Supplements Antioxidants What Is Black Seed Oil? By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 17, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Lana Butner, ND, LAc Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc Facebook LinkedIn Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in private practice in New York City. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Black Seed Oil Uses Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant native to southwest Asia. Some people use it for the treatment of certain health conditions, including: Asthma Diabetes Hypertension (high blood pressure) Weight loss Black seed oil contains the antioxidant thymoquinone. Antioxidants detoxify harmful chemicals in the body called free radicals. These unstable molecules that the body produces in response to exposure to toxins can damage DNA and lead to cancer. Black seed oil has a long history dating back over 2000 years. In fact, according to some sources, it was discovered in the tomb of King Tut. Nigella sativa seeds are sometimes used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine and have a slightly bitter taste. People also take it in supplement form. There is scientific evidence to support some but not all uses for black seed oil. This article explains black seed oil uses, possible side effects, and preparation. Also Known As Black cumin seed oilKalonji oilNigella sativa oil Verywell / Ellen Lindner Black Seed Oil Uses Although research on the health effects of black seed oil is relatively limited, there's some evidence that it may offer certain benefits. Here's a look at several key findings from available studies. Rheumatoid Arthritis According to a small study published in Immunological Investigations in 2016, black seed oil may treat rheumatoid arthritis. For the study, 43 women with mild-to-moderate rheumatoid arthritis took black seed oil capsules or a placebo every day for one month. Compared to the placebo group, treatment with black seed oil reduced the following: Arthritis symptoms (as assessed by a clinical rating scale)Blood levels of inflammatory markersThe number of swollen joints Nasal Inflammation Black seed oil shows promise for treating allergies. For instance, in a 2011 study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, when participants used black seed oil for two weeks, it reduced nasal symptoms, including: Nasal congestionItchy noseRunny noseSneezing Another report published in 2018 analyzed data to determine if black seed oil could help treat sinusitis. Study authors concluded that the oil has multiple therapeutic effects, including: Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidantAntihistaminicImmune-modulatorAntimicrobialAnalgesic What Is Perennial Allergic Rhinitis? Diabetes Black seed oil may be of some benefit to people with diabetes, according to a 2015 review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Researchers analyzed previously published studies on the use of Nigella sativa for diabetes. They concluded that it could improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetes models. However, they noted that clinical trials are necessary to clarify the effects. Another review published in 2017 confirmed these findings. Asthma Preliminary research suggests that black seed oil may offer benefits to people with asthma. For example, a 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that people with asthma who took black seed oil capsules significantly improved asthma control compared with those who took a placebo. Specific findings included: Improved mean asthma control test score by 21.1 for the black seed oil group and 19.6 for the placebo group Reduction in blood eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) by -50 cells/μL in the black seed oil group and 15 cells/μL in the placebo group Improved forced expiratory volume (how much air participants could exhale with a forced breath) in one second as a percentage of predicted value by four in the black seed oil group and one in the placebo group. Obesity Black seed oil may reduce risk factors in women who are obese, according to a study. For the study, women consumed Nigella sativa oil or a placebo while following a low-calorie diet for eight weeks. At the study's end, the following levels had decreased by more in the group that took the Nigella sativa oil: Weight Waist circumference Triglyceride Another eight-week study sedentary women with excess weight combined aerobic exercise with black seed oil supplementation. In the study, one group took black seed oil, and another took a placebo; both used aerobic exercise. Researchers found that this treatment combination provided benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and body mass index (BMI) compared to the placebo group. Still, the authors concluded that further studies with a larger sample size and diet assessment are needed. Does Taking Black Seed Work for Lowering Cholesterol? Other Uses Some people also use black seed oil as a remedy for other conditions, including: AllergiesHeadachesHigh blood pressureDigestive disorders Proponents of black seed oil say its health benefits include: Boosting the immune systemReducing inflammationFighting infections People sometimes use the oil topically for skin and hair concerns, including: Acne Dry hair Psoriasis Hair growth Dry skin Recap People use black seed oil to treat many health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, arthritis, nasal allergies, and obesity. While some studies back up certain claims, many of these studies are small and more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits. Possible Side Effects Very little is known about the long-term safety of black seed oil or how safe it is in amounts higher than what's typically found in food. However, some studies have found risks associated with black seed oil, including: Toxicity: A component of black seed oil known as melanthin may be toxic in larger amounts. Organ damage: There's some concern that taking too much black seed oil could harm the liver and kidneys. Allergic reaction: Applying black seed oil directly to the skin may cause an allergic skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. In a case report, a woman developed fluid-filled skin blisters after applying Nigella sativa oil to the skin. However, she also ingested the oil, so it's possible that the blisters were part of a systemic reaction (such as toxic epidermal necrolysis). Bleeding risk: Black seed oil may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, if you have a bleeding disorder or take medication that affects blood clotting, you shouldn't take black seed oil. In addition, stop taking black seed oil at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Interaction with medications: It's also possible that black seed oil may interact with many common drugs, such as beta-blockers. For these reasons, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you're considering taking black seed oil. In addition, remember that black seed oil is not a replacement for conventional medical care, so avoid stopping any of your medications without