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    General Health IngredientsNatural

    Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)

    Also known as: black cumin, Nigella sativa oil, black seed oil

    Human randomised trials and meta-analyses included in the provided abstracts indicate that Nigella sativa supplementation has been associated with modest reductions in total cholesterol and small mean weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, and an 8‑week RCT in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis reported reductions in TSH and anti‑TPO and weight loss. Systematic reviews note heterogeneity across studies and call for further research.

    Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 4 indexed studies

    Evidence Score
    63/100
    General healthSupport for lipid profileWeight management adjunctAdjunct in autoimmune thyroid conditions
    Data Completeness4/4 · 100%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) is a traditional herbal supplement investigated in human trials for effects on cholesterol, body weight and autoimmune thyroid parameters. Clinical summaries and meta-analyses report small favourable effects on total cholesterol and modest reductions in body weight, and individual RCTs in Hashimoto's thyroiditis report improvements in TSH, anti‑TPO and anthropometric measures.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    The provided abstracts describe anti‑inflammatory and metabolic effects observed in clinical studies (for example reductions in thyroid antibodies and VEGF in an RCT) but do not establish a detailed molecular mechanism. Clinical effects are plausibly linked to modulation of inflammatory and metabolic pathways reported in the reviews.

    Physiological Role

    Clinical interventions have targeted lipid metabolism, body weight regulation and autoimmune thyroid markers.

    Primary Pathways

    Anti-inflammatory effectsLipid metabolism modulationThyroid autoimmunity modulation

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Not principally used as an ergogenic aid. Trials focus on metabolic and autoimmune outcomes rather than exercise performance.

    Evidence Review

    Overall63/100
    Human Clinical56/100
    Meta-Analysis81/100
    Mechanistic60/100
    Real-World52/100
    Safety70/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Optimal Range
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Upper / Caution Level
    Not established
    Timing
    Not specified in the provided abstracts
    Best Format
    Oral powder or oil formulations were used in included trials
    Bioavailability
    Not described in the provided abstracts
    Absorption Considerations
    Not described in the provided abstracts

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Adverse events not consistently reported in the provided abstracts

    Contraindications

    • Not characterised in the provided abstracts

    Drug Interactions

    • •Not characterised in the provided abstracts

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Not characterised in the provided abstracts

    Monitoring

    Safety and adverse events were not consistently reported across reviews and trials in the provided abstracts; monitoring should follow usual clinical judgement.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) typically used or indicated?

    Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) is most commonly used for: General health, Support for lipid profile, Weight management adjunct, Adjunct in autoimmune thyroid conditions. Clinical interventions have targeted lipid metabolism, body weight regulation and autoimmune thyroid markers.

    How does Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) work?

    The provided abstracts describe anti‑inflammatory and metabolic effects observed in clinical studies (for example reductions in thyroid antibodies and VEGF in an RCT) but do not establish a detailed molecular mechanism. Clinical effects are plausibly linked to modulation of inflammatory and metabolic pathways reported in the reviews.

    What is the recommended dose of Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)?

    The optimal range is Not established from the provided abstracts. with a minimum effective dose of Not established from the provided abstracts. Best taken: Not specified in the provided abstracts. Upper / caution level: Not established.

    What are the side effects of Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)?

    Reported side effects include: Adverse events not consistently reported in the provided abstracts. Monitoring: Safety and adverse events were not consistently reported across reviews and trials in the provided abstracts; monitoring should follow usual clinical judgement.

    Does Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Not characterised in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)?

    Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) is generally not recommended for: Not characterised in the provided abstracts; and Not characterised in the provided abstracts.

    How strong is the evidence for Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 63/100), based on 4 indexed studies on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (4)

    The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial.

    RCT2016
    PubMed

    Randomised controlled trial of powdered Nigella sativa versus placebo in 40 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis over 8 weeks.

    A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ayurvedic Herbal Preparations for Hypercholesterolemia.

    Meta-Analysis2021
    PubMed

    Systematic review and meta‑analysis of Ayurvedic herbs for hypercholesterolemia including trials of Nigella sativa; average intervention ~12 weeks.

    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.

    Systematic Review2023
    PubMed

    Network meta‑analysis of 111 RCTs on nutraceuticals for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity; included trials of Nigella sativa.

    The Influence of Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis-A Systematic Review.

    Systematic Review2023
    PubMed

    Systematic review of nutritional interventions in Hashimoto's thyroiditis; two included interventions involved Nigella sativa among nine total studies.

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    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    4Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2023Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceClinical Patients
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/black-seed-oil-nigella-sativa

    SuppIndex. (2026). Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/black-seed-oil-nigella-sativa

    Based on 4 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Fat Loss
    Metabolic Health
    General Health
    Hormonal Support

    Stack Compatibility

    No consistent evidence in the provided abstracts regarding synergistic or antagonistic interactions with other supplements or drugs.