Black Seed Oil Research
42 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8/10
Does Nigella sativa supplementation improve cardiovascular disease risk factors? A comprehensive GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 82 randomized controlled trials
Jafari A et al. • Pharmacological research (2025)
Our findings suggest that N. sativa could be a promising adjunct therapy for improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
- Our findings suggest that N. sativa could be a promising adjunct therapy for improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
- Published in Pharmacological research (2025)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Hosseini H et al. • Current pharmaceutical biotechnology (2024)
Our results showed that THE consumption of N. sativa could be associated with improved oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
- In addition, SOD: (SMD: 1.35; (95% CI, from 0.77 to 1.93); P = 0.00) and TAC (SMD: 2.82; (95% CI, from 0.55 to 5.084); P = 0.01) levels significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the placebo group.
- Our results showed that THE consumption of N. sativa could be associated with improved oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Comparative effects of nutraceuticals on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 111 randomized clinical trials
Shahinfar H et al. • Pharmacological research (2023)
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- We conducted random-effects network meta-analysis with a Frequentist framework to estimate mean difference [MD] and 95% confidence interval [CI] of the effect of nutraceuticals on weight loss.
- Supplementations with green tea (MD: -1.25 kg, 95%CI: -1.68, -0.82) and glucomannan (MD: -1.36 kg, 95%CI: -2.17, -0.54) demonstrated small weight loss, also the certainty of evidence was rated low.
- Based on our findings, supplementations with nutraceuticals can result in a small weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.
The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Kavyani Z et al. • Inflammopharmacology (2023)
N. sativa supplementation had beneficial effects on CRP, TNF-α, MDA, SOD, GPx, and TAC.
- However, no significant reduction was found in interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels (SMD = - 1.13; 95% CI - 2.72, 0.46, p = 0.162).
- N. sativa supplementation had beneficial effects on CRP, TNF-α, MDA, SOD, GPx, and TAC.
- Thus, Nigella sativa can be recommended as an adjuvant anti-oxidant agent and anti-inflammatory.
Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia
Báez G et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2023)
Based on moderate to very low-certainty evidence, we identified some herbal medicines that may be effective in improving symptoms of dyspepsia.
- STW5 (Iberogast) may moderately improve global symptoms of dyspepsia compared with placebo at 28 to 56 days; however, the evidence is very uncertain (MD -2.64, 95% CI -4.39 to -0.90; I2 = 87%; 5 studies, 814 participants; very low CoE).
- STW5 may also increase the improvement rate compared to placebo at four to eight weeks' follow-up (RR 1.55, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.47; 2 studies, 324 participants; low CoE).
- There was little to no difference in adverse events for STW5 compared to placebo (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.64; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 786 participants; low CoE).
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations for Hypercholesterolemia
Gyawali D et al. • Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2021)
In addition, minimal evidence was found for any side effects associated with these herbs, positioning them as safe adjuvants to conventional treatments.
- Meta-analysis of the trials showed that guggulu reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels by 16.78 mg/dL (95% C.I. 13.96 to 2.61; p-value = 0.02) and 18.78 mg/dL (95% C.I. 34.07 to 3.48; p = 0.02), respectively.
- Garlic reduced LDL-C by 10.37 mg/dL (95% C.I. -17.58 to -3.16; p-value = 0.005).
- Black cumin lowered total cholesterol by 9.28 mg/dL (95% C.I. -17.36, to -1.19, p-value = 0.02).
Herbal Medicines for Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Systematic Review
Ahmadian M et al. • Current drug discovery technologies (2022)
Whitania somnifera roots, Alpinia officinarum, Nigella sativa seeds, Tomato, and Ceratonia siliqua and the formulation of Xperm, PHF, Churna Ratnam, Svaguptadi Churna, Y virilin capsule, manix capsule, and Tradafertil tablet revealed successful outcomes in treatment of idiopathic male infertility.
- Whitania somnifera roots, Alpinia officinarum, Nigella sativa seeds, Tomato, and Ceratonia siliqua and the formulation of Xperm, PHF, Churna Ratnam, Svaguptadi Churna, Y virilin capsule, manix capsule, and Tradafertil tablet revealed successful outcomes in treatment of idiopathic male infertility.
- Published in Current drug discovery technologies (2022)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The effect of Nigella sativa on the measures of liver and kidney parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials
Razmpoosh E et al. • Pharmacological research (2020)
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- Subgroup analysis showed that, an intervention of more than 12 weeks was found to have a reducing effect on aspartate- aminotransferase (AST) measures (2 trials, n = 201 participants, WMD= -11.317; 95 % CI: -15.007, -7.626; P = 0.000; I2 = 0.0 %; P-heterogeneity = 0.977).
- Creatinine levels increased significantly in studies that considered adjusted analysis based on covariates (3 trials, n = 152 participants, WMD = 0.070; 95 % CI: 0.027, 0.112 U/L; P = 0.001; I2 = 0.0 %; P-heterogeneity = 0.788).
- Longer duration of intervention and normal daily dosages of N.S supplements led to significant reductions in ALP and AST concentrations, respectively, while higher daily dosages increased BUN levels.
Effect of Nigella sativa and its bioactive compound on type 2 epithelial to mesenchymal transition: a systematic review
Nordin A et al. • BMC complementary and alternative medicine (2019)
Through this review, Nigella sativa and thymoquinone have been associated with events in Type 2 EMT.
- Through this review, Nigella sativa and thymoquinone have been associated with events in Type 2 EMT.
- They have been shown to promote wound healing, attenuate tissue inflammation, and prevent organ fibrosis via regulation of the EMT process.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Achievements in Hypothyroidism Treatment with Herbal Medicine: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Javidi N et al. • Current drug discovery technologies (2023)
Some herbal remedies, including Nigella sativa L., ashwagandha, and Mentha x Piperita L., can improve the signs and symptoms of primary hypothyroidism, but using a more extensive and advanced methodology will provide us with more complete results.
- In one study, Nigella sativa L. caused a significant decrease in weight (P=0.004) and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.002).
- TSH levels were reported to be decreased and T3 increased in the treatment group (P =0.03) (P=0.008), respectively.
- In another study on Nigella sativa L., results did not show a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.02).
Effect of Nigella sativa in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Tang G et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)
High-quality large sample RCTs are necessary to confirm the benefit of NS supplementation for NAFLD.© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Mean differences (MD) or risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
- Six articles from five trails with a total of 358 participants were included.
- In summary, this study showed that NS supplementation was effective in the treatment of NAFLD and could improve the levels of ALT, AST, FBS, HDL, and hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD, as well as the severity of NAFLD.
The efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for glycaemic control and insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes: an umbrella review
Li E et al. • BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2025)
Current evidence supports the use of ginger and turmeric for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, however, given the high clinical heterogeneity and low quality of the review, our confidence in this finding is somewhat limited.
- Ginger, turmeric, and Jinlida granules significantly decreased HbA1c compared to placebo (mean differences (MD): -0.467%, -0.486%, -0.283%, respectively) with moderate to high certainty evidence.
- Current evidence supports the use of ginger and turmeric for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, however, given the high clinical heterogeneity and low quality of the review, our confidence in this finding is somewhat limited.
- Herbal medicines should be used only as an adjunct to conventional treatment, with shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.
Effects of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) on cardiometabolic indices in type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Karimi M et al. • Complementary therapies in medicine (2025)
Black seed supplementation appears to significantly improve FBG, HbA1c, TC, and LDL levels in patients with T2DM.
- Black seed supplementation appears to significantly improve FBG, HbA1c, TC, and LDL levels in patients with T2DM.
- However, no significant effects were observed on other metabolic parameters, including insulin, TG, liver enzymes, kidney function, or body weight.
- These findings suggest that black seed may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for glycemic and lipid control in T2DM patients but require further research to confirm its broader metabolic effects.
The effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on glycemic status in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Shirvani S et al. • Prostaglandins & other lipid mediators (2024)
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- Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95 % confidence interval.
- Finally, a total of 30 studies were found to be eligible for this meta-analysis.
- Additional research, featuring extended durations and robust study designs, is necessary to determine the ideal dosage and duration of N. sativa supplementation for achieving a positive impact on glycemic markers.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc.
The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Malekian S et al. • Journal of complementary & integrative medicine (2021)
Thus, further studies are required to fully assess its impacts on all oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers.
- Meta-analysis examining Black Seed Oil efficacy
- Published in Journal of complementary & integrative medicine (2021)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Nigella sativa and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review
Sahebkar A et al. • Pharmacological Research (2016)
Black seed improved multiple metabolic parameters.
- Reduced fasting blood glucose
- Improved lipid profile
- Decreased blood pressure
A systematic review on anti-diabetic plant essential oil compounds: Dietary sources, effects, molecular mechanisms, and safety
Gandhi GR et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2024)
In conclusion, dietary plant-derived essential oil compounds have potential anti-diabetic effects by influencing different signaling pathways and molecular targets linked to glucose metabolism, and should be safe and beneficial against diabetes and related complications.
- They can also significantly inhibit the generation of TBARS and MDA, reduce oxidative stress, increase insulin levels, adiponectin, and glycoprotein enzymes, boost antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, and GPx, as well as reduce glutathione and vital glycolytic enzymes.
- Besides, they can significantly lower the levels of liver enzymes and lipid profile markers.
- Moreover, most essential oil compounds are generally safe based on animal studies.
The effect of Nigella sativa on the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Kow CS et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024)
This meta-analysis examined the effects of Black Seed Oil.
- Meta-analysis examining Black Seed Oil efficacy
- Published in Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The Influence of Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis-A Systematic Review
Osowiecka K et al. • Nutrients (2023)
Therefore, there is a great need for further experimental studies to determine whether any nutritional interventions are beneficial in Hashimoto's disease.
- These interventions improved antibody levels against peroxidase (anti-TPO), (thyrotropin) TSH, and free thyroxine (fT4).
- No improvement was seen on the iodine-restricted diet.
- Varied outcomes of analyzed dietary interventions may be due to the heterogeneous thyroid condition, high variability between patients, and differences in habitual intake of critical nutrients (e.g., iodine, selenium, and iron) in different populations.
Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Uses of Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) in Metabolic Syndrome
Elhariri S et al. • West African journal of medicine (2024)
Nigella Sativa has proved to have a significant positive effect on lipid profile and glycaemic index.
- Nigella Sativa has proved to have a significant positive effect on lipid profile and glycaemic index.
- The results showed in the parameters of blood pressure and anthropometric indices are less convincing, as results were inconsistent across studies.
- Nigella Sativa can therefore be recommended as an adjunct therapy for metabolic syndrome.