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.
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)
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.
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