Fruit

Ebony Seed

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Ebony Seed (Nigella sativa) contains thymoquinone (TQ) comprising 30-48% of essential oil, delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB pathway inhibition and free radical scavenging. The seeds provide antimicrobial activity via bacterial cell membrane disruption and upregulate antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupFruit

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordebony seed benefits

Ebony Seed — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports digestive cleansing

and promotes bowel regularity through its fiber and astringent compounds.

Offers potent antioxidant

and anti-inflammatory action, protecting cells from oxidative stress.

Aids liver detoxification: and supports metabolic stability

Provides antimicrobial activity,: contributing to internal purification

Modulates immune responses: and contributes to blood purification

Promotes skin clarity

and supports wound healing due to its astringent and regenerative properties.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Ebony Seed is derived from the fruit of the Ebony Tree (Diospyros ebenum and related species), a tree native to the dense tropical forests and sub-humid woodlands of South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Indonesia. These seeds are valued in traditional medicine for their unique phytochemical profile, offering significant functional benefits.

“In Ayurvedic and Siddha traditions of South Asia, Ebony Seed (from the Ebony Fruit) is revered as a 'dark purifier,' used to cleanse the gut, cool internal fire, and balance Pitta dosha. It symbolizes depth, resilience, and purification, often incorporated into seasonal detox and spiritual fortification rituals. Traditionally, it was also used in beauty rituals for skin clarity and cellular renewal.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Preliminary in vitro and animal studies indicate Ebony Seed possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Research suggests its potential for liver detoxification, digestive support, and skin health, aligning with traditional uses. Further human clinical trials are needed to validate specific health claims and establish optimal dosages.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Tannins - Lignans - Flavonoids - Triterpenes - Phenolic Acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid) - Saponins - Trace Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Copper) - Vitamin A - Vitamin C

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Thymoquinone (TQ) inhibits NF-κB signaling to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppresses matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). TQ reacts with glutathione, NADH, and NADPH to form glutathionyl-dihydro-thymoquinone, suppressing lipid peroxidation. Additional compounds including alkaloids like nigellidine disrupt bacterial cell membranes while upregulating antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current evidence consists primarily of in vitro and animal studies with limited human clinical trial data available. In rabbits, 600 mg/kg dosing increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Antiproliferative effects showed EC50 values ranging from 79.5 ± 1.0 μM to 1308 ± 69.9 μM against various cancer cell lines including MCF-7 and HepG2. Human clinical trials with quantified endpoints and statistical significance are needed to validate therapeutic claims and establish optimal dosing protocols.

Also Known As

Nigella sativaBlack seedBlack cuminKalonjiHabbat al-barakah

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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