# Thymoquinone

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/thymoquinone
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, TQ, Black cumin quinone, Nigella sativa quinone, Habit tiberi, Kalonji quinone, Black seed quinone

## Overview

Thymoquinone is the primary bioactive quinone compound found in Nigella sativa (black seed) that demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and nephroprotective effects. It works primarily by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory cytokines like IL-8 and IgE.

## Health Benefits

• Kidney health support: RCT (n=70 CKD patients) showed reduced urea, creatinine, and proteinuria with black seed oil containing TQ (PMID: 30087794)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Inhibits NF-κB pathway and reduces inflammatory cytokines like IL-8 and IgE based on mechanistic studies (PMID: 25859298)
• Metabolic health: Review of 76 trials confirmed efficacy in type 2 diabetes and NAFLD management (PMID: 30087794)
• Respiratory support: Clinical evidence shows benefits for asthma through reduction of eosinophil infiltration and IgE levels (PMCID: PMC9742867)
• Stress and sleep improvement: Phase I trial (n=70) with BCO-5 showed improved sleep and stress markers with no adverse effects (PMID: 36518481)

## Mechanism of Action

Thymoquinone exerts its effects primarily through inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammatory responses. This quinone compound suppresses the production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including interleukin-8 (IL-8) and immunoglobulin E (IgE). The compound also appears to modulate [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and may influence renal function markers through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical evidence for thymoquinone comes primarily from studies using black seed oil containing this compound. A randomized controlled trial in 70 chronic kidney disease patients demonstrated significant reductions in urea, creatinine, and proteinuria levels with black seed oil supplementation. The [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects are supported mainly by mechanistic studies showing NF-κB pathway inhibition and cytokine reduction. Current clinical evidence is limited, with most benefits extrapolated from black seed oil studies rather than isolated thymoquinone trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a pure bioactive compound (2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1,4-quinone), not a whole food, and therefore has no conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profile. Molecular weight: 164.20 g/mol. Chemical formula: C10H12O2. It is the primary bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa (black seed) volatile oil, typically constituting 30–48% of the total essential oil fraction. In black seed oil preparations, TQ concentration typically ranges from 0.4–2.5 mg/mL depending on extraction method and cultivar. As an isolated compound, it contains no fiber, protein, conventional vitamins, or dietary minerals. Bioactive properties are attributed to its quinone structure, which confers potent antioxidant activity via [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing (DPPH IC50 approximately 0.7–1.2 mg/mL in vitro). TQ also exhibits thymol and carvacrol-related terpenoid chemistry. Bioavailability notes: TQ is highly lipophilic (log P ≈ 2.5), resulting in poor aqueous solubility (~1 mg/mL in water) and limited oral bioavailability in native form. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax) in animal models reached approximately 4.5 µg/mL following 10 mg/kg oral dosing. Nanoencapsulation and lipid-based delivery systems (nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles) have demonstrated 2–5 fold improvements in bioavailability. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) is significant, with rapid conjugation and oxidative metabolism. Half-life estimated at 1–2 hours in rodent models; human pharmacokinetic data remains limited. Protein binding is approximately 99%, primarily to albumin, which may influence distribution and activity.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include 200 mg/day BCO-5 (5% TQ, providing ~10 mg TQ) for 90 days, and 2.5 mL/day black seed oil (providing 1-10 mg TQ) for 12 weeks. Higher doses of 1-10 mL/day oil have been used in trials for asthma and diabetes. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Thymoquinone safety data is primarily derived from black seed oil studies, with generally good tolerability reported in clinical trials. Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, though specific adverse effects of isolated thymoquinone are not well-documented. The compound may interact with medications metabolized through cytochrome P450 enzymes, though specific drug interactions require further research. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data for isolated thymoquinone.

## Scientific Research

A phase I randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=70) tested BCO-5 standardized to 5% TQ at 200 mg/day for 90 days, finding no serious adverse effects and improvements in sleep/stress (PMID: 36518481). A comprehensive review of 76 trials (31 RCTs) confirmed efficacy of black seed/oil in asthma, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD, with TQ identified as the key constituent (PMID: 30087794).

## Historical & Cultural Context

TQ-rich black seed has been used for approximately 2000 years in Unani, Tibb, Ayurveda, and Islamic medicine, where it's known as 'habit tiberi' or cure-all. Traditional uses included digestive aid, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) for asthma and rheumatism, diuretic, galactagogue, and treatment for skin and lung disorders.

## Synergistic Combinations

Piperine, Omega-3 fatty acids, Curcumin, Quercetin, Vitamin D

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain thymoquinone naturally?

Thymoquinone is found primarily in Nigella sativa (black seed/black cumin) seeds and their oil. Black seed oil typically contains 0.2-2.5% thymoquinone by weight, making it the richest natural source of this quinone compound.

### How much thymoquinone should I take daily?

There is no established daily dosage for isolated thymoquinone supplements. Clinical studies have used black seed oil containing thymoquinone at doses of 500-2000mg daily, which would provide approximately 1-50mg of thymoquinone depending on oil concentration.

### Can thymoquinone help with kidney disease?

A clinical trial in 70 chronic kidney disease patients showed that black seed oil containing thymoquinone significantly reduced urea, creatinine, and protein in urine. However, these benefits were observed with the whole oil, not isolated thymoquinone.

### Does thymoquinone reduce inflammation?

Yes, thymoquinone demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and reducing inflammatory cytokines like IL-8 and IgE. These effects have been confirmed in laboratory studies, though more human trials are needed.

### Is thymoquinone the same as black seed oil?

No, thymoquinone is a specific bioactive compound found within black seed oil. Black seed oil contains many compounds including thymoquinone (0.2-2.5%), thymohydroquinone, and other constituents that may contribute to its overall effects.

### Is thymoquinone safe to take with blood pressure or diabetes medications?

Thymoquinone may potentiate the effects of antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications, potentially lowering blood glucose and blood pressure beyond intended levels. If you are taking medications for diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic conditions, consult your healthcare provider before adding thymoquinone supplements, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Clinical studies have not extensively evaluated safety in combination with specific pharmaceutical classes.

### What is the most bioavailable form of thymoquinone: black seed oil, isolated thymoquinone, or black seed powder?

Black seed oil and extracted thymoquinone supplements generally show superior bioavailability compared to whole black seed powder, though absorption varies based on fat content and formulation. Studies indicate that thymoquinone absorption is enhanced when taken with fat or oil, as it is a lipophilic compound. The optimal form depends on individual tolerance and whether the supplement includes bioavailability enhancers like piperine.

### Who should avoid thymoquinone supplements, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those with specific health conditions?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid thymoquinone supplements due to insufficient safety data, as animal studies suggest potential uterotonic effects. Individuals with bleeding disorders, those scheduled for surgery, or people taking anticoagulants should exercise caution, as thymoquinone may have mild antiplatelet properties. Those with known hypersensitivity to Nigella sativa or related plant compounds should also avoid supplementation.

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