Skip to content
Dr. Grey AI

Supplement

Black seed

Black seed is the seed of Nigella sativa, a flowering plant, and it contains thymoquinone, a compound studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. People most often look at it for hay fever, where the evidence is strongest: a trial of 257 people found allergy symptoms improved. That rests on a single study, though, and other findings, such as blood sugar and blood pressure improvements, come with only moderate evidence.

Sources: PMID 20947211

Best evidence
Grade A
Conditions studied
19
Outcomes
111
Graded outcomes
1764

Evidence by condition

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

19 conditions

Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal Allergies / Hay Fever)

Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal Allergies / Hay Fever): outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Allergy Symptoms

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect1 study257 people

Studies that measured allergy symptoms

Asthma Symptoms

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study152 people

Studies that measured asthma symptoms

ImmunityImproves (the measure goes up)1 study39 people

Studies that measured immunity

CortisolChanges; see studies152 people
Nasal CongestionImproves (the measure goes up)66 people

General Cardiovascular Health

General Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect2 studies3,679 people

Studies that measured blood glucose

Blood Pressure

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study1,527 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Type 2 Diabetes: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect2 studies737 people

Studies that measured blood glucose

Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies325 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies405 people

Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Changes; see studies1 study134 people

Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp)

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study405 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

Body Mass Index (BMI)Changes; see studies285 people
HbA1cChanges; see studies490 people
InsulinChanges; see studies246 people
Insulin ResistanceChanges; see studies319 people
Interleukin 6Changes; see studies156 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersChanges; see studies591 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)364 people
TNF-AlphaChanges; see studies307 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)480 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies405 people

Metabolic Syndrome

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Metabolic Syndrome: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect2 studies748 people

Studies that measured blood glucose

Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies488 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies568 people

Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Changes; see studies1 study727 people

Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp)

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study568 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

HbA1cChanges; see studies389 people
Interleukin 6Changes; see studies156 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersChanges; see studies591 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)364 people
TNF-AlphaChanges; see studies307 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)480 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies568 people

High Blood Pressure

  • Blood Pressure: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
High Blood Pressure: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood Pressure

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study1,527 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies103 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies103 people

Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)

Heart RateChanges; see studies1 study103 people

Studies that measured heart rate

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study103 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies103 people
ProteinuriaImproves (the measure goes up)103 people
Serum AlbuminImproves (the measure goes up)103 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies103 people
Uric AcidChanges; see studies103 people
WeightChanges; see studies103 people

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
  • Interleukin 6: changes; see studies
  • Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study727 people

Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp)

Interleukin 6Changes; see studies156 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersChanges; see studies591 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)364 people
TNF-AlphaChanges; see studies307 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)480 people

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
  • Interleukin 6: changes; see studies
  • Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: changes; see studies
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study727 people

Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp)

Interleukin 6Changes; see studies156 people
Oxidative Stress BiomarkersChanges; see studies591 people
Superoxide Dismutase ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)364 people
TNF-AlphaChanges; see studies307 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)Improves (the measure goes up)480 people

High Cholesterol

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
High Cholesterol: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect2 studies88 people

Studies that measured blood glucose

Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies88 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies88 people

Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study88 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

TriglyceridesChanges; see studies88 people

Weight Loss & Maintenance

  • Blood glucose: improves
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Blood glucose

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect2 studies117 people

Studies that measured blood glucose

Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies117 people

Studies that measured total cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies117 people

Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl)

Blood PressureChanges; see studies1 study117 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study117 people

Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl)

Food IntakeChanges; see studies117 people
Kidney FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)117 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies117 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies117 people
WeightChanges; see studies117 people

Asthma

  • Allergy Symptoms: improves
  • Lung Function: improves
  • Asthma Symptoms: changes; see studies
Asthma: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Allergy Symptoms

Moderate Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Moderate effect1 study29 people

Studies that measured allergy symptoms

Lung FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies29 people

Studies that measured lung function

Asthma SymptomsChanges; see studies1 study29 people

Studies that measured asthma symptoms

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • Pain: improves
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: changes; see studies
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Pain

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect1 study40 people

Studies that measured pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis SymptomsChanges; see studies40 people

Cognitive Improvement

  • Attention: improves
  • Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
  • Bilirubin: changes; see studies
Cognitive Improvement: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Attention

Small Improvement

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect40 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies1 study40 people

Studies that measured blood pressure

BilirubinChanges; see studies40 people
CognitionImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
Kidney FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
MemoryImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
Processing AccuracyImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
Processing SpeedImproves (the measure goes up)40 people
Working MemoryImproves (the measure goes up)40 people

Metabolic Health

  • Adiponectin
Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect39 people

Bone Health

  • Bone turnover markers
  • Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase: improves
Bone Health: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Bone turnover markers

