Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
Studied for: Pulmonary Disease · Insulin Resistance · Hypercholesterolemia · Hypertension · Arthritis · Fatty Liver Disease
Pulmonary Disease
What the research found
Enhances pulmonary function and symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Randomized trials confirm that black seed oil acts as an effective bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory adjunct for lower respiratory conditions. In patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, daily supplementation for 3 months significantly enhanced pulmonary function tests while decreasing inflammatory markers including IL-6 and TNF-α.
Dose used in studies
1 to 5 mL daily (1,000 to 3,000 mg)
Side effects reported
mild gastrointestinal effects, can affect the metabolism of conventional pharmaceuticals by inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes
References
Tavakkoli 2017, Al-Azzawi2020
Insulin Resistance
What the research found
Improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, reducing fasting glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes
Dose used in studies
1 to 5 mL daily (1,000 to 3,000 mg)
Side effects reported
mild gastrointestinal effects, can affect the metabolism of conventional pharmaceuticals by inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes
References
Hadi2021, Shoaei-Hagh2021, Alberts2024
Hypercholesterolemia
What the research found
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials demonstrated that black seed supplementation significantly lowers total cholesterol by 15.65 mg/dL, LDL-C by 14.10 mg/dL, and triglycerides by 20.64 mg/dL
Dose used in studies
1 to 5 mL daily (1,000 to 3,000 mg)
Side effects reported
mild gastrointestinal effects, can affect the metabolism of conventional pharmaceuticals by inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes
References
Sahebkar2016
Hypertension
What the research found
Lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure as an adjunct therapy in hypertensive patients
Dose used in studies
1 to 5 mL daily (1,000 to 3,000 mg)
Side effects reported
mild gastrointestinal effects, can affect the metabolism of conventional pharmaceuticals by inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes
References
Shoaei-Hagh2021, Hadi2021, Hannan2021
Arthritis
What the research found
Clinical investigations in rheumatoid arthritis documented that black seed oil elevated anti-inflammatory IL-10 and decreased oxidative markers.
Dose used in studies
1 to 5 mL daily (1,000 to 3,000 mg)
Side effects reported
mild gastrointestinal effects, can affect the metabolism of conventional pharmaceuticals by inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes
References
Hadi2016
Fatty Liver Disease
What the research found
In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 2.5 mL twice daily attenuated hepatic steatosis and decreased serum aminotransferases alongside triglycerides
Dose used in studies
1 to 5 mL daily (1,000 to 3,000 mg)
Side effects reported
mild gastrointestinal effects, can affect the metabolism of conventional pharmaceuticals by inhibitory effect on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 hepatic enzymes
References
Hannan2021
Not medical advice
Trials are run on specific people, for specific reasons, over a set period. Your medications, conditions and bloodwork can change what is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting.