Black Seed
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Black Seed (Nigella sativa) is a dietary supplement with 16 published peer-reviewed studies involving 773 participants, researched for Lipid Profile Improvement, Glycemic Control & Diabetes, Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Risk and 6 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Lipid Profile Improvement
WeakGlycemic Control & Diabetes
WeakBlood Pressure & Cardiovascular Risk
ModerateInflammation & Oxidative Stress
ModerateWeight Loss & Obesity
ModerateBlood Pressure & Cardiovascular
ModerateBlood Sugar
WeakClinical trials
ModerateSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Lipid Profile Improvement
To evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on plasma lipid levels.
Study Type
Systematic review & meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on plasma lipid levels.
Dose
1.0-3.0 g/day (seed or oil)
Participants
34 RCTs, 2,278 participants
Duration
8-24 weeks
Results
Significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.20, -1.37, p<0.001), triglycerides (SMD: -1.27; 95% CI: -1.67, -0.83, p<0.001), and LDL-C. A modest heterogeneous increase in HDL-C was also observed. The strength of evidence supports Nigella sativa as an effective lipid-lowering supplement.
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, HDL-C
Glycemic Control & Diabetes
To evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in diabetic and pre-diabetic adults.
Study Type
Systematic review & meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in diabetic and pre-diabetic adults.
Dose
1.0-3.0 g/day
Participants
25 RCTs, 1,200+ participants with diabetes and prediabetes
Duration
8-16 weeks
Results
Significant reductions in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c across included trials. Effects were stronger in Type 2 diabetics than in general populations. An updated 2024 meta-analysis (30 RCTs) confirmed FBS reduction (SMD: -1.71; p<0.001) and HbA1c reduction (SMD: -2.16; p<0.001). No significant effect on HOMA-IR was found due to heterogeneity.
How They Measured It
Fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, HOMA-IR, insulin levels
Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Risk
To comprehensively assess the effect of Nigella sativa on cardiometabolic indicators including BMI, blood pressure, and lipids.
Study Type
GRADE-assessed systematic review & dose-response meta-analysis
Purpose
To comprehensively assess the effect of Nigella sativa on cardiometabolic indicators including BMI, blood pressure, and lipids.
Dose
0.5-3.0 g/day
Participants
82 RCTs, 4,500+ participants
Duration
4-24 weeks
Results
Comprehensive analysis found significant reductions in BMI (-0.84 kg/m²), SBP (-3.2 mmHg), DBP (-2.1 mmHg), total cholesterol (-28.5 mg/dL), LDL (-21.3 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-17.8 mg/dL). The optimal dose identified was 3,000 mg/day for 12 weeks. This is the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis of Nigella sativa to date.
How They Measured It
BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, TC, LDL, triglycerides
To evaluate the blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa oil in hypertensive patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa oil in hypertensive patients.
Dose
1.5 g/day (3 capsules of 500 mg)
Participants
70 hypertensive patients
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant SBP reduction (-7.9 mmHg, p<0.01) and DBP reduction (-4.3 mmHg, p<0.05) compared to placebo. The supplement was well-tolerated and no medication adjustments were required during the study.
How They Measured It
Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
To assess the effects of Nigella sativa on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Study Type
Systematic review & meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess the effects of Nigella sativa on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Dose
1.0-3.0 g/day
Participants
20 RCTs, 1,086 participants
Duration
8-16 weeks
Results
Significant reductions in CRP (SMD: -2.28; 95% CI -3.20, -1.37, p<0.001) and TNF-α (SMD: -1.21; 95% CI -2.15, -0.26, p=0.013). Oxidative stress marker MDA was also significantly reduced. Results consistently showed that Nigella sativa decreases systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting its broad anti-inflammatory profile.
How They Measured It
CRP, TNF-α, MDA (malondialdehyde), IL-1β, IL-6
To examine effects of black seed supplementation on inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6), leptin, and insulin parameters in overweight/obese women
Study Type
Crossover randomized controlled trial
Purpose
To examine effects of black seed supplementation on inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6), leptin, and insulin parameters in overweight/obese women
Dose
Black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation
Participants
Overweight and obese women
Duration
Crossover study design
Results
Black seed supplementation reduced inflammatory markers and improved insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese women
How They Measured It
Serum IL-1β, IL-6, leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR
Weight Loss & Obesity
To evaluate Nigella sativa effects on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover
Purpose
To evaluate Nigella sativa effects on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese women.
Dose
2.0 g/day (seeds)
Participants
40 overweight and obese women
Duration
8 weeks per arm
Results
Significant reductions in IL-1β, IL-6, and leptin levels. Insulin parameters improved. Modest weight loss of approximately 1.8 kg was observed. Results support Nigella sativa's combined anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits in overweight women.
