sativa’smain bioactive compound, thymoquinone,is likely responsible for its effects.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Nutrition
N. sativaseeds contain both macronutrients and micronutrients essential to your health.
Getty Images / Madeleine_Steinbach
Regarding macronutrients,N.
sativaseeds contain protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Examples of these phytonutrients include:
The presence of these compounds and nutrients may be whyN.
sativahas been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Various studies have shown thatN.
sativapossesses a number of additional properties, including:
However, most studies performed onN.
sativahave taken place in a laboratory rather than in humans.
Therefore, not all traditional uses ofN.
sativaare supported by scientific evidence.
Fortunately, there are a fair amount of clinical trials onN.
sativaand its potential role in various conditions.
These trials give us a starting point when it comes to discussing the use ofN.
sativadiscussed several clinical trials that have been performed on the herb.
It should be noted that some studies have shown mixed results regarding how wellN.
Therefore, precautions should be taken before usingN.
sativato treat a health condition.
Remember, also, that supplements should never replace standard care.
Below is a more in-depth look at some research onN.
sativain certain health conditions.
May Improve Blood Sugar
Studies have suggested that compounds inN.
sativamay help people with key in 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar.
Various clinical trials have shown the potential ofN.
sativato act as a complementary diabetes treatment.
Some of the trials also reported improvements in insulin sensitivity due to usingN.
N. sativamay also aid in diabetes prevention.
The herb also improved lipid panels and inflammation in people with prediabetes.
Although these results are promising, some researchers believe more extensive human trials are needed.
There is still much to learn when it comes to the dosing and safety ofN.
May Promote Heart Health
Thymoquinone and other compounds inN.
sativahave been associated with beneficial effects on heart health.
Specifically, studies have shown thatN.
sativamay be beneficial forhigh blood pressure,hyperlipidemia,atherosclerosis, and heart damage.
According to one review,N.
sativause has been linked to improvements in bothsystolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly due to diuretic properties.
These results have been seen in healthy people as well as those with metabolic syndrome.
The same review noted several animal studies in whichN.
In short,N.
In a small, long-term study,N.
sativawas used daily with a blood sugarlowering medication for one year in people with diabetes.
Compared to a placebo group, those who addedN.
sativato their regimen had significant improvements in total cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios.
sativaalso led to improvements in heart rate and blood pressure.
If you have heart disease, talk with a healthcare provider before usingN.
sativa,as research is still emerging.
Additionally, like other herbs,N.
sativamay interact with certain medications.
May Improve Memory & Cognition
Lab and animal studies have found a potential relationship betweenN.
What this research has shown is thatN.
Some small human trials have found similar results.
A study of 40 healthy older adults comparedN.
sativato a placebo to see if either affected memory, attention, and/or cognition.
Those randomized to receiveN.
sativatook 500 milligrams (mg) capsules of the herb two times a day for nine weeks.
At the end of the study,N.
sativawas found to have a significant positive effect on logical memory as well as attention and cognition.
Another small trial testedN.
sativain healthy adolescent males between the ages of 14 and 17.
This study randomized participants to take smaller doses ofN.
More research is needed in this area.
Larger and longer human trials would provide more information to help researchers determine the role ofN.
sativain memory and cognition.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials concluded thatN.
sativawas used topically rather than orally.
sativamay also have positive effects on these and other skin conditions.
One study compared the effects ofN.
sativawithbetamethasone(a steroid) andEucerin(a lotion) forhand eczema.
sativaand betamethasone improved hand eczema significantly more rapidly than Eucerin.
A different study comparedN.
sativato fish oil for the treatment of vitiligo.
The 52 participants were randomized and applied eitherN.
sativaessential oil or fish oil to their vitiligo lesions two times a day.
By the end of the six-month trial,N.
sativashowed more significant improvements in the size of vitiligo lesions than fish oil.
May Alleviate Inflammation
Inflammationis a natural process that may result from injury, infection, or disease.
Compounds found in the seeds and seed oil ofN.
sativamay help reduce this inflammation.
sativaon inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed in a recent systematic review.
From the 10 clinical trials included in the review, it was concluded thatN.
A small study comparedN.
sativaoil to a placebo in 42 people with RA.N.
sativawas used by half of the participants at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for eight weeks.
The results showed thatN.
sativaincreased anti-inflammatorycytokinesand reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in people with RA.
As mentioned in various studies and reviews, more research is needed to further confirm if and howN.
