There are thousands of herbal remedies that have been implemented in traditional medicine over many centuries. However, perhaps no other herb has received quite as much attention as black seed.
In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of black seed, including its beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds. We’ll also look at black seed’s safety and history.
Table of Contents
What is Black Seed?
Black seed, also called black cumin or Nigella sativa, is a flowering plant found in many parts of the world. Specifically, it is native to Southeastern Europe (particularly the Mediterranean), Southwestern Asia, and Northern Africa.
This flowering shrub produces fruits that contain many tiny black seeds, which is where it gets its descriptive name.
Black seed contains numerous nutrients and bioactive compounds and is a significant source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One of the most well-known bioactive components of Nigella sativa is thymoquinone, which offers many potential health benefits.
Black seed also contains many other beneficial nutrients besides thymoquinone, including:
- Iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals
- B-complex vitamins (e.g thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid)
- Linoleic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Stigmasterol and other phytosterols
- Tocopherols
- Glycosides
- Essential oils
Health Benefits of Black Seed:
Black seed evidently has many different nutrients and compounds, and research has identified quite a few potential health benefits of black seed and its compounds.
It is particularly exciting to see a significant amount of human clinical research involving Nigella sativa.
Overall, black seed benefits the body in the following ways:
1. Anti-Diabetic Properties
Due to its various nutritional compounds, research suggests that black seed benefits blood sugar and has other anti-diabetic effects.
First, in a placebo-controlled clinical trial with 114 type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients, those who supplemented with Nigella sativa had significantly improved markers of blood sugar balance. Specifically, they had lower levels of fasting blood sugar and HbA1C (a marker that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months).
In a randomized trial, supplementing with black seed oil and a hypoglycemic drug resulted in significantly lower HbA1C levels in 99 metabolic syndrome patients after 20 days.
In another study in 94 T2D patients, those who took black seed had around a 20% reduction in triglycerides and an 11% reduction in total cholesterol. They also improved their HDL to LDL ratio. A significant improvement compared to the placebo group.
Another placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 43 T2D men and women found that supplementing with black seed oil extract led to improved glycemic control, blood pressure, lipids, and body weight compared to placebo.
Finally, a comparative clinical trial looked into the effects of black cumin vs. Metformin (a diabetes drug) in diabetes management. While black cumin was inferior in some aspects compared to Metformin, it was equally effective for decreasing body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. It also showed positive effects on fasting insulin.
Summary:
Several studies show that black seed may be a beneficial herb for balancing blood sugar.
2. May Support Heart Health
Research suggests that black seed benefits heart health and blood pressure.
In a placebo-controlled trial involving 39 overweight women, black seed oil supplementation led to significant increases in HDL and significant reductions in LDL, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides compared to control.
In another placebo-controlled trial involving 70 healthy volunteers, supplementing with black cumin oil led to significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to controls.
Next, in a placebo-controlled trial in patients with mild hypertension (high blood pressure), black seed extract led to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. The study participants also showed reductions in total and LDL cholesterol.
Fourthly, a study in hypertensive patients with the same design as those above found that treatment with black seed oil was associated with significant increases in HDL alongside significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LDL, and total cholesterol.
Black seed’s ability to benefit cholesterol levels and circulation may also be the leading cause behind this herb’s effect for