How They Measured It
IL-1β, IL-6, leptin, insulin parameters, body weight
Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular
To evaluate blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa seed oil in healthy volunteers
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa seed oil in healthy volunteers
Dose
Nigella sativa seed oil
Participants
70 healthy volunteers
Duration
Study period
Results
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the Nigella sativa oil treated group compared with baseline and placebo group.
How They Measured It
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
To assess effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on blood pressure
Study Type
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Purpose
To assess effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on blood pressure
Dose
Nigella sativa (various forms and doses)
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs
Duration
Various study periods
Results
Nigella sativa supplementation effective in reducing both systolic BP (WMD: -3.06 mmHg) and diastolic BP (WMD: -2.69 mmHg).
How They Measured It
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Blood Sugar
To evaluate Nigella sativa supplementation effects on blood sugar and glycemic control
Study Type
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Purpose
To evaluate Nigella sativa supplementation effects on blood sugar and glycemic control
Dose
Nigella sativa (various doses)
Participants
Meta-analysis of 8+ RCTs in diabetic and prediabetic patients
Duration
Various study periods
Results
Nigella sativa significantly improved fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) in multiple studies.
How They Measured It
Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, postprandial glucose
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the benefits of a standardized nigella sativa oil containing 5% thymoquinone in reduc
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the benefits of a standardized nigella sativa oil containing 5% thymoquinone in reduc
Dose
Black Seed (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Allergic rhinitis (AR) or seasonal allergy characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and nasal discharge, triggered by immune reactions to environmental allergens. Present day customers also monitor the personal improvements in the area of Evidence-Based natural medicines/supplements.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in nigella sativa as an antibiotic alternative to promote growth and enhance health of broilers challenged with eimeria maxima and clostridium perfringen
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in nigella sativa as an antibiotic alternative to promote growth and enhance health of broilers challenged with eimeria maxima and clostridium perfringen
Dose
Black Seed (dose not specified)
Participants
384 and 320 Cobb 500 male broiler chicks distributed in a randomized complete block experimen
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
, BCSO at concentrations of 2 and 5 mL/kg enhanced broiler live performance and alleviated NE and has potential as a natural, non-medication antimicrobial nutritional supplement for use as a feed additive in chickens.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in therapeutic potential of thymoquinone in conjunction with mechanical debridement for peri-implantitis: a prospective clinical evaluation.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in therapeutic potential of thymoquinone in conjunction with mechanical debridement for peri-implantitis: a prospective clinical evaluation.
Dose
Black Seed (dose not specified)
Participants
40 participants
Duration
3 months
Results
ntly better outcomes in PI (0.50 ± 0.20), GI (0.62 ± 0.11), PPD (3.02 ± 0.14 mm), and CAL (3.17 ± 0.31 mm) compared to Group 1 (p < 0.05). Thymoquinone gel as an adjunct to mechanical debridement significantly improves peri-implantitis management, offering a promising therapeutic option. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in effects of nigella sativa and its constituents on inflammatory markers in ovalbumin-induced asthma model: a preclinical systematic review and meta-ana
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in effects of nigella sativa and its constituents on inflammatory markers in ovalbumin-induced asthma model: a preclinical systematic review and meta-ana
Dose
Black Seed (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Research demonstrates that Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and its principal constituents, including thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, and α-hederin, possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the preclinical evidence of N. sativa in an animal model of ovalbumin-induced asthma.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in effects of nigella sativa and its constituents on total white blood cells count and airway responsiveness value in ovalbumin-induced asthma models: a
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in effects of nigella sativa and its constituents on total white blood cells count and airway responsiveness value in ovalbumin-induced asthma models: a
Dose
Black Seed (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Evidence indicates that Nigella sativa (NS) and its key compounds such as carvacrol, thymoquinone, thymol, and α-hederin exhibit properties that reduce inflammation, act as antioxidants, and modulate the immune system. This meta-analysis investigated the preclinical evidence of NS reported in animal models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in immune stimulatory effect of nigella sativa in healthy animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Seed in immune stimulatory effect of nigella sativa in healthy animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Black Seed (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
, black seeds enhance humoral immunity in healthy animals but do not affect cellular immunity.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Black Seed research
There are currently 16 peer-reviewed studies on Black Seed (Nigella sativa), involving 773 total participants. Research covers Lipid Profile Improvement, Glycemic Control & Diabetes, Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Risk and 6 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Black Seed has been researched for: Lipid Profile Improvement, Glycemic Control & Diabetes, Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Risk, Inflammation & Oxidative Stress, Weight Loss & Obesity, Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular, Blood Sugar, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 16 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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