1. Home
  2. / CL Answers
  3. / What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?

Our Members Asked:

What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Initially Posted: 01/27/2019 | Last Updated: 10/15/2019

Recent CL Answers

Answer:

Black seed oil is promoted as a healthy, alternative oil for use on salads and other foods but it tends to be more expensive than other oils, such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil, and has a strong taste that some people find unpleasant.

Limited evidence from clinical studies conducted primarily in Asia suggests that black seed oil, in liquid or capsule form, as well as black seed powder, may be helpful for modestly lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, and for improving asthma symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. In addition, for certain conditions, the efficacy may depend on which form is used (oil or powder).

It is important not to confuse black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed with the spice cumin, as they are unrelated.

See the full answer for more information about black seed oil and black seed powder, including the clinical evidence, dosage, and safety.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

3 Comments

Related CL Answers (6)

Which oils can help lower my cholesterol and risk of heart attack? How are coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil for example?

Find out which fats and oils, such as coconut oil and fish oil, lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What are the health benefits of olive oil?

Health benefits of olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, including evidence from clinical studies on cancer, cardiovascular disease, insulin, and blood sugar control and safety. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

How do I find the best quality olive oil and what are the health benefits?

Health Benefits of olive oil, including heart benefits, anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, how to choose a quality olive oil and cook with olive oil ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What are the health benefits of avocado oil? Is it healthier than olive oil? Which avocado oils are best?

Learn about the health benefits of avocado oil and how it compares to olive oil, evidence for heart health, osteoarthritis and other uses. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.

Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What are the health benefits of holy basil extract?

Learn about the health benefits of holy basil leaf extract. See the clinical evidence for and against holy basil extract for lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, reducing anxiety and stress, boosting the immune system, and reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Related Reviews (1)

Evening Primrose & Flaxseed (ALA/GLA)

Join the conversation

amy20259
June 26, 2020

I read that the thymoquione in balck seed oil decreases TPO antibodies and improved free T3 levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients-in What you must know about Hashimoto's by Hnederson and Futterman. Would be curious if there has been anyone that found this oil to be helpful in resolving symptom's of Hashimoto's.

Leila18534
October 16, 2019

I tried taking the pills but got really bad acid reflux, had to stop.

Robert17498
January 27, 2019

According to the spice seller I purchased them from, Nigella Sativa seeds are also known as Charnushka, and are used in various cuisines around the world. For example, they are often added to Slavic sausages, used atop Jewish rye bread, and they are part of the Indian spice blend garam masala. They can be used to make a tea also.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to CL Answers

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/