Blackseed oil is produced from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a small plant native to the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Northern Africa. It’s been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments for about 2000 years.
People have long valued it for a wide range of potential health benefits. But what does science have to say about the matter? Let’s find out!
Black seed oil and healthy cholesterol levels
Elevated levels of bad cholesterol — also known as LDL cholesterol — are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As lipids build up in your blood vessels, their lumens narrow down, and a myriad of medical complications (like cardiovascular wellness concerns, cardiovascular wellness concerns, and gangrene) follow.
In one study on 90 obese women, taking black seed oil capsules for 3 months significantly reduced LDL (and total cholesterol) levels. These findings were replicated by another study, which was conducted on people with type 2 diabetes.
Other sources suggest that the powdered form of black seeds may boost your HDL cholesterol, which is the “good cholesterol”.[1]
Healthy cholesterol levels are an important part of long-term heart health. However, the optimal dosage required to achieve healthy cholesterol levels is still unclear.
Black seed oil is excellent for your heart
There are several reasons for this. First, black seed oil has been demonstrated to support healthy blood pressure.
Taking half a teaspoon of black seed oil for 2 months significantly reduced blood pressure levels in a study that looked at healthy adults.
High blood pressure makes the heart pump harder, which is why supporting healthy blood pressure matters.
Then, black seed oil is a rich source of antioxidants, which help the body fight super-reactive molecules called free radicals. Excess free radicals can damage cells and DNA, and oxidative stress is associated with several chronic health conditions.
By helping neutralize free radicals, black seed oil’s antioxidants support healthy cells throughout the body.
Black seed oil may also help support healthy blood sugar levels. Increased blood sugar is an important risk factor for heart disease, as it can damage the arteries that feed the organ.
For example, in a placebo-controlled trial in 43 adults with type 2 diabetes, 1,000 mg of black seed oil per day for 8 weeks improved fasting blood sugar and HbA1c compared to placebo.[2]
HbA1c levels reflect blood sugar levels over a period of three months. This suggests black seed oil may help support healthy blood sugar levels over time. However, more research about the optimal dose, dosing regimen, and indications of black seed oil for this purpose is needed.
Finally, as mentioned above, black seed oil may support healthy cholesterol levels, another way it supports heart health.
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Tired of sneezing? Black seed oil may help!
Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that researchers are studying for seasonal nasal comfort.
For example, in a small double-blind study of 66 people with seasonal nasal allergies, black seed oil was linked to less nasal congestion, itching, runny nose and sneezing within the first 2 weeks.[3]
The subjects in this study put back seed oil drops in their nose. Before doing so, make sure to talk to your doctor about whether your condition warrants it.
Black seed oil and skin health
These include:
- Acne — a very common skin condition in adolescents and young adults
- Psoriasis — a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly plaques on the skin
- Eczema — allergic reaction of the skin
- Dry skin
But you must seek a doctor’s advice for each of these conditions. Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help with skin conditions, but it’s not the primary treatment for any condition.
Also, some people apply black seed oil to their hair for better hydration. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that black seed oil has any benefits for hair.
Looking to reduce your weight? Try black seed oil.
Obesity is a major risk factor for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
In clinical trials, black seed supplements have been linked to modest reductions in body weight and BMI, though how it works is still unclear.[4] While more research is needed on the safety and efficacy of long-term usage of black seed oil, it may help support healthy weight management alongside diet and exercise.
Some other benefits of black seed oil
Although the scientific evidence for black seed oil’s effectiveness here is not as solid, here are some more areas being studied:
- Joint comfort — it may support a healthy inflammatory response
- Antioxidant support — thanks to compounds like thymoquinone
- Male reproductive health — early research suggests black seed oil may support healthy sperm quality
Finally, some studies suggest black seed oil may improve liver and kidney function. However, scientists are not exactly sure why and to what extent this occurs. Therefore, it’s probably not wise to treat bad kidneys and liver with black seed oil at present.
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How to use black seed oil?
The easiest way to use black seed oil is in a supplement. Both liquid and pill forms are available. Many beauty products are supplemented with black seed oil but if you don’t want to go that way, you can simply apply the oil to your skin for its skin benefits.
If supplements are not your thing, look in your kitchen and you may find black seeds. They go by different names, including:
- kalonji
- nigella
- Roman coriander
- black caraway
- black cumin
You can try sprinkling black seeds on curry, bread, and pickles. At present, there is no daily recommended dose for black seed oil due to lack of research. Some sources suggest a dose between 200 mg and 2000 mg a day is safe to take.
However, you should know that several side effects — like bloating and impaired kidney function — have been associated with black seed oil.
Black seed oil can also interact with drugs like warfarin and beta-blockers, leading to dangerous consequences.
If you’re on medication — or suffer from a medical condition — it’s best to start black seed oil supplementation after your doctor okays it!
Sources
- Rounagh M, Musazadeh V, et al. Effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on lipid profiles in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2024. PubMed
- Hadi S, Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara R, et al. Effect of Nigella sativa oil extract on cardiometabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021. PubMed
- Nikakhlagh S, Rahim F, et al. Herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis: the use of Nigella sativa. American journal of otolaryngology. 2011. PubMed
- Mousavi SM, Sheikhi A, et al. Effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on obesity indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2018. PubMed
