herb × General Health
Black Seed Oil for Inflammation
Oil pressed from Nigella sativa seeds; its active compound thymoquinone has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in trials, and is studied for metabolic, respiratory, and immune outcomes.
5published research: study records
30published research: findings
Not formally gradedcertainty of the research
Published research
What studies found
Black Seed Oil for Inflammation
23 of 30 results reported a benefit, from 5 published studies.
5 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 23 reported a benefit
- 7 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Inflammation marker (CRP)No clear difference0.98 mg/L lower1 review of trials2 of 4 results reported a benefit2021 study ↗
- Inflammation marker (TNF-alpha)2.15 pg/mLlower1 review of trials3 of 4 results reported a benefit2021 study ↗
- Inflammation marker (IL-6)No clear difference0.25 pg/mL lower1 review of trials1 of 2 results reported a benefit2021 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (6)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- 'Bad' (LDL) cholesterol18.5lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2020 study ↗
- Fasting blood sugar15.2lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2020 study ↗
- Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c)0.45lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2020 study ↗
- Total cholesterol16.8lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2020 study ↗
- Triglycerides (blood fats)15.7lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2020 study ↗
- VLDL cholesterol3.72lower, unit not reported1 review of trials2020 study ↗
4 laboratory markers also measured
- Total antioxidant capacity · lab markerLarge effectmuch better than the comparison groupAverage of 2 results · 2 reviews of trials4 of 5 results reported a benefit2023 study 1 ↗2024 study 2 ↗
- Antioxidant enzyme (SOD) · lab markerLarge effectmuch better than the comparison groupAverage of 2 results · 2 reviews of trials4 of 4 results reported a benefit2023 study 1 ↗2024 study 2 ↗
- Oxidative stress marker (MDA) · lab markerNo clear difference0.95 nmol/mL lower1 review of trials2 of 4 results reported a benefit2021 study ↗
- Antioxidant enzyme (GPx) · lab markerLarge effectmuch better than the comparison group1 review of trials2023 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultWhy Black Seed Oil for Inflammation?
The connection
Chronic systemic inflammation underlies most modern diseases — heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions.
Also known as: Nigella sativa, Black cumin seed oil
Published research
Black Seed Oil × Inflammation: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Black Seed Oil / Inflammation: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 23 |
| No benefit | 7 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Meta-analysis | 24 |
| Systematic review | 6 |
- Studies
- 5
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 37036558) | glutathione peroxidase (GPx) | 1.23 SMD | 95% CI 0.25, 2.22; p=0.014 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 37036558) | superoxide dismutase (SOD) | 2.05 SMD | 95% CI 1.22, 2.88, p<0.001 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 37036558) | total antioxidant capacity (TAC) | 2.28 SMD | 95% CI 1.29, 3.27, p<0.001 | Not reported |
| The effect of nigella sativa on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 33559935) | high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) | -0.67 | 95% CI: -1.29, -0.05 | Not reported |
| The effect of nigella sativa on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 33559935) | malondialdehyde (MDA) | -1.18 | 95% CI: -2.24, -0.12 | Not reported |
| The effect of nigella sativa on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 33559935) | superoxide dismutase (SOD) | 66.30 | 95% CI: 1.03, 131.57 | Not reported |
| The effect of nigella sativa on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 33559935) | total antioxidant capacity (TAC) | 0.35 | 95% CI: 0.10, 0.59 | Not reported |
| The effect of nigella sativa on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PMID 33559935) | tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) | -2.29 | 95% CI: -4.48, -0.11 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34187123) | high sensitivity C-reactive protein | Not reported | 95% CI=-1.98-0.03 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34187123) | Interleukin 6 (IL-6) | Not reported | 95% CI=-0.65 to 0.16 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34187123) | malondialdehyde | Not reported | 95% CI=-1.97-0.08 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34187123) | superoxide dismutase | 63.79 µ/gHb | 95% CI=6.84-120.75 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34187123) | total antioxidant capacity | 0.34 mmol/L | 95% CI=0.04 to 0.63 | Not reported |
| The effect of Nigella sativa on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 34187123) | Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) | -2.15 pg/mL | 95% CI=-3.22--1.09 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | CRP | Not reported | 95% CI: -9.23, 2.01 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | fasting glucose | -15.18 | 95% CI: -19.82, -10.55 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | HbA1C levels | -0.45 | 95% CI: -0.66, -0.23 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | LDL-cholesterol | -18.45 | 95% CI: -22.44, -14.94 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | MDA levels | Not reported | 95% CI: -2.18, 0.27 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | TAC | Not reported | 95% CI: 0.00, 0.63 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | TNF-α | Not reported | 95% CI: -3.23, 0.86 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | total cholesterol | -16.80 | 95% CI: -21.04, -12.55 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | triglycerides | -15.73 | 95% CI: -20.77, -10.69 | Not reported |
| Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. (PMID 32394508) | VLDL-cholesterol | -3.72 | 95% CI: -7.27, -0.18 | Not reported |
| Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37859312) | CRP | -0.60 SMD | 95% CI: from -0.96 to -0.23; P = 0.00 | Not reported |
| Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37859312) | IL-6 | -0.54 SMD | 95% CI: from -1.01 to -0.07; P = 0.02 | Not reported |
| Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37859312) | MDA | -1.28 SMD | 95% CI: from -2.11 to -0.46; P = 0.00 | Not reported |
| Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37859312) | SOD | 1.35 SMD | 95% CI, from 0.77 to 1.93; P = 0.00 | Not reported |
| Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37859312) | TAC | 2.82 SMD | 95% CI, from 0.55 to 5.084; P = 0.01 | Not reported |
| Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37859312) | TNF-α | -0.53 SMD | 95% CI: from -0.74 to -0.53; P = 0.00 | Not reported |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 37859312 2024 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 1033Duration: Not reported | CRP | -0.60 SMD (95% CI: from -0.96 to -0.23; P = 0.00) | Benefit |
| PMID 37859312 2024 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 1033Duration: Not reported | IL-6 | -0.54 SMD (95% CI: from -1.01 to -0.07; P = 0.02) | Benefit |
| PMID 37859312 2024 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 1033Duration: Not reported | MDA | -1.28 SMD (95% CI: from -2.11 to -0.46; P = 0.00) | Benefit |
| PMID 37859312 2024 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 1033Duration: Not reported | SOD | 1.35 SMD (95% CI, from 0.77 to 1.93; P = 0.00) | Benefit |
| PMID 37859312 2024 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 1033Duration: Not reported | TAC | 2.82 SMD (95% CI, from 0.55 to 5.084; P = 0.01) | Benefit |
| PMID 37859312 2024 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 1033Duration: Not reported | TNF-α | -0.53 SMD (95% CI: from -0.74 to -0.53; P = 0.00) | Benefit |
| PMID 37036558 2023 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 1086Duration: Not reported | glutathione peroxidase (GPx) | 1.23 SMD (95% CI 0.25, 2.22; p=0.014) | Benefit |
| PMID 37036558 2023 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 1086Duration: Not reported | superoxide dismutase (SOD) | 2.05 SMD (95% CI 1.22, 2.88, p<0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 37036558 2023 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 1086Duration: Not reported | total antioxidant capacity (TAC) | 2.28 SMD (95% CI 1.29, 3.27, p<0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 33559935 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) | -0.67 (95% CI: -1.29, -0.05) | Benefit |
| PMID 33559935 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | malondialdehyde (MDA) | -1.18 (95% CI: -2.24, -0.12) | Benefit |
| PMID 33559935 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | superoxide dismutase (SOD) | 66.30 (95% CI: 1.03, 131.57) | Benefit |
| PMID 33559935 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | total antioxidant capacity (TAC) | 0.35 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.59) | Benefit |
| PMID 33559935 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) | -2.29 (95% CI: -4.48, -0.11) | Benefit |
| PMID 34187123 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 267Duration: Not reported | high sensitivity C-reactive protein | Not reported (95% CI=-1.98-0.03) | No benefit |
| PMID 34187123 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 134Duration: Not reported | Interleukin 6 (IL-6) | Not reported (95% CI=-0.65 to 0.16) | No benefit |
| PMID 34187123 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 179Duration: Not reported | malondialdehyde | Not reported (95% CI=-1.97-0.08) | No benefit |
| PMID 34187123 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 88Duration: Not reported | superoxide dismutase | 63.79 µ/gHb (95% CI=6.84-120.75) | Benefit |
| PMID 34187123 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 232Duration: Not reported | total antioxidant capacity | 0.34 mmol/L (95% CI=0.04 to 0.63) | Benefit |
| PMID 34187123 2021 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 262Duration: Not reported | Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) | -2.15 pg/mL (95% CI=-3.22--1.09) | Benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | CRP | Not reported (95% CI: -9.23, 2.01) | No benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | fasting glucose | -15.18 (95% CI: -19.82, -10.55) | Benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | HbA1C levels | -0.45 (95% CI: -0.66, -0.23) | Benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | LDL-cholesterol | -18.45 (95% CI: -22.44, -14.94) | Benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | MDA levels | Not reported (95% CI: -2.18, 0.27) | No benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | TAC | Not reported (95% CI: 0.00, 0.63) | No benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | TNF-α | Not reported (95% CI: -3.23, 0.86) | No benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | total cholesterol | -16.80 (95% CI: -21.04, -12.55) | Benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | triglycerides | -15.73 (95% CI: -20.77, -10.69) | Benefit |
| PMID 32394508 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 50 trialsDuration: Not reported | VLDL-cholesterol | -3.72 (95% CI: -7.27, -0.18) | Benefit |
Published research
Black Seed Oil × Inflammation: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
6studies referenced
6journals
2024–2026publication range
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Role of the EPA: DHA dosing ratio in omega-3 supplements on blood fatty acid profiles and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysisKhabir Z, et al. · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition · 2026PMID 41568426 ↗02Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines with Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties in Improving Oral Health and Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis: A Systematic ReviewMalcangi G, et al. · Nutrients · 2025PMID 40077632 ↗03Effects of Nigella sativa and its constituents on inflammatory markers in ovalbumin-induced asthma model: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysisGhobadi H, et al. · Inflammopharmacology · 2025PMID 40839182 ↗04The effect of two anti-inflammatory dietary components, omega-3 and resveratrol, on endometriosisSienko A, et al. · Ginekologia polska · 2024PMID 37768015 ↗05Effect of Nigella sativa Intake on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsHosseini H, et al. · Current pharmaceutical biotechnology · 2024PMID 37859312 ↗06The Antiobesity Effects and Potential Mechanisms of TheaflavinsFang Y, et al. · Journal of medicinal food · 2024PMID 38060708 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.
Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.