# Black Caraway Seeds (Nigella sativa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/black-caraway-seeds
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-05
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Seed
**Also Known As:** Nigella sativa, black cumin, black seed, kalonji, black onion seed, Roman coriander, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, love-in-a-mist, devil-in-the-bush, habbat al-barakah, charnushka

## Overview

Black caraway seeds (Nigella sativa) contain thymoquinone as their primary bioactive compound, which drives most observed therapeutic effects through antioxidant, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) mechanisms. Thymoquinone inhibits NF-κB signaling, scavenges [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, and modulates prostaglandin synthesis, giving the seed its broad pharmacological profile documented across cell, animal, and limited human studies.

## Health Benefits

• Contains potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds including thymoquinone, carvacrol, and trans-anethole (evidence quality: in-vitro studies only)
• Demonstrates cytotoxic activity against various tumor types through thymoquinone and dithymoquinone (evidence quality: laboratory studies only)
• May support [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) conditions through carvacrol's inhibition of human neutrophil elastase (evidence quality: preliminary enzymatic studies)
• Exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties (evidence quality: referenced but not detailed)
• Rich source of minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus (evidence quality: compositional analysis)

## Mechanism of Action

Thymoquinone, the dominant bioactive in Nigella sativa volatile oil, suppresses NF-κB transcription factor activation, thereby reducing downstream production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes, limiting prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene synthesis. Additionally, thymoquinone and dithymoquinone induce apoptosis in tumor cell lines by activating caspase-3 and caspase-9 cascades while downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression.

## Clinical Summary

Human trials on Nigella sativa are generally small, with most randomized controlled trials enrolling between 40 and 100 participants and running 8–12 weeks. A 2013 meta-analysis found supplementation (1–3 g/day of seed oil or powder) modestly reduced fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients, though effect sizes were heterogeneous across studies. Several RCTs report reductions in systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) of approximately 2–4 mmHg with 2.5 mL/day of black seed oil over 8 weeks, though these findings require replication in larger cohorts. Overall evidence quality is promising but limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent dosing, and lack of long-term safety data in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100g of Nigella sativa seeds: Energy ~400 kcal; Protein 16–20g (rich in essential amino acids including glutamate, arginine, and aspartate); Fat 28–40g (predominantly unsaturated — linoleic acid (C18:2 omega-6) ~50–60% of total fatty acids, oleic acid (C18:1 omega-9) ~20–25%, palmitic acid ~12–14%, stearic acid ~3–4%; total unsaturated fatty acids typically >80% of fat content); Carbohydrates 25–35g; Dietary fiber 8–14g (significant insoluble fraction); Ash 3.7–5.0g. MINERALS: Calcium 186–570mg, Iron 11–18mg, Potassium 500–750mg, Magnesium 260–350mg, Phosphorus 430–550mg, Zinc 4.5–7.5mg, Sodium 17–85mg, Copper 1.2–1.8mg, Manganese 1.0–1.5mg, Selenium ~30–36µg. VITAMINS: Thiamine (B1) 0.63–1.5mg, Riboflavin (B2) 0.05–0.1mg, Niacin (B3) 4.5–5.7mg, Pyridoxine (B6) 0.50–0.67mg, Folate 36–85µg, Vitamin E (tocopherols, primarily γ-tocopherol) 7–25mg, Vitamin A (as carotenoids) trace amounts. KEY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Thymoquinone (TQ) 0.5–3.0% of seed weight (primary pharmacologically active compound; bioavailability is limited due to poor water solubility — lipid-based formulations and co-administration with piperine or fats may enhance absorption significantly); Thymohydroquinone; Dithymoquinone (nigellone) ~trace–0.2%; Thymol 0.03–0.1%; Carvacrol 0.05–0.3%; p-Cymene 7–15% of volatile oil; α-Pinene 0.5–2.5% of volatile oil; trans-Anethole ~1–4% of volatile oil; Longifolene; Nigellidine and nigellicine (indazole alkaloids, trace); Nigellamine A1–A5 (lipase-inhibiting diterpenes, trace). Essential/volatile oil content 0.4–2.5% of seed weight. Fixed oil content 28–40% of seed weight, rich in phytosterols (β-sitosterol ~44–54%, stigmasterol ~6–16%, campesterol ~3–5%; total phytosterols ~1,000–2,500mg/100g oil). Saponins (including alpha-hederin) ~0.1–0.5%. Flavonoids including quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides. Crude alkaloid content ~0.01–0.2%. BIOAVAILABILITY NOTES: Thymoquinone has low oral bioavailability (~5–10% in animal models) due to extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and poor aqueous solubility (log P ~2.5); encapsulation in nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, or co-consumption with dietary fat substantially improves absorption. Mineral bioavailability may be partially reduced by phytic acid content (~1.5–2.5%), though traditional roasting or grinding may mitigate this. Fat-soluble bioactives are best absorbed when seeds are consumed with lipid-containing meals. Protein digestibility is moderate (~70–80% IVPD), comparable to other oilseeds.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges were provided in the research dossier for any form of Nigella sativa (extract, powder, or standardized preparations). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Nigella sativa is generally well tolerated at culinary doses, but supplemental doses (above 2–3 g/day of oil) may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or bloating in some individuals. Thymoquinone has demonstrated inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 in vitro, raising a theoretical risk of elevated plasma levels of drugs metabolized by these pathways, including certain statins, anticoagulants, and antidepressants. Black seed oil may potentiate anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or aspirin, increasing bleeding risk, and should be used with caution in patients on blood thinners. Pregnancy safety is not established; animal studies suggest high doses may stimulate uterine contractions, so use during pregnancy is not recommended without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The provided research dossier does not include specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PMIDs. The available evidence consists primarily of chemical composition studies and in-vitro research on isolated compounds.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not contain specific information about traditional medicine applications or historical use of Nigella sativa in traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or Unani medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Insufficient research data to recommend synergistic ingredients

