Background

• The plant is found wild in southern Europe, northern Africa, Asia Minor and in the Mediterranean region of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
• It has been cultivated into other parts of the world including Saudi Arabia, Mediterranean countries, northern Africa and parts of Asia.
• In UAE rarely cultivated in private farms.

Part(s) Used

Seeds & oil

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

The black seed is one of the oldest and most important herbal remedies in the Arabic and Islamic traditional medical practice. There is a Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) encourages its use as a comprehensive remedy. It has been used as/for:

How Much Do We Know?

There is a patent covers the use of black seed to stimulate immune-competent cells in humans. However, this should not be taken as evidence for the safety and efficacy of black seed as an immunostimulant.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Likely safe when used orally in amounts found in foods.
• Possibly safe when black seed oil is used orally at doses of up to 5 mL or 5 grams daily, or when black seed powder is used orally at doses of up to 2 grams daily for up to 12 weeks.
• There is some clinical evidence that black seed oil can be safely applied 2 times daily for up to 6 months or 3 times daily for up to 1 month.

Using Black seed by

Mouth

• Black seed oil has been used in doses of 1-2.5 grams daily for 4-12 weeks.
• Black seed powder has been used in doses of 1-2 grams daily for 8-12 weeks. 

Topical

Up to 5 ml twice daily applied to the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy

Likely unsafe when used orally in amounts exceeding those found in food. Black seed may decrease or inhibit uterine contractions and may have contraceptive activity. 

Breast feeding

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Children

Possibly safe when black seed oil is used orally at doses of 40-80 mg/kg daily for 2-19 months

Keep in Mind

• Do not hesitate to speak with your health care provider before starting to use any supplements.
• Discuss potential benefits and risks, especially if you are suffering from any health problems.