunity, depression, and bone loss.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 145 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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