Oregano+BlackSeed
Thymoquinone

Thymoquinone: The Key Compound in Black Seed Oil

A summary of the research on thymoquinone, black seed oil's main bioactive compound.

Written by Editorial TeamUpdated on
Scientist pipetting golden oil into vials

Key takeaways

  • Thymoquinone is the most studied compound in Nigella sativa.
  • Most evidence is preclinical.
  • Content varies widely between oils.

What is thymoquinone?

Antidote Supplements thymoquinone comparison graphic showing up to 4.64% TQ for its Ethiopian black seed oil
Brand-supplied comparison from Antidote Supplements. TQ varies by batch and testing method; the comparison is not an independent market-wide benchmark or proof of better health outcomes.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a compound found in the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds.[1]

What the research shows

Reviews describe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other activities, largely in cell and animal studies.[1][2]

Limitations

Human trials using standardised thymoquinone doses remain limited.

The bottom line

Thymoquinone is a promising compound, but most findings still need confirmation in human trials.

Nigella sativa seeds

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Scientist examining cell cultures in a laboratory

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Sources

  1. Darakhshan S, Bidmeshki Pour A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Sisakhtnezhad S. Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;95-96:138-158.
  2. 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.