No effect

NoneNo effect34 people
Bone-specific Alkaline PhosphataseImproves (the measure goes up)1 study34 people

Obesity

  • Adiponectin
  • Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Obesity: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Adiponectin

No effect

NoneNo effect39 people
Total cholesterolChanges; see studies4 studies39 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)Changes; see studies2 studies39 people
Blood PressureChanges; see studies1 study39 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Changes; see studies1 study39 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves (the measure goes up)1 study39 people
AppetiteChanges; see studies39 people
Free TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)39 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies39 people
TriglyceridesChanges; see studies39 people
Uric AcidChanges; see studies39 people
WeightChanges; see studies39 people

Hepatitis C

  • Bilirubin
  • Blood glucose: changes; see studies
  • Red Blood Cell Count: improves
Hepatitis C: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Bilirubin

No effect

NoneNo effect30 people
Blood glucoseChanges; see studies2 studies30 people
Red Blood Cell CountImproves (the measure goes up)1 study30 people
HCV Viral LoadImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
Liver EnzymesChanges; see studies30 people
Serum AlbuminImproves (the measure goes up)30 people
White Blood Cell CountImproves (the measure goes up)30 people

Respiratory Health

  • Lung Function: improves
Respiratory Health: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Lung FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies40 people

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

  • Vascular Function: improves
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Vascular FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)1 study146 people

Epilepsy

  • Seizure Frequency: changes; see studies
Epilepsy: outcomes studied for Black seed
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Seizure FrequencyChanges; see studies1 study22 people

Key findings

  • Allergy SymptomsAllergic Rhinitis (Seasonal Allergies / Hay Fever)Improves (the measure goes down)
  • Blood glucoseImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Blood PressureImproves (the measure goes down)

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Fullscript collectionImmune support: evidence-graded picksOpen on Fullscript

Or shop one supplement

Third-party tested Black seed products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.

  • Grade A

We earn from purchases made in our Fullscript store, and links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Full disclosure

Studies cited

33 studies from PubMed

  1. Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res, 2020 · PMID 32394508
  2. Black Seed and Its Active Component Thymoquinone: Clinical ApplicationsPhytomedicine, 2019 · PMID 30506165
  3. Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: A Therapeutic Promise for COVID-19 and BeyondPharmacol Res, 2019 · PMID 31162426
  4. Nigella sativa for Diabetes Management: A Review of Clinical StudiesPhytother Res, 2019 · PMID 30789225
  5. Safety and Efficacy of Nigella sativa in Clinical PracticeAvicenna J Phytomed, 2019 · PMID 30612116
  6. Nigella sativa (Black Seed): A Comprehensive Review of Its Biological EffectsEvid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2018 · PMID 29885902
  7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nigella sativa: A Systematic ReviewJ Ethnopharmacol, 2018 · PMID 29559206
  8. Nigella sativa (Black Seed) and Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive ReviewPhytother Res, 2018 · PMID 29516831
  9. Therapeutic Properties of Nigella sativa: A Clinical ReviewAsian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2017 · PMID 28068849
  10. Therapeutic Effects of Nigella sativa in Metabolic Syndrome: A ReviewPhytother Res, 2017 · PMID 28266363
  11. Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Effects of Nigella sativa: Evidence from Clinical TrialsNutrients, 2017 · PMID 28326647
  12. Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of IllnessesEvid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2016 · PMID 27445889
  13. Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19500003
  14. Antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa supplementation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 37341696
  15. Endothelial Function Responses to Nigella sativa (Black Seed) Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Cureus · PMID 38915995
  16. The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteersJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 23707331
  17. Efficacy of Nigella sativa on serum free testosterone and metabolic disturbances in central obese maleActa Med Indones · PMID 20724766
  18. Potential adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patientsMed Princ Pract · PMID 20357504
  19. Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on subjective feeling in patients with allergic diseasesPhytother Res · PMID 14669258
  20. Herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis: the use of Nigella sativaAm J Otolaryngol · PMID 20947211
  21. Clinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trialMed Arh · PMID 22822623
  22. The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patientsFundam Clin Pharmacol · PMID 17868210
  23. Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertensionFundam Clin Pharmacol · PMID 18705755
  24. Effects of Nigella sativa on outcome of hepatitis C in EgyptWorld J Gastroenterol · PMID 23674855
  25. Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo controlled studyPhytother Res · PMID 22162258
  26. Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusIndian J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 21675032
  27. supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 36034891
  28. The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Inflammopharmacology · PMID 37036558
  29. The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests on chemical war victims: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 18991514
  30. Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Med Chem · PMID 38265398
  31. Effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndromeInt J Diabetes Dev Ctries · PMID 19902033
  32. The effect of thymoquinone on intractable pediatric seizures (pilot study)Epilepsy Res · PMID 21112742
  33. The Effect of Selected Herbal Medicines on Bone Turnover Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Family Reprod Health · PMID 35903765