Supplement
Black seed oil comes from the seeds of Nigella sativa, and its main compound, thymoquinone, has anti-inflammatory and airway-relaxing effects. People most often look at it for asthma, though the evidence there is limited, based on about 400 participants. The stronger findings lie elsewhere: meta-analyses found lower LDL and total cholesterol, along with lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.
- Updated
- How we grade
- 8 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade A
- Conditions studied
- 5
- Outcomes
- 8
- Graded outcomes
- 4400
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Glucose Meta-analysis (16 RCTs): FBG reduced by -21.43 mg/dL (p=0.005). Another meta-analysis: WMD -15.18 mg/dL (95% CI -19.82 to -10.55). Effect stronger with oil form >1g/day and duration >8 weeks. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 900 people | |||
| HbA1c Meta-analyses: Consistently reduced HbA1c by -0.44% to -0.45% (p<0.01). Effect more pronounced with higher doses (>1g/day). | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 700 people |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDL Cholesterol Meta-analysis (2024): Large LDL-C reduction (SMD -2.45, 95% CI -3.06 to -1.85, p<0.001). T2DM meta-analysis: LDL reduced by -19.53 mg/dL (p=0.003). | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect | 2,278 people | |||
| Total Cholesterol Meta-analysis: Significant TC reduction (SMD -1.78, 95% CI -2.20 to -1.37, p<0.001). T2DM meta-analysis: TC reduced by -18.80 mg/dL (p=0.04). | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect | 2,278 people | |||
| Triglycerides Meta-analysis: Significant TG reduction (SMD -1.27, 95% CI -1.67 to -0.83, p<0.001). Oil form more effective than powder. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 2,278 people |
High Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure GRADE meta-analysis (82 RCTs): Significantly improved BP. Oil form more effective for both SBP and DBP. Optimal results at 3000mg/day for 12 weeks. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 800 people |
Inflammation
- Inflammatory Markers (CRP): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory Markers (CRP) Meta-analysis: Significant reduction in CRP and MDA. Immunomodulatory effects on Th1/Th2 balance demonstrated. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 500 people |
Obesity
- Body Weight and BMI: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Weight and BMI GRADE meta-analysis: Significantly improves BMI. 6-12 weeks supplementation lowers bodyweight and anthropometric indices. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 600 people |
Key findings
- Fasting Blood GlucoseImproves (the measure goes down)
- HbA1cImproves (the measure goes down)
- LDL CholesterolImproves (the measure goes down)
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Third-party tested Black Seed Oil products, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.
- Grade A
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Studies cited
8 studies from PubMed
- Effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on lipid profiles in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Nigella sativa and health outcomes: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- Nigella sativa as a promising intervention for metabolic and inflammatory disorders in obese prediabetic subjects: A comparative study of Nigella sativa versus both lifestyle modification and metformin
- Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure
- Nigella sativa improves glucose homeostasis and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone: A comprehensive review
- A review of the effects of Nigella sativa L. and its constituent, thymoquinone, in metabolic syndrome