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of black seed oil per day?

Most human clinical trials have used doses ranging from 1 to 3 grams of Nigella sativa seed powder or 2 to 2.5 mL of cold-pressed black seed oil daily, typically divided into two doses with meals. No universal therapeutic dose has been established by regulatory bodies, and effects appear dose-dependent based on available RCT data. Starting at 1 mL/day and gradually increasing allows assessment of individual tolerance.

### Does black seed oil lower blood pressure?

Several small RCTs suggest that black seed oil (2–2.5 mL/day) may reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 2–4 mmHg over 8 weeks in hypertensive adults, likely through thymoquinone-mediated vasodilation and calcium channel modulation. A 2016 meta-analysis of eight trials confirmed a statistically significant but modest antihypertensive effect. These findings are not yet sufficient to replace standard antihypertensive medications, and individuals on blood pressure drugs should consult a physician before supplementing.

### Can Nigella sativa help with blood sugar control?

Multiple RCTs in type 2 diabetic patients report that 1–3 g/day of Nigella sativa powder or oil for 8–12 weeks modestly reduces fasting blood glucose by 15–45 mg/dL and HbA1c by approximately 0.3–1.5%, likely through enhanced insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and improved peripheral glucose uptake. A 2017 systematic review of 17 trials concluded evidence is promising but limited by methodological heterogeneity. Nigella sativa should be used as an adjunct, not a replacement, for prescribed diabetes management.

### Is black caraway seed the same as black cumin or nigella?

Yes, black caraway seed, black cumin, nigella, and kalonji all refer to Nigella sativa, a flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family native to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. The seeds share an identical chemical profile dominated by thymoquinone (0.5–1.5% of volatile oil), fixed oils including linoleic acid and oleic acid, and alkaloids such as nigellicine. The naming confusion is common in commercial supplements, so verifying the Latin binomial Nigella sativa on product labels ensures you are getting the correct species.

### Does black seed oil interact with any medications?

Black seed oil is a theoretical inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 liver enzymes based on in vitro data, which could increase blood concentrations of drugs such as cyclosporine, certain statins (simvastatin, lovastatin), and some antidepressants. Its mild antiplatelet activity creates an additive risk when combined with warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, potentially prolonging bleeding time. Patients taking immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, or antidiabetic medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting Nigella sativa supplementation to avoid unintended pharmacokinetic interactions.

### What is the difference between black seed oil and black caraway seed powder?

Black seed oil is a concentrated liquid extract derived from Nigella sativa seeds through cold pressing, while black caraway seed powder is the dried and ground whole seed. Oil forms typically contain higher concentrations of active compounds like thymoquinone per serving, but powder retains fiber and other seed components that may support overall digestive health. The choice between forms depends on your preference for potency versus whole-food nutrient profiles.

### Is black caraway seed safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Limited clinical safety data exists for black seed supplementation in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so use is generally not recommended without medical guidance. Traditional use in some cultures suggests historical consumption, but modern clinical trials specifically evaluating safety in these populations are lacking. Consult with a healthcare provider before using Nigella sativa if you are pregnant or nursing.

### How strong is the scientific evidence for black seed's anti-inflammatory and antitumor benefits?

Current evidence for anti-inflammatory effects comes primarily from in-vitro laboratory studies and animal models showing that compounds like thymoquinone and carvacrol may inhibit inflammatory pathways. Anticancer activity has only been demonstrated in cell culture and laboratory settings, not in human clinical trials. While these preliminary findings are promising, robust human clinical evidence is needed before making health claims about treating inflammation or cancer.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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