Black Seed Oil and the Immune System: Research Review
Immune cells, inflammation and antioxidant defences in the studies.
Key takeaways
- Thymoquinone modulates immune cells in lab studies.
- Human trials show changes in some inflammatory markers.
- Clinical benefits for infections are unproven.
Mechanisms
Thymoquinone reduces inflammatory signalling (NF-κB) and boosts antioxidant enzymes in experimental studies.[1]
Human studies
Clinical reviews report effects on inflammatory markers in various conditions.[2]
Practical guide: black seed oil for immune support.
Frequently asked questions
Does black seed oil boost immunity?
It modulates immune activity in research, but 'boosting' immunity isn't proven.
The bottom line
Black seed oil affects immune pathways in research. Clinical benefits need more study.
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Sources
- Darakhshan S, Bidmeshki Pour A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Sisakhtnezhad S. Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;95-96:138-158.
- Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on clinical trials of black seed (Nigella sativa) and its active constituent, thymoquinone. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017;20(3):179-193.
