Nigella Sativa: Research Overview of Black Seed
The plant, the compounds and where the evidence is strongest.
Key takeaways
- Nigella sativa is a flowering plant whose seeds give black seed oil.
- Thymoquinone is its key active compound.
- Strongest human evidence: blood sugar and cholesterol.
The plant
Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant in the buttercup family, grown across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.[1]
Active compounds
- Thymoquinone — see thymoquinone research
- Thymohydroquinone
- Fatty acids (linoleic, oleic)
Evidence summary
| Area | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|
| Blood sugar | Moderate (meta-analyses)[^2] |
| Cholesterol | Moderate (meta-analyses)[^3] |
| Weight | Small effect[^4] |
| Asthma & allergies | Small trials |
| Skin | Small trials |
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of nigella seed?
Most evidence relates to blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation and skin.
The bottom line
Nigella sativa is one of the most researched medicinal seeds, with the best evidence for metabolic health.
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Sources
- Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: a miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337-352.
- Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara R, Golzarand M, Ghaffari MP, Djafarian K. Nigella sativa improves glucose homeostasis and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2017;35:6-13.
- Sahebkar A, Beccuti G, Simental-Mendía LE, et al. Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2016;106:37-50.
- Namazi N, Larijani B, Ayati MH, Abdollahi M. The effects of Nigella sativa L. on obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;219:173-181.