speaking with your healthcare provider. Pregnant people (or those trying to become pregnant) and who are breastfeeding shouldn't use black seed oil. Recap Be aware of potential side effects or risks associated with black seed oil. These may include toxicity, allergic reaction, bleeding risk, organ damage, and drug interactions. Dosage and Preparation There is not enough scientific evidence to establish a recommended dose for black seed oil. The right dose for you may depend on your age, health, and other factors, so it's essential to work with a qualified practitioner familiar with your circumstance. Studies have examined various doses of black seed oil, including: For breast pain: In studies investigating the effects of black seed oil on people with breast pain, a gel containing 30% black seed oil was applied to the breasts every day for two menstrual cycles.For sperm function: In studies investigating whether or not black seed oil can improve sperm function, a dose of 2.5 ml of black seed oil was used twice daily for two months. Recap Since there is not a standard recommended dose for black seed oil, talk to your healthcare provider for advice on how to take it. What to Look For You can purchase black seed oil in many places, including: OnlineNatural foods storesStores specializing in dietary supplements Dietary supplements are largely unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is illegal to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a specific disease or claim that it will alleviate the symptoms of a disease. In addition, the FDA does not test products for safety or effectiveness. So, when choosing an oil, keep the following in mind: Choose cold-pressed: Many consumers prefer to buy a product that is cold-pressed and organic to ensure the oil is in its most natural state. Read labels carefully to make sure that other ingredients haven't been added to the product you choose.Look for certified products: You may choose to look for familiar brands or products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International. These organizations don't guarantee that a product is safe or effective, but they provide a certain level of testing for quality. Recap The FDA does not regulate black seed oil supplements, so use caution when choosing a supplement. Avoid those that make claims about treating health conditions, and look for certified, cold-pressed products. Summary Some people use black seed oil supplements to treat certain health conditions, including arthritis, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and maintain a healthy weight. While some studies support health claims, most are small and more research is needed. As a supplement, the FDA does not regulate black seed oil. So you should use caution and work with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you and at what dosage. Frequently Asked Questions What is black seed oil used for? Black seed oil shows potential for preventing or treating several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, nasal allergies, diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Topically, people use black seed oil to treat acne, moisturize dry hair and skin, relieve symptoms of psoriasis, and promote hair growth. However, more research is needed before black seed oil can be recommended to treat any condition. What are the side effects of black seed oil? Black seed oil can cause skin irritation when applied topically. When taken in large doses, black seed oil can harm the liver and kidneys. Black seed oil can also slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Can black seed oil improve fertility? Possibly in people with testicles. A small randomized controlled trial found black seed oil can improve fertility in people with abnormal sperm. The 2014 study concluded that taking 5 ml daily of black seed oil for two months improved sperm quality in infertile people. In addition, there were no adverse effects associated with taking the oil. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 13 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kheirouri S, Hadi V, Alizadeh M. Immunomodulatory Effect of Nigella sativa Oil on T Lymphocytes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Immunol Invest. 2016;45(4):271-83. doi:10.3109/08820139.2016.1153649 Nikakhlagh S, Rahim F, Aryani FH, et al. Herbal Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: The Use of Nigella Sativa. Am J Otolaryngol. 2011 Sep-Oct;32(5):402-7. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2010.07.019 Mahboubi M. Natural therapeutic approach of Nigella sativa (Black seed) fixed oil in management of Sinusitis. Integr Med Res. 2018;7(1):27–32. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.01.005 Heshmati J, Namazi N. Effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on metabolic parameters in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(2):275-82. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.01.013 Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa ) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017;20(3):179–193. doi:10.3831/KPI.2017.20.021 Koshak A, Wei L, Koshak E, et al. Nigella sativa Supplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Phytother Res. 2017;31(3):403-409. doi:10.1002/ptr.5761 Mahdavi R, Namazi N, Alizadeh M, Farajnia S. Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Food Funct. 2015;6(6):2041-8. doi:10.1039/c5fo00316d Farzaneh E, Nia FR, Mehrtash M, Mirmoeini FS, Jalilvand M. The Effects of 8-week Nigella sativa Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Lipid Profile and VO2 max in Sedentary Overweight Females. Int J Prev Med. 2014;5(2):210–216. Kooti W, Hasanzadeh-noohi Z, Sharafi-ahvazi N, Asadi-samani M, Ashtary-larky D. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of black seed (Nigella sativa). Chin J Nat Med. 2016;14(10):732-745. doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(16)30088-7 Okasha EF, Bayomy NA, Abdelaziz EZ. Effect of topical application of black seed oil on imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like lesions in the thin skin of adult male albino rats. Anat Rec (Hoboken). 2018;301(1):166-174. Ijaz H, Tulain UR, Qureshi J, et al. Review: Nigella sativa (Prophetic Medicine): A Review. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017;30(1):229-234. Gelot P, Bara-Passot C, Gimenez-Arnau E, Beneton N, Maillard H, Celerier P. Éruption bulleuse à l’huile de nigelle. Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie. 2012;139(4):287-291. Doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2012.01.025 Kolahdooz M, Nasri S, Modarres SZ, Kianbakht S, Huseini HF. Effects of Nigella sativa L. seed oil on abnormal semen quality in infertile men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):901-5. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.006 Additional Reading Taxon: Nigella sativa L. Taxonomy. GRIN-Global Web v 1.10.3.6. Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337–352. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1 Beheshti F, Khazaei M, Hosseini M. Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(1):104–116.