What Are the Side Effects of Nigella sativa?
N. sativais generally considered safe for most people to use.
Various studies on the herb have paid close attention to possible side effects and the overall safety ofN.
sativa.In these studies, very few side effects have been reported forN.
Although rare, possible side effects of takingN.
sativainclude:
These side effects tend to be mild and should resolve once you stop usingN.
sativa.If side effects persist or become worse, talk with a healthcare provider.
Precautions
AlthoughN.
sativais considered safe, some people should avoid using it.
In general, children and adults should only useN.
sativafor short periods and in proper doses.
Taking large doses ofN.
sativaor using it for too long may increase the risk of side effects.
People who arepregnantorbreastfeedingshould avoid usingN.
In fact, there is some evidence thatN.
sativamay slow contractions in the uterus, which could be harmful to a fetus.
Other precautions may be warranted, but more research is needed on the safety ofN.
Interactions
Sometimes, supplements can interact with medications, herbs, nutrients, or other supplements.
These interactions may cause medications, herbs, nutrients, or supplements to work improperly in your body.
N. sativamay interact with certain medications, herbs, and supplements.
However, these possible interactions are not well-documented.
Regardless, there is concern thatN.
sativaif you take any medications or use other herbs or supplements.
Dosage: How Much Nigella sativa Should I Take?
N. sativadosage typically depends on various factors, including your age and reason for use.
Because there are no set guidelines forN.
sativadosage, it’s best to follow dosage directions as provided on your supplement’s label.
Based on the available evidence,N.
sativaoil is typically used at a dose of 1 to 2.5 g per day for four to 12 weeks.N.
sativahave been used in clinical trials.
While a dose of 1 g ofN.
If you’re unsure how muchN.
sativayou should take, talk with a healthcare provider to get personalized dosage recommendations.
What Happens If I Take Too Much?
N. sativais not known to be toxic.
Regardless, it’s important to only useN.
Some animal studies have looked at the potential toxicity ofN.
sativa, which is 81 times or more than the average adult dose.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that taking a larger than recommended dose ofN.
sativamay increase the risk of side effects like cramping or indigestion.Play it safe and only useN.
Typically, it’s possible for you to get larger doses ofN.
sativain supplement form, but there may be advantages to using the herb as a food.
Remember that dietary supplements can never replace a well-balanced diet.
Food Sources of Nigella Sativa
The seeds or oils fromN.
sativamay be used to add flavor to foods.
N. sativaseeds are said to have a bitter taste and smell.
These seeds may be ground and used similarly to black pepper.
sativaseeds may be used to flavor certain types of candy, liquor, bread, and cheese.
N. sativais more commonly used as a supplement, however.
Nigella Sativa Supplements
it’s possible for you to easily find and purchaseN.
These supplements may also be available in certain grocery or retail stores as well as nutrition or supplement shops.
N. sativasupplements may come in capsules, powders, soft gels, liquid extracts, or essential oils.
And while the majority of research focuses onN.
sativaas an oral supplement, certain forms may also be used topically.
sativais naturallyveganand gluten-free, some supplements may contain animal-based ingredients orgluten.
Be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure the supplement meets your dietary preferences or needs.
Summary
Nigella sativais a medicinal plant popularly used in various types of alternative medicine.
sativamay benefit blood sugar, heart disease, memory impairment, skin conditions, and inflammation.
However, in many cases, additional studies are needed to further prove the efficacy ofN.
sativain these and other conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigella sativais sometimes called black cumin, which means the two names are interchangeable.N.
sativamay also be called black seed, black caraway, seed of blessing, or many other names.
Black cumin is not the same as cumin.
In fact, the two are completely unrelated.
Cumin comes from the plantCuminum cyminum.
N. sativais thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
In clinical trials,N.
N. sativacan be used orally (by mouth) or topically (applied to the skin).
Although, there is more research available on oralN.
sativasupplements in the form of capsules, powders, soft gels, extracts, and essential oils.
Very few side effects have been reported forN.
sativa, and most were mild.
Most side effects associated withN.
If you experience side effects, it’s best to stop usingN.
sativaand consult with a healthcare provider.
(black cumin): a promising natural remedy for wide range of illnesses.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
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): review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties.J Herb Med.
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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet].
Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.Black Seed.
[Updated 2021 Jun 21].
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Shakeri F, Khazaei1 M, Boskbady1 MH.Cardiovascular effects ofNigella satival.
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