Black cumin seed oil - What you need to know!

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Egyptian black cumin oil · 200 capsules

22 reviews

GN Laboratories

Egyptian black cumin oil is rich in omega-9 fatty acids and antioxidants (1). In addition to its many general effects on the human organism, it als...
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Black cumin oil · 150 capsules

3 reviews

Zec+

Rich in bioactive compounds: Black cumin seed oil contains thymoquinone and nigellone, which offer a variety of health benefits. Historically va...
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Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a small flowering plant that grows in Southwest Asia, the Middle East and Southern Europe. This bush also produces a fruit with tiny black seeds, also known as black cumin. Black seed oil is extracted from the N. sativa seeds and has been used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years for its many therapeutic benefits. Studies suggest that this oil has a variety of health applications, including the treatment of asthma and weight loss support. In addition to oral ingestion, black seed oil has benefits for skin and hair when applied topically. This article looks at the potential benefits of black seed oil, as well as possible side effects and dosage information.

Potential health benefits of black seed oil

In the field of traditional medicine, black seed oil is used to treat a wide range of health problems. As a result, it is also referred to as "panacea", which means universal remedy (1, 2). Although not all of the claimed health benefits have been scientifically proven, black seed oil and its constituents have been associated with numerous health benefits.

Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants

Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants - plant compounds that help protect cells against damage that can be caused by unstable compounds known as free radicals (3). Antioxidants are important for health and scientific research has shown that they can reduce inflammation and protect against diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer (4). Black seed oil is particularly rich in thymoquinone, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, studies suggest that the compound may protect the brain and treat several types of cancer (5, 6, 7).

Black seed oil may help in the treatment of asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the inner lining of the airways and the muscles surrounding them become constricted, making it difficult to breathe. Scientific research has shown that black seed oil, and specifically the thymoquinone it contains, can help by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles of the airways (8). A study of 80 adult asthma patients found that taking 500 mg of black seed oil capsules twice daily for four weeks significantly improved asthma control (9). Although these results are promising, larger and longer studies are needed to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of black seed oil for the treatment of asthma.

Black seed oil can support weight loss

Although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, research shows that black seed oil can help reduce body mass index (BMI) in people with obesity, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes (10, 11). In an eight-week study of 90 obese women between the ages of 25 and 50, the subjects followed a low-calorie diet and were given either a placebo or 1 gram of black seed oil per meal and a total of 3 grams of black seed oil per day (12). At the end of the study, the women who had taken the black seed oil had significantly more weight and waist circumference than the members of the placebo group. The group receiving the black seed oil also showed a significant improvement in triglyceride levels and levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol (12).

Black seed oil can lower blood sugar levels

In people with diabetes, consistently high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of complications including kidney disease, eye disease and stroke (13). Several studies in subjects with type 2 diabetes indicate that doses of 2 grams of black cumin seeds per day can significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1v) - a marker of average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months (14). Although most studies used black cumin seeds in powder form, the same effects have also been shown with black cumin oil (15). A study of 99 adults with type 2 diabetes found that both 1/3 teaspoon (1.5 ml) and 3/5 teaspoon (3 ml) of black seed oil per day for 20 days significantly lowered HbA1c levels compared to a placebo (16).

Black seed oil can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Black seed oil has been studied for its potential efficacy in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure and high total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are important risk factors for heart disease. Two studies - one with 90 obese women and another with 72 adults with type 2 diabetes - found that taking 2 to 3 grams of black seed oil in capsule form per day for 8 to 10 weeks significantly reduced levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol (12, 17). Another study of 90 subjects with high cholesterol levels found that consuming 2 teaspoons of black seed oil (10 grams) after breakfast for 6 weeks significantly reduced levels of bad LDL cholesterol (18).

In addition to this, black seed oil can help with high blood pressure. A study of 70 healthy adults found that ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of black seed oil per day for 8 weeks significantly lowered blood pressure compared to a placebo (19). Finally, a large study review involving a total of 800 patients concluded that black seed and black seed oil can lower slightly elevated blood pressure, although this effect was more pronounced with black seed and only became apparent after 2 months of use (27).

Black cumin seed oil can promote heart health

According to studies, black seed oil can protect heart health through a number of different mechanisms (25, 26):

Elimination of excessive water retention (diuretic effect)
Reduction of the fight or flight response
Increasing levels of nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels
Improvement of blood lipid levels
Pronounced antioxidant effects

Some of these mechanisms have so far only been observed in in vitro and animal studies and have yet to be confirmed in human studies. Animal studies have investigated additional potential effects of black seed on the heart. For example, black seed has been shown to improve the regeneration of damaged heart tissue in rats following heart surgery and heart attacks (28). In another study conducted with rats, exercise and black seed improved blood flow to the heart and promoted the formation of new blood vessels, which can potentially help prevent heart problems (29).

Black seed oil may protect brain health

Neuroinflammation is an inflammation of the tissues of the brain. It is believed to play an important role in the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (7, 20). However, there is currently little research on the effectiveness of black seed oil on brain health in humans. One study of 40 older adults showed significant improvements in memory, attention and cognitive ability after taking 500 mg of black seed twice daily for 9 weeks (21). Thymoquinone and other components of black seed have been shown to protect the brain from damage in several in vitro and animal studies. Black seed prevented brain damage caused by lead and arsenic in growing mice. In adolescent rats with hypothyroidism, black seed prevented learning difficulties and brain damage (30, 31).

Black seed oil could be good for skin and hair

In addition to its medicinal uses, black seed oil is often used topically for a number of skin conditions and as a moisturizer for hair. Scientific research suggests that black seed oil may help treat skin conditions and problems including acne, eczema, general dry skin and psoriasis due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (22, 23). Although black seed oil is often used to hydrate hair and treat dandruff, no clinical studies yet support these uses.

Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory effects

Black seed oil (especially the thymoquinone it contains) has promising anti-inflammatory properties. Some scientists believe that it is good for both Th1 and Th2 dominance, although evidence for this is still lacking.

Some small human studies with patient numbers in the single digits suggest that black seed oil may help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In animal studies, the anti-inflammatory potential has been attributed to the active ingredient thymoquinone. (32). In mice, black seed oil reduced inflammation and pain, and in rats it was able to reduce autoimmune inflammation of the brain (33, 34). In rats with arthritis, the active ingredient thymoquinone in black seed oil reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1β, TNF alpha - Th1, while increasing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 (35). Some scientists believe that black seed oil reduces brain inflammation by blocking NF-kb and reducing nitric oxide production by immune cells (which produce too much of it in autoimmune diseases). However, these theories have not yet been proven (36).

Black seed oil can reduce arthritis symptoms

Black seed oil (and its active ingredient thymoquinone) reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including joint stiffness and swelling, in a study of 40 female patients at a dose of 2 x 500 mg of oil per day (37).

Apart from this study, there are no other clinical studies on this topic.

Black seed oil can relieve allergies and hay fever

A number of small human studies suggest that black seed oil may help reduce allergic symptoms, which appears to be particularly the case for people with respiratory problems. A review of 4 studies involving a total of 152 patients with allergic symptoms concluded that black seed oil can help with allergies. When used in combination with conventional therapy, it reduced subjective allergy symptoms including asthma, eczema and nasal congestion (38). According to the review, patients received 40 to 80 mg of black seed oil per kilogram of body weight per day, which would be equivalent to 2.8 to 5.6 grams for a 70-kilogram person. In another study of 66 patients with allergic rhinitis, black seed oil reduced symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion after 2 weeks of use. (39).

Black cumin oil could help with male infertility

In a study of 68 infertile men, a daily intake of 5 ml of black cumin oil for 2 months improved sperm quality (40). In diabetic rats, black cumin oil was also able to increase testosterone levels. In another study, it improved sperm quality and motility, which could be attributed to its antioxidant properties (41, 42).

Black seed oil could improve immune function

Cell studies suggest that black seed oil may have potential immune system boosting properties due to its thymoquinone component. In these studies, it increased immune cell activity and antibody levels (43). It was also able to increase the immune response in cells (IL-3 in lymphocytes) (44).

Black cumin oil also appears to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. In studies it was effective against:

Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections (45).
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a multi-resistant germ responsible for difficult-to-treat hospital infections (46).
H. Pylori, a common cause of gastric ulcers (47).
Cytomegalovirus, which causes herpes (48).

Black seed oil could support kidney health

Although there are no human studies on the subject, black seed oil is traditionally used to treat and prevent kidney stones. In rats, it has been shown to help fight kidney stones and protect the kidneys from damage (49).

Other potential benefits

Black seed oil may have other health benefits, which include the following:

Black seed oil may have anti-cancer effects: In vivo studies have shown that the thymoquinone contained in black seed oil may help control the growth and spread of several types of cancer cells (24).
Antifungal: Black seed oil has antifungal effects. It may protect against Candida albicans - a yeast that leads to candidiasis (50).

Potential side effects

When used in small amounts for cooking, black seed oil is probably safe and harmless for most people. However, there is limited scientific data regarding long-term consumption at therapeutic doses. In general, short-term use for 3 months or less has not been associated with serious side effects. However, in one study, consumption of 5 ml of black seed oil for 8 days caused nausea and bloating in some subjects (51). One possible concern is that black seed oil may interact with drugs that are metabolized via the cytochrome P450 pathway. Common drugs that may be affected include warfarin (Coumadin) and beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor) (52, 53). There are also concerns that taking too much black seed oil could damage the kidneys. There is a case of a woman with type 2 diabetes who was hospitalized with kidney failure after taking 2 to 2.5 grams of black seed oil capsules for 6 days (54). However, other studies have shown no negative effects on kidney health. Some studies even suggest that black seed oil may have a protective effect on the kidneys (55). People with kidney problems should discuss the use of black seed oil with their doctor to be on the safe side. Last but not least, black seed oil should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women due to a lack of research. All in all, further research is needed to conclusively assess the long-term safety of black seed oil in humans.

How should black seed oil be used?

As a supplement, black seed oil can be consumed in the form of oil or capsules. The oil can also be used externally on the skin and hair. When using oil, care should be taken to use a high-quality product without additives.

Black cumin oil has an intense flavor that is slightly bitter and spicy. It is often compared to cumin or oregano. For this reason, it can be helpful to mix black cumin oil with another ingredient with an intense flavor such as honey or lemon juice when taken orally. For external use, black cumin oil can be massaged into the skin.

Recommended dosage

At this time, there is insufficient data to recommend a dosage. Depending on the intended application, the dosages used in scientific studies vary greatly.

For example, in the treatment of asthma, taking one gram of black seed oil in capsule form for 4 months has been shown to be safe and effective (56).

When used to support weight loss or reduce blood sugar levels, studies have found higher dosages in the range of 2 to 3 grams of black seed oil per day for 8 to 12 weeks to be most effective (57).

Due to the varying dosages, it is best to discuss the individual dosage with the attending physician.

Conclusion

Black seed oil is a widely used supplement in the field of alternative medicine to treat a range of conditions. Recent research suggests that black seed oil may be effective in treating asthma, aiding weight loss and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the thymoquinone contained in black seed oil may protect the brain and reduce the growth of cancer.

Further research is needed to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of black seed oil.

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Black cumin oil · 150 capsules