Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed is known by many names such as Nigella sativa, kalonji, and black cumin seed. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which grows in the Mediterranean region and in southwest Asia.

While black seeds taste slightly bitter, it is used as a flavoring or spice in various dishes worldwide. Aside from its culinary purposes, the oil from black seed has the capacity to treat a wide range of medical maladies. Its medicinal properties is thought to be can be attributed to thymoquinone (TQ), a compound known to possess potent antioxidant properties.

Black seed has a long history as a therapeutic option for a wide range of diseases. In fact, the Assyrians in ancient Egypt used this beneficial herb for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, and various inflammatory conditions.

Interestingly, black seed oil was found in the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen, suggesting that it was used by the elite people of ancient Egypt. In biblical times, it was referred to as "curative black cumin." The great Greek physicians Hippocrates and Dioscorides also described black seed as "Melanthion" while the Romans called it “Greek Coriander.”

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

There is a large body of evidence suggesting that the health benefits of black seed oil can be attributed to its potent anti-inflammatory and  antioxidant properties.

1. Improves Arthritis Symptoms

Black seed oil can help provide long-lasting pain relief in people with arthritis.

A study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that the group who took Nigella sativa oil capsules 500  mg twice daily for 1 month had a significant improvement in the number of swollen joints and the duration of morning stiffness, compared with the group who consumed starch-filled capsules daily for the same period of time. [1]

In a similar study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it was found that the group who received two capsules (500 mg each) of Nigella sativa oil daily for 8 weeks had lower blood levels of malondialdehyde (marker of oxidative stress and inflammation) compared with subjects who took two paraffin capsules daily for the same period of time. [2]

In a study of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis, it was found that skin application of Nigella sativa oil on the knee joint every 8 hours for 3 weeks provided significant pain relief. [3]

2. Improves Cholesterol Levels

Black seed oil can also help bring down cholesterol levels.

A recent review of several studies found that black seed oil has a greater effect in reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels than black seed powder. [4]

A study of type 2 diabetic patients found that the group who consumed black seed oil at 2 grams per day had a significant decline in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and a significant elevation in high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels compared with the group who took black seed oil at 1 gram per day and the group who consumed black seed oil at 3 grams per day. [5] 

3. Reduces High Blood Pressure

Supplementation with black seed oil can benefit people with hypertension.

In a study of healthy volunteers, a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in the group treated with 2.5 ml black seed oil for 8 weeks compared with placebo-treated group.[6]

A study assessing the effects of black seed oil in patients with mild hypertension found that 100 and 200 mg doses were effective at reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo. [7]

4. Promotes Healthy Skin

Evidence suggests that black seed oil can help treat various skin conditions.

In a study of patients with vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by loss of skin color in patches, it was found that skin application of black seed oil reduced more skin lesions than fish oil. [8]

In a rat model of psoriasis, skin application of black seed oil strongly inhibited psoriasis-like inflammation and skin changes induced by the drug imiquimod. [9]

5. Treats Diabetes

The anti-diabetic effect of black seed oil is also backed by a number of studies.

A 2019 review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that black seed oil significantly improved laboratory parameters of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and diabetes control. [10]

In a study investigating the effects of black seed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, it was found that consumption of capsules containing Nigella sativa at a dose of 1, 2 and 3 g/day for three months significantly lowered blood sugar levels without any adverse effects. [11]

One review found that black seed oil can improve blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus through various important mechanisms, including its potent antioxidant properties and beneficial effects on insulin secretion and blood sugar absorption. [12]

6. Treats Asthma

There’s also a number of studies supporting the beneficial effects of black seed oil on lung conditions such as asthma.

A recent rat study reported that black seed oil can help improve symptoms of asthma by inhibiting histamine release, which in turn reduces airway inflammation. [13]

A recent review of multiple studies assessing the effects of black seed oil on asthma also found that the treatment alleviated airway inflammation by inducing dilation of blood vessels and reducing inflammatory substances. [14]

7. Fights Obesity

Taking black seed oil can help improve body composition by promoting weight loss.

In a clinical trial investigating the effects of the combination of black seed oil and aerobic training on the body composition of sedentary overweight females, researchers found that the treatment lowered body mass index (BMI) after 8 weeks. [15]

A study also found that obese women who consumed a low-calorie diet together with 3 g per day of black seed oil for 8 weeks had significant reduction in weight and waist circumference compared with the placebo group. [16]

8. Relieves Breast Pain

Application of black seed oil can also produce significant pain relief.

In one clinical study of women suffering from breast pain due to menstruation, application of a gel containing 30% black seed oil at painful areas 2 times a day for 2 menstrual cycles significantly reduced pain compared with placebo treatment. [17] 

9. Aids in Proper Digestion

Thymoquinone, the main constituent of black seed oil, is known to aid in proper digestion.

In one study assessing the gastrointestinal effects of black seed, it was found that thymoquinone increased the production of mucin, a large glycoprotein that helps in proper digestion of food. [18] Mucin also protected the gastrointestinal tract against foreign invaders.

Safety of Black Seed Oil

When taken in small quantities, such as for culinary use, black seed provides a higher level of safety. In fact, a recent review of several clinical trials assessing the safety of black seed oil and its active constituent thymoquinone found that the side effects were tolerable and not serious. [19] In addition, a study also found that black seed had no significant effect on the duration of pregnancy and overall well-being of neonates. [20]

However, Black seed oil should be used in extreme caution in people with the following medical conditions. Always check with your GP if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medication.

• Bleeding disorders: Black seed oil may interfere with the blood clotting ability of a person, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding if someone has a preexisting condition or is taking medication with a similar action such as warfarin.

• Diabetes mellitus: While black seed oil can help bring down high blood sugar levels in diabetics, it should not be used together with blood-sugar-lowering medications as it may cause hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).

• Hypotension(Low blood pressure): Black seed oil may cause abnormally low blood pressure in people with existing hypotension (low blood pressure). It should not be used in combination with anti-hypertensive medications as the combination may cause blood pressure to become too low.

  
  

Blackseed Oil can also Interact with the following Medications:

• Immunosuppressants: These medications work by decreasing the function of the immune system. A common example is corticosteroids. Taking black seed oil may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants because of its immune-modulating properties.

• Central nervous system depressants (sedative medications): Using black seed oil together with CNS depressants can increase the risk of respiratory depression.

How to Choose the Right Oil

To reap the full benefits of black seed oil, here are a few specific things to remember when choosing a product:

1. Choose an organic black seed oil. Organic products mean higher levels of antioxidants with no chemical fertilizer or pesticide residue. To ensure that organic products were used, look for a label that says “certified organic by the Soil Association”.

2. Cold Pressed .The method of preparation of black seed oil can have a significant impact on its potency. Specifically, most manufacturers of black seed products use heat to extract the oil. This method of extraction can damage thymoquinone and other beneficial compounds in black seed making it less effective.

3. Protective glass bottle. Aside from the method of preparation, the packaging can also affect the potency of black seed oil. It is highly recommended to opt for oil contained in an amber glass bottle to protect against ultraviolet rays from the sun. Oil should always be stored in glass as it can leach into the plastic.