Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
Traditional seed oil with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
By Suplagen Team · Updated
What it is
Black seed oil from Nigella sativa contains thymoquinone, a bioactive compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
How it works
Thymoquinone modulates NF-κB, reduces inflammatory cytokines, supports T-cell function, and has antioxidant activity.
What the evidence says
Moderate evidence for anti-inflammatory effects; emerging evidence for glycemic and immune support.
How much to take
The catalog range is 500 to 2,000 mg daily, and 2,000 mg is the ceiling. Look for cold-pressed oil standardized to thymoquinone, the active compound; unstandardized products vary widely.
The evidence is moderate for anti-inflammatory effects and emerging for blood sugar and immune support, so start at 500 mg and dose to the purpose.
When and how to take it
With food, once daily. The liquid form has a strong, peppery taste, which is why most people take softgels.
It appears in our inflammation guide and blood sugar guide; in both, 8 to 12 weeks is the fair trial.
Who should skip it
Off-limits in pregnancy; it may stimulate uterine contractions. Bleeding disorders are a caution. Interactions: anticoagulants (moderate), antidiabetic medications (moderate), and blood pressure medications (mild). Medicated diabetics need supervision, not a bottle.
Safety Notes
- Look for cold-pressed, standardized to thymoquinone. Has a strong, peppery taste in liquid form.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Use caution with: pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions), bleeding disorders (caution).
- anticoagulants: May have antiplatelet effects; monitor if on blood thinners.
- antidiabetic medications: May lower blood sugar; risk of hypoglycemia.
- antihypertensives: May lower blood pressure; monitor.
Common questions
What is the right black seed oil dosage?
500 to 2,000 mg daily with food, with 2,000 mg as the ceiling. Start at 500 mg of a cold-pressed, thymoquinone-standardized product.
When should I take black seed oil?
With a meal, once daily. Time of day doesn't matter; food does, for tolerance.
Can you take black seed oil while pregnant?
No. The catalog lists pregnancy as a contraindication because black seed oil may stimulate uterine contractions.