Black Seed Oil: Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects

1. May promote weight loss

Studies have suggested that taking black seed oil supplements may help with weight loss by reducing body mass index (BMI). No serious negative effects were reported by the trial subjects.

However, more studies are needed on whether black seed oil is safe or effective for weight loss.

2. Lowers blood sugar levels

Small-scale studies have shown that black seed oil improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin, which is a medication used to treat type II diabetes. In addition, it does not cause the major side effects that metformin can cause, such as:

• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas or indigestion
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Skin flushing
• Nail changes
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Muscle pain

3. Protects liver health

Your liver is responsible for filtering out wastes from the body as well as digesting fats. Black seed oil may speed up the recovery process for those who have struggled with poor liver function brought on by long-term medication, alcohol consumption, or other diseases.

One animal study reported that black seed oil can enhance liver function and guard against damage, although large-scale human studies are needed to support this claim.

4. May lower cancer risk

Black seed oil has powerful polyphenols and antioxidants which may have a protective effect against cancer. According to one animal study, the phytochemicals thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone led to a 52% reduction in tumor cells

Thymoquinone is the main bioactive compound in black seed oil. In recent in vitro studies, this compound helped induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in leukemia, breast cancer, and brain tumor cells.

Scientists from Jefferson Health's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center have also reported that thymoquinone in black seed oil may help kill pancreatic cancer cells and prevent the disease from developing.

5. May lower blood pressure and cholesterol

In one animal study, low doses of black seed oil were administered to diabetic animal subjects for 6 weeks. The levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, and glucose decreased while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol increased.

In another study with mildly hypertensive human participants, one group consumed 100 mg of black seed oil twice daily while another group consumed 200 mg of black seed oil twice daily. Researchers discovered that after 8 weeks of supplementation, those who took the black seed supplement experienced a dose-dependent decrease in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly declined.

6. Promotes healthy skin and hair

The topical application of black seed oil may reduce symptoms of eczema and nourish hair due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. 

Nigellone is a potent antihistamine in black seed oil that may help with hair loss brought on by androgenic alopecia or alopecia. 

7. Treats infections

Black seed oil may help kill methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Because common staph infections are becoming resistant to generic antibiotics, MRSA has become a problem in hospitals all over the world. In studies, each MRSA strain tested by researchers was susceptible to black seed oil.

Black seed oil compounds have also been examined for their potential as antifungal agents. A recent study investigated thymol, thymoquinone, and thymohydroquinone against fungal diseases. Thymol, followed by thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone, was the most effective antifungal against mold.

8. May boost fertility

A study conducted on male patients with defective sperm in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that sperm count and motility, and semen volume were improved in the black seed oil group.

The effects of black seed oil on male infertility were also examined in a systematic study. Overall, the researchers concluded that black seed oil can positively alter sperm parameters, semen quality, Leydig cells, reproductive organs, and sexual hormones.

Recommended dosage information for adults is 1 1 ½  grams of black seed oil a day for 4-12 weeks. 

Black seed powder has often been taken orally in quantities of 1-2 grams a day for 8-12 weeks.

Before using any supplement, consult your doctor to make sure the product and dosage are right for you.

Black seed oil dosages and long-term safety are poorly understood. However, studies have reported potential risks associated with black seed oil, such as:

• Toxicity: Black seed oil contains melanthin, a toxin that may become hazardous when consumed in large quantities.
• Allergic reaction: In some people, topical application of black seed oil can result in allergic contact dermatitis, a type of skin rash. According to a case study, one person who applied black seed oil to the skin experienced fluid-filled skin blisters. However, because the person had also consumed the oil, the blisters could have been a symptom of a more widespread reaction (such as toxic epidermal necrolysis).
• Risk of bleeding: Black seed oil may increase bleeding and slow down blood coagulation (clotting). So, if you have a bleeding disorder or currently take medication that interferes with blood clotting, you should not consume black seed oil. Stop using black seed oil at least 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.

Always consult your doctor before using black seed oil. Black seed oil is not a substitute for traditional medical treatment, so do not stop taking any prescriptions without first consulting your doctor.