What Are the Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that could help with conditions like psoriasis, asthma, hair loss, and acne. However, more research is still needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Black seed oil is an herbal ingredient derived from the tiny black seeds of a flowering plant called Nigella sativa (N. sativa). This plant grows in warm climates such as Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia.
These seeds have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Preliminary research highlights a few medicinal properties, mainly thanks to the seed’s high content of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds.
Other common names for the black seeds from N. sativa include: black cumin, black caraway, and nigella.
Keep reading to discover more about the potential health benefits of black seed oil.
May Reduce Acne
Some research suggests that black seed oil may help with skin conditions like acne, thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2020 study found that applying a topical gel made with black seed extract twice daily for 60 days reduced acne severity by 78%. Participants also showed a significant improvement in the number of acne lesions compared with those in a control group.
Could Help Treat Psoriasis
Research suggests that Nigella sativa extract has anti-inflammatory benefits, and animal studies indicate that black seed oil may help reduce skin inflammation and other symptoms of psoriasis.
A 2017 review also found that combining oral and topical forms of black seed extract can reduce psoriasis symptoms and improve skin lesions.
However, more human studies are still needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Promotes Wound Healing
Black seed oil contains a compound called thymoquinone, which, when applied directly to the skin, may stimulate tissue growth and support wound healing.
Animal studies have shown that thymoquinone may help treat burns, excisions, and other wounds thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The oil also appears to boost collagen production and provide moisturizing effects, both of which are beneficial for faster and healthier wound recovery.
May Support Hair Health and Growth
Black seed extract may be beneficial for hair and is often added to hair care products such as masks and shampoos.
A 2020 review highlighted a small study where daily use of a Nigella sativa extract lotion for 3 months significantly increased hair density and thickness in people with telogen effluvium, a common type of hair loss.
The same review also included a study with 90 participants using different seed oils for hair loss, where Nigella sativa oil was found to be the most effective at reducing hair loss.
May Protect Lung Health and Reduce Asthma Attacks
A 2020 review reported a small study showing that inhaled boiled black seed extract may have a bronchodilatory effect in people with asthma, improving all markers of lung function and respiratory rate (helping them breathe better).
A 2021 meta-analysis of four randomized controlled studies also found that black seed supplements may help manage asthma symptoms thanks to the seed’s anti-inflammatory effects.
However, more clinical research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of black seed oil for lung health and asthma management.
Could Aid in the Treatment of Vitiligo
Some research suggests that black seed oil may be beneficial in the treatment of vitiligo, a condition that causes loss of pigmentation in the skin.
A 2019 study involving 33 people with vitiligo found that applying a black seed oil cream twice daily for 6 months improved pigmentation in the hands, face, and genital region.
Researchers suggest that the benefits of black seed oil for vitiligo may come from its ability to enhance melanin distribution in the skin. Melanin is the natural pigment found in hair, skin, and eyes. However, more research is still needed to confirm these effects.
Reduces Local and Systemic Inflammation
Studies have shown that black seed oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. This may provide wide-ranging health benefits, since research indicates that chronic inflammation plays a role in the development of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
May Support Weight Loss
A 2021 study involving 45 women with overweight or obesity found that taking 2,000 mg of black seed oil daily for 8 weeks helped decrease appetite and significantly reduced BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and body fat.
However, only a few studies have explored the long-term effects of black seed oil. It’s best to use this supplement with caution, avoiding high doses or prolonged use without medical guidance.
Improves blood sugar levels
Some research shows that black seed oil could be beneficial for stabilizing blood sugar levels. A 2019 review, for example, found that black seed may improve multiple markers, including insulin levels and blood sugar levels during fasting and after a meal.
Could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome
Research suggests that black seed oil could help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that can increase the chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
A 2021 study involved 55 participants with high blood pressure. Half the participants took 2.5 mL of black seed oil twice daily for 8 weeks, while the others took sunflower oil.
At the end of the study, most of the participants who took the black seed oil experienced reductions in:
- diastolic blood pressure
- total cholesterol
- LDL (bad) cholesterol
- fasting blood sugar levels
However, it’s important to remember that having a well-rounded, whole-food diet and an active lifestyle are the best prevention methods against metabolic syndrome. Supplements like black seed oil may add to a healthy lifestyle.
Dosage for black seed oil
Black seed oil is an herbal remedy available in several forms, such as shampoos, skin lotions, and oral supplements.
The dosage may vary widely depending on the intended use. For instance:
- A 2019 review examining the effects of black seed on blood sugar management found that some studies used daily oil doses of 0.7 g, 3 g, and 5 mL.
- A 2021 study found that taking 2,000 mg of black seed oil daily helped promote weight loss.
- Another 2021 study found that taking 2.5 mL of black seed oil daily for 8 weeks helped reduce blood lipid markers.
Before using any form of black seed oil, speak with a healthcare professional to avoid allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to take black seed oil every day?
Black seed oil is likely safe when consumed in small amounts, such as when used in cooking or as a supplement for less than 3 months
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However, more research is needed on the safety of taking it in larger amounts and for longer.
Who cannot take black seed oil?
Consider limiting your intake of black seed oil if you have functional dyspepsia, liver disease, or kidney disease.
As with all supplements, speak with a healthcare professional before taking black seed oil, especially if you’re pregnant.
Does black seed oil grow hair?
Black seed oil is often an ingredient in shampoos and hair masks, as it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that may help
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Some evidence suggests that it may help with hair loss associated with inflammation or telogen effluvium.
The bottom line
Black seed oil may be a promising natural remedy for conditions such as vitiligo, hair loss, psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and asthma.
It may also help with inflammatory conditions and weight management.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or natural remedies, especially if you take prescription medications.
Black seed oil may interact with other supplements and drugs or not work for your individual needs.
Resources
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Aslam, H, et al. (2018). Immunomodulatory effect of thymoquinone on atopic dermatitis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30031280 -
Begum S, et al. (2020). A review on Nigella sativa: A marvel herb.
https://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/3913/3055 -
Eid, AM, et al. (2017). A Review on the cosmeceutical and external applications of Nigella sativa.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5735686/ -
Frisoli, ML, et al. (2020). Vitiligo: Mechanisms of pathogenesis and treatment.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32017656/ -
Furman, D, et al. (2019). Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147972/ -
Hamdan, A, et al. (2019). Effects of Nigella sativa on type-2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6950756 -
Han A, et al. (2020). The efficacy of Nigella sativa supplementation for asthma control: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8501420/ -
Hannan, A, et al. (2021). Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, health benefits, molecular pharmacology, and safety.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8225153/ -
Healthline. “Black Seed Oil Benefits: Dosage, Uses & Side Effects.”
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/black-seed-oil-benefits