Black Seed Oil
Extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, black seed oil contains thymoquinone — a compound with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine for over 2,000 years, modern research supports cognitive benefits through anti-neuroinflammation, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and GABA modulation. Also supports metabolic health and immune function.
Dosage
Standard: 1-3 teaspoons oil daily, or 500-1000 mg standardized extract (minimum 2% thymoquinone). Take with food. Cold-pressed oil retains more bioactives. Taste is peppery/bitter — capsules available for those who dislike the taste.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
6-8 hours (thymoquinone)
Administration
Oral (oil, softgels, capsules). Cold-pressed oil preferred. Take with food.
Shop Black Seed Oil
99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Thymoquinone is the primary bioactive, providing neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms: it scavenges reactive oxygen species (superoxide, hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite) and upregulates Nrf2/ARE pathway, increasing glutathione (via GCLC, GSS), superoxide dismutase (SOD1/SOD2), and catalase. It inhibits NF-kB by preventing IkB-alpha degradation and blocking p65 nuclear translocation, reducing neuroinflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Thymoquinone inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the peripheral anionic site, increasing synaptic acetylcholine. It modulates GABA-A receptors (positive allosteric modulation at benzodiazepine site), providing anxiolytic effects. Thymoquinone protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting beta-secretase (BACE1). It reduces tau hyperphosphorylation by inhibiting GSK-3beta and CDK5.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. Traditional medicine in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, burping.
Serious
May lower blood pressure and blood sugar — caution with relevant medications. May slow blood clotting.
Rare
Allergic reaction, contact dermatitis with topical use.
Compare Black Seed Oil With
Research Papers
9Published: September 12, 2022
AI Summary
Many clinical and experimental studies have indicated that the black seed and their by-products can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic disorders, hypertension, asthma, and skin disorders.
Published: May 31, 2024
AI Summary
However, these impairments were significantly ameliorated in the ABT/NSO, and ABT+NSO groups compared to the untreated antibiotic-exposed group. Overall, findings from this study suggest the beneficial role of NSO as an adjuvant therapy in preventing and abrogating mood behavioural and neural-metabolic impairments of chronic antibiotic exposure.
Published: September 7, 2022
AI Summary
Results: The phase diagram study revealed that black seed oil (BSO) showed enhanced self-emulsification efficiency with the cosolvent (Transcutol P) and hydrogenated castor oil. The in-vitro dissolution studies revealed that the optimized drug-loaded SNEDDS showed good release of RMP and THQ (up to 86% and 89%, respectively).
Published: August 13, 2022
AI Summary
Traditionally, Nigella sativa L. has been known as a medical intervention to treat numerous diseases. This study aimed at investigating the antihyperalgesic effect of black seed oil (BSO) in an experimental model of neuropathic pain.
Published: May 31, 2020
AI Summary
Subsequently, the patient was found to have bilateral subsegmental pulmonary emboli and a right atrial thrombus. A literature review revealed that black seed oil contains thymoquinone, which is a compound related to quinine.
Published: December 10, 2024
AI Summary
The chemical profile of ozonized black seed oil showed elevation of essential molecules of oil as well as presence of some characteristic molecules to both forms of oil. The current findings point to a novel method for enhancing some of the in vitro medicinal uses of black seed oil by exposing it to ozone.
Published: January 5, 2024
AI Summary
To investigate the effect of blackseed oil (BSO) single dose on prednisolone pharmacokinetics via p-gp inhibition.
Published: October 17, 2024
AI Summary
The formulation showed promising floating and releasing properties in vitro. Additionally, the beads were evenly spaced throughout the intestine.
Published: November 30, 2019
AI Summary
Perioperative serotonin syndrome has been associated with a number of medications and herbal supplements. Black seed oil has not been previously reported in association with perioperative serotonin syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black Seed Oil used for?
Extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, black seed oil contains thymoquinone — a compound with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine for over 2,000 years, modern research supports cognitive benefits through anti-neuroinflammation, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and GABA modulation. Also supports metabolic health and immune function.
What are the side effects of Black Seed Oil?
Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, burping. Serious: May lower blood pressure and blood sugar — caution with relevant medications. May slow blood clotting. Rare: Allergic reaction, contact dermatitis with topical use.
How is Black Seed Oil administered?
Black Seed Oil is administered via oral (oil, softgels, capsules). cold-pressed oil preferred. take with food..
What is the half-life of Black Seed Oil?
The half-life of Black Seed Oil is 6-8 hours (thymoquinone).
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