Superfoods & Botanicals
Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)
Also known as: Nigella sativa oil · Black cumin oil · Kalonji · Thymoquinone
An ancient Islamic medicinal seed described in hadith as a cure for everything except death. Thymoquinone has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and metabolic effects confirmed in multiple human trials.
Effective Dose
1–3g / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Superfoods & Botanicals
Mechanism
Thymoquinone — NF-κB inhibition, 5-LOX inhibition, H2 receptor blocking
primary action
Best For
Immune health
Allergy, Blood sugar, Blood pressure
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)?
Nigella sativa (black seed) has been used medicinally for 3000+ years in Islamic, Ayurvedic, and traditional medicine. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the primary bioactive (25–54% of essential oil fraction) with documented anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, and immune-modulating effects in human trials.
How It Works: The Science
Thymoquinone inhibits NF-κB and 5-LOX (dual anti-inflammatory mechanism similar to boswellia), directly blocks H1 and H2 histamine receptors (anti-allergic), inhibits thromboxane B2 synthesis (platelet aggregation reduction), enhances insulin sensitivity via PPAR-γ activation, and stimulates regulatory T-cells (immune tolerance).
Primary Mechanism
Thymoquinone — NF-κB inhibition, 5-LOX inhibition, H2 receptor blocking
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
1–3g / day
1–3g cold-pressed black seed oil daily, or 500–1500mg standardised extract (3–5% thymoquinone). Take with food — fat-soluble. Can be taken as oil directly or in capsule form.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Safe at supplemental doses. May slow blood clotting — caution with anticoagulants. Reduces fertility markers in male rats at very high doses — relevance at human doses unclear. Avoid in late pregnancy.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Broad utility supplement for blood sugar, blood pressure, allergy, and immune health. Particularly relevant for those with multiple mild metabolic issues who want a multi-purpose botanical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →