Nigella sativa — known as black seed, black cumin, or habbatus sauda — is a flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. Its small black seeds have been used as a spice and traditional medicine for at least 3,000 years. In Islamic medicine, the prophet Muhammad is recorded as saying that black seed is "a remedy for every disease except death," which has made it a culturally significant supplement across the Arab world. Modern pharmacological research has begun to characterise its active constituents.
Thymoquinone: the primary active compound
The most studied bioactive in black seed oil is thymoquinone (TQ), a monoterpene that gives the oil its characteristic pungent aroma. Thymoquinone has been extensively studied in cell culture and animal models, where it shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. In vitro studies have also examined its effects on various cancer cell lines, though this research has not translated to clinical trials in humans. Black seed oil also contains carvacrol, thymohydroquinone, and various fixed oils including linoleic acid and oleic acid.
What clinical research covers
Human clinical trials with Nigella sativa are more limited in scale and quality compared to the large volume of in vitro and animal research. Available evidence in humans covers:
- Lipid profiles: Several small randomised trials have found reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides with black seed oil supplementation (typical doses 1–3 g/day).
- Blood pressure: A meta-analysis of 11 trials published in Journal of Hypertension found significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Glycaemic markers: Some trials report reductions in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in diabetic patients.
- Respiratory conditions: Traditional use for respiratory complaints is supported by some trial data on bronchospasm and nasal congestion.
Most trials are small (under 100 participants) and of short duration (less than 6 months), which limits the certainty of conclusions.
How it is taken
Black seed oil is available in liquid form (where the oil is taken directly or added to food) and as softgel capsules. Capsules standardised to thymoquinone content provide more consistent dosing. Common supplement doses range from 1 to 3 grams of oil per day.
Black seed in Lebanon
Supplements & More carries black seed oil capsules from US brands, available with cash on delivery across Lebanon.