What are the benefits of black seed according to research?
Black seed, known in Malaysia as habbatus sauda (Nigella sativa), is mentioned in hadith and widely studied. Meta-analyses found black seed supplements were linked to modest falls in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, and a small fall in blood pressure (about 3 mmHg). These effects are small and no substitute for medicine; the oil can cause skin allergy, and it may interact with some medicines.
What is black seed?
Black seed is the small black seed of the Nigella sativa plant, also called black cumin, and known in Malay as habbatus sauda or jintan hitam. It is used as a spice and sold as seeds, oil and capsules.
In a hadith reported by al-Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that black seed is a cure for every disease except death. Many scholars explain that this encourages us to benefit from it, but does not mean abandoning medical treatment.
What is black seed used for, according to research?
Two meta-analyses by Sahebkar et al. (2016) give the best picture so far:
- Blood lipids: Nigella sativa supplements were linked to modest falls in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Blood pressure: in randomised trials, systolic pressure fell by about 3.3 mmHg and diastolic by about 2.8 mmHg on average compared with control groups.
- Other small studies looked at blood sugar, asthma and inflammation, but the evidence is not yet strong.
Can black seed replace blood pressure or cholesterol medicine?
No. The reported effects are small compared with medicines prescribed by a doctor, and the studies varied in dose and length. Do not stop or reduce blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes medicine without talking to your doctor. To catch these problems early, see health screening for men.
What are the side effects of black seed?
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, applying pure black seed oil to the skin has caused allergic reactions (contact dermatitis). High doses caused liver and kidney damage in rats, but human data are lacking.
- It may affect medicines processed by the liver's CYP450 enzymes, and its active compound (thymoquinone) was shown to affect warfarin activity in studies.
- If you take blood thinners, diabetes medicine or blood pressure medicine, talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.
- Test a little oil on a small patch of skin before using it more widely.
How can you take black seed safely?
As a spice in cooking, the amounts used are usually small. If you choose capsules or oil as a supplement, pick a KKM-registered product with a MAL number and follow the dose on the label. The guide how to choose a safe supplement explains what to check.
Frequently asked questions
What is black seed used for?
It is used as a spice and a supplement. Meta-analyses found it was linked to modest falls in cholesterol and triglycerides and a small fall in blood pressure. The effects are small and no substitute for medicine.
Is it safe to take black seed every day?
As a spice in food it is usually safe. As a supplement, follow the dose on a registered product's label and talk to a doctor if you take medicines, because it may interact with some, including warfarin.
Can I stop my blood pressure medicine if I take black seed?
No. Do not stop or reduce any medicine without your doctor's advice. The fall in blood pressure reported in studies is small.
Sources
- Sahebkar A et al. (2016). Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 106:37–50
- Sahebkar A et al. (2016). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure. J Hypertens 34(11):2127–2135
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs: Nigella sativa (black seed)
This article is general information based on published research, not medical advice. It makes no claim about any product.
