The Beautiful Benefits of Black Seed Oil

How much do you know about black seed oil? 

Black seeds, which are also sometimes referred to as black cumin, are the seeds found in the spicy plant Nigella sativa that grows in southwest Asia, northern Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean.¹ This beautiful annual flowering plant produces black, flat, triangular seeds that have a pungent, bitter flavor and aroma.¹

The seeds contain a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidants.² One of the most active and abundant compounds found in black cumin is thymoquinone, which is believed to be why the plant has so many health-supporting benefits.³

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

The health benefits of Nigella sativa are many. Both historical use and modern science have shown that black seed oil, in certain doses, supports heart health, blood glucose, digestion, immunity, and joint health.² 

A 2019 review of seven studies found that black seed oil helps support blood glucose levels and healthy glucose metabolism.⁴ From a heart health standpoint, research shows that black seed oil can help support healthy cholesterol levels.⁵ Nigella sativa has been shown to support the key organs of the digestive system including the stomach, pancreas, intestines, and liver.⁶

Black seed oil has also been shown to benefit joint health as well.⁷ And it is considered a natural beauty care ingredient as it supports healthy hair and skin.⁸

Black seed oil is available as a liquid and capsule. To get the highest quality black seed oil, look for organic 100% pure virgin unrefined and cold pressed oil as that form has the antioxidants and other natural compounds needed to help support health in a variety of ways.

References

1. Singletary KW. Black seeds potential health benefits. Nutrition Today. 2022;57(6):348-366. https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2022/11000/black_seeds__potential_health_benefits.9.aspx
2. Hannan A, Rahman A, Sohog A, et al. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.): a comprehensive review on phytochemistry, health benefits, molecular pharmacology, and safety. Nutrients. 2021;13(6). https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/6/1784
3. Khader M, Eckl PM. Thymoquinone: an emerging natural drug with a wide range of medical applications. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2014;17(12):950-957. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387230/
4. Hamdan Z, Idrus R, Mokhtar M. Effects of Nigella Sativa on type-2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(24). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6950756/
5. Thomas JV, Mohan ME, Prabhakaran P, et al. A phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety of thymoquinone-rich black cumin oil (BlaQmax®) on health subjects: randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective study. Toxicology Reports. 2022;9:999-1007. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750022001019
6. Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Zielinska M, Helma K, et al. Effect of Nigella sativa on selected gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023;45(4):3016-3034. https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/45/4/198
7. Tuna H, Babadag B, Ozkaraman A, Alparslan G. Investigation of the effect of black cumin oi on pain in osteoarthritis geriatric individuals. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2018;31:290-294. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117302487
8. Sudhir SP, Deshmukh VO, Verma HN. Nigella sativa seed, a novel beauty care ingredient: a review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2016;7(8):3185-3196. https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/nigella-sativa-seed-a-novel-beauty-care-ingredient-a-review/