Source: Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone. Journal of Pharmacopuncture. 2017;20(3):179-193.
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed or black cumin, has a long history of traditional use. Its seeds contain several active components, including thymoquinone, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, proteins, and fatty acids.
The authors searched PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials and other human clinical studies published through April 2016. Studies of both oral and topical use were included.
The review reported that tested seed, oil, extract, and tea preparations generally did not produce serious adverse effects in several reviewed studies, although doses, formulations, and study durations varied.
Some trials reported improvements in metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other outcomes. Results were not uniform across every study, and many investigated areas remained preliminary or mixed.
Important: This article summarizes independent published research and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not claim that every black-seed product will produce the same results.