Herbal Extract
Black Cumin Seed Oil
Also known as: Nigella sativa, nigella oil, black seed oil, kalonji oil
Black cumin seed oil is extracted from Nigella sativa seeds and contains bioactive compounds including thymoquinone, with preliminary evidence supporting immune and inflammatory support. Human clinical data remain limited, though traditional use is well-established in Middle Eastern and South Asian medicine.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Black Cumin Seed Oil product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Life Extension Black Cumin Seed Oil | 82 A- | $0.19 |
| 2 | Gaia Herbs Black Seed Oil | 68 B | $1.02 |
| 3 | Nature's Way Organic Black Seed Oil | 67 B | $0.81 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Black Cumin Seed Oil should I take?
The typical range is 500-2,000 mg daily (oil or standardized extract). Studies typically span 8–12 weeks; long-term safety data limited
When should I take Black Cumin Seed Oil?
With meals. Recommended to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Which form of Black Cumin Seed Oil is best?
Cold-pressed oil. Other forms in the catalog: Softgel capsules, Liquid extract.
Is Black Cumin Seed Oil safe?
Commonly reported: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, Nausea, Allergic reactions (rare).
Which Black Cumin Seed Oil supplement scores highest?
Life Extension Black Cumin Seed Oil, at 82/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Immune support
- Inflammatory response
- Antioxidant support
- General wellness
How it works
- Thymoquinone and other constituents may modulate immune cytokines
- Potential free-radical scavenging activity
- Possible NF-κB pathway inhibition
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2,000 mg daily (oil or standardized extract)
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Recommended to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset
- Duration
- Studies typically span 8–12 weeks; long-term safety data limited
- Special populations
- Pregnancy/nursing: insufficient safety data; use with caution or avoid. Pediatric use not well-established.
Forms
- Cold-pressed oil· 70/100
- Softgel capsules· 70/100
- Liquid extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and nursing (insufficient safety data)
- Known allergy to Nigella sativa or related plants
- Concurrent use with immunosuppressant medications (potential interaction)
Products containing Black Cumin Seed Oil
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Black Cumin Seed Oil on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Moderate preliminary evidence from animal and in vitro studies; limited well-controlled human RCTs. Most human studies are small and lack robust design. Traditional use is extensive but does not substitute for clinical evidence.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Herbal Extract
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.