Benefits of black seed oil

Scientists with a range of specialties have researched the possible benefits of black seed oil.

However, it is important to note that many studies to date have used cells or animals as models, and there is limited research available on the effects of black seed oil in humans.

Benefits for weight loss

ResearchTrusted Source has shown that black seed supplementation can help lower people’s body mass index (BMI). The study participants did not report any severe side effects from taking this supplement.

A systematic reviewTrusted Source published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders in 2013 found that black seed oil could be effective in tackling obesity.

Benefits for the skin

Black seed oil may be beneficial for people with the following skin conditions:

• Eczema: According to a small-scale 2013 studyTrusted Source comparing the therapeutic benefits of N. sativa with those of prescription medications, black seed oil can reduce the severity of hand eczema.
• Acne: Research suggests that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil can improve acne. In one study, 58 percent of participants rated their response to this treatment as good, while 35 percent felt their results were moderate.
• Psoriasis: A 2012 studyTrusted Source on mice suggests that the oil may also have antipsoriatic benefits.

Black seed oil may also hydrate hair, soften skin, and act as a moisturizer, although there is a lack of scientific evidence to confirm these benefits.

Benefits for health conditions

Black seed oil may also be beneficial for some health conditions, including the following:

Cancer

Recent studies have shown that the thymoquinone in black seed oil can influence programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in several types of cancer cell. These include brain cancerTrusted Source, leukemia, and breast cancerTrusted Source cells.

However, much of the research on the effects of black seed oil on cancer uses cells rather than live humans, so researchers do not yet know how effective the oil may be to treat people with cancer.

Liver and kidney function

According to a 2013 studyTrusted Source on rats, black seed oil may reduce liver and kidney disease complications and improve the organ structures. Researchers do not know if these effects would also occur in humans.

Diabetes

According to an article in the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, black seed oil may have antidiabetic properties and improve blood sugar levels. Again, this study used animal models, so more research is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of the oil in humans.

Infertility

A placebo-controlled clinical trialTrusted Source on men with abnormal sperm and infertility has found that black seed oil can improve sperm movement and increase sperm count and semen volume.