Published January 09, 2025
Summary
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What is black (cumin) seed oil?
Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil -- often called just “black seed oil” – consists mainly of the polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid) and includes the antioxidant compound thymoquinone and other compounds. Black seed is not related to the spices cumin or black caraway, or to black currant seed (see What It Is).
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Possible health benefits of black seed:
Limited evidence from clinical studies conducted primarily in parts of Asia and the Middle East suggests that black seed oil, in liquid or capsule form, as well as black seed powder, may modestly lower blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, and improve asthma symptoms, osteoarthritis, and thyroid status in people with Hashimoto's disease, but more research is needed to confirm these findings (see What It Does)
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What did CL's tests of black seed supplements show?
ConsumerLab purchased seven black seed supplements and tested them for their levels of thymoquinone and fatty acids and for potential contamination from heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury). Products sold as bottled oils were also tested for freshness, based on peroxide values. Only 5 of the 7 black seed supplements could be Approved for quality, as two products did not contain their claimed amounts of thymoquinone, a key compound in black seed. ConsumerLab found that amounts of thymoquinone per serving ranged from as little as 2.7 mg to as much as 77.5 mg, with the cost to obtain a 20-mg serving ranging from 18 cents to 74 cents (see What CL Found). 
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Best black seed supplements:
Among CL Approved products, ConsumerLab chose Top Picks for black seed bottled oil, black seed oil in capsules or softgels, and black seed extract based on quality and cost.
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How much black seed should I take?
It is not clear what dose of black seed oil is best. Studies have generally involved taking anywhere from ¼ to 1 teaspoon (about 1.25 to 5 mL) per day of black seed oil or 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day of black seed powder or 100 mg to 200 mg of black seed extract per day. Be aware that black seed oil has an unpleasant wood varnish-like taste. If taken as a liquid (rather than in a pill), it's best to mix into a food or beverage (see ConsumerTips for details).
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Black seed oil safety and side effects:
Black seed may occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and stomach upset. It may, potentially, have a blood-thinning effect. Contact dermatitis has been reported with topical use. Long-term study of the potential side effects and adverse effects of black seed oils and extracts has not yet been conducted (see Concerns and Cautions).
+— 26 sources
In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:
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- Kooti, Chin J Nat Med 2016
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- Farhangi, Lipids Health Dis 2018
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You must
be a member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com recommendations and quality ratings. You will get results for 7 black cumin seed oil supplements, including bottled black seed oil, black seed oil in capsules or softgels, and black seed extracts, selected for testing by ConsumerLab.
In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:
Which black cumin seed oil supplements passed or failed our tests- Which black cumin seed oil supplements offer the best quality and value and are CL's Top Picks
- If black cumin seed oil supplements were fresh (not rancid), or contaminated with heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury)
- The clinical evidence for and against black cumin seed oil for lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, and other proposed uses
- Safety, side effects, and drug interactions with black cumin seed oil
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