Table of Contents
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa, Black Cumin) is an annual herb and spice belonging to the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) family of flowering plants.
Black Seed Oil is native to the Middle East, Southern Europe and North Africa. And taking black seed oil has been used for millennia for a variety of illnesses.
It’s main active compound thymoquinone (TQ) has been shown to benefit cognitive and mental illness, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and infertility.
And Black Seed Oil has been used for a variety of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections. It’s even showing promise in early studies to be effective against HIV/AIDS.[i]
Nigella Sativa oil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, reduces tumor necrosis factor-α (TNf-α), and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Supplementing with Black Seed Oil seems to modulate neuronal signaling pathways in the brain. Affecting synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation which can help learning and memory.
Here we’ll explore how Black Seed Oil benefits your brain.
Black Seed Oil helps:
- Neurotransmitters: The compound thymohydroquinone in Black Seed Oil is one of the most potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors on the planet.[ii] By increasing acetylcholine, AChE inhibitors have been found to be helpful in treating apathy, autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s Disease.[iii]
- Anxiety & stress: Black Seed Oil increases L-Tryptophan and serotonin levels in the brain. Providing an antidepressant effect following repeated dosing.[iv]
- Learning & memory: Black Seed Oil has been shown in animal and human studies to support neurogenesis and long-term potentiation. Showing positive effects on learning and memory. Particularly working memory.[v]
Overview
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa, Black Cumin) is extracted from Nigella sativa, a plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup).
It’s native to southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. And known as “Black Seed” because when the seeds are exposed to air, they turn black.
Black Seed has been used for millennia as mentioned in ancient texts for a variety of health issues. Several archaeological sites in Egypt including King Tut’s tomb contained Nigella sativa seeds.
Queen Nefertiti is reported to have been a devoted user of Black Seed Oil and gave it credit for her beautiful complexion.[vi]
The earliest written reference is in the book of Isaiah where it was referred to as ketsah in Hebrew. And was used as a baking spice.[vii]
The Prophet Mohammed described the curative powers of Black Seed saying, “it has a remedy for every illness except death”.[viii]
Persian physician and philosopher Ibn Sina (Avicenna) recommended Black Seed Oil in his “Canon of Medicine” as a remedy for colds, fever, headache, toothache, skin diseases, promote wound healing, fungus, parasites, warts, and insect bites.
The main bio-active compounds in Black Seed Oil include thymoquinone (37.6%) followed by p-cymene (31.2%), α-thujene (5.6%), thymohydroquinone (3.4%), and longifolene (2.0%).[ix]
Most of the nootropic benefit of Black Seed Oil is attributed to thymoquinone (TQ).
How does Black Seed Oil work in the brain?
Black Seed Oil boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Black Seed Oil for attention, cognition and memory. Animal studies show that Black Seed Oil is effective for boosting memory in aged rats. And these findings were also demonstrated in human experiments.
One study by the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh recruited 40 elderly volunteers and divided them randomly into groups A and B. Group A were given 500 mg Black Seed Oil twice a day for 9 weeks. Group B received a placebo.
Neurological measures for this trial included a logical memory test, digit span test, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, letter cancellation test, trail making test and Stroop test.
The Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test is particularly interesting. People are asked to reproduce a complicated line drawing first by copying it freehand, and then drawing from memory.
The test permits the evaluation of things like visuospatial abilities, memory, attention, planning, working memory and executive function.
The study concluded that Black Seed Oil supplementation for 9 weeks demonstrated a significant role in enhancing attention, cognition and memory.[x]
Another study with 48 young men aged 14 – 17 who used 500 mg of Black Seed Oil per day for 4 weeks had better short-, and long-term memory and recall.[xi]
- Black Seed Oil reduces seizures (sometimes). Black Seed Oil is known to have anticonvulsive effects in ‘traditional medicine’. And because many epileptic children do not respond to modern anti-seizure medication, researchers have been conducting studies to find out if Black Seed Oil could fill this need.
One study in Iran worked with 22 patients who were divided into two groups.
In this double-blind crossover study thymoquinone was compared to standard anti-epileptic drugs over a period of 4 weeks.
The study concluded that thymoquinone, the main active compound found in Black Seed Oil has anti-epileptic effects in children with refractory seizures.[xii]
But other studies have not been as promising. One study worked with 30 intractable epileptic children and 5 healthy kids used as controls. Here again Black Seed Oil was compared to anti-epileptic drugs over the 4-week trial.
Researchers in this study found that 40-80 mg/kg/day of Black Seed Oil as add-on therapy did not alter seizure frequency or severity in intractable epileptic patients.[xiii]
But another study with 20 epileptic children aged 13 years used an aqueous extract of Black Seed Oil (40 mg/kg) 3-times per day for 4 weeks. In this study, seizure frequency was reduced significantly during treatment.[xiv]
The takeaway here for using Black Seed Oil if you are hoping to reduce the number and frequency of epileptic seizures – it may or may not work. But it doesn’t hurt to try.
How things go bad
Seems many of the cognitive ailments we suffer from today are nothing new. Our ancestors thousands of years ago were dealing with many of the same issues we face today.
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes. This can happen at any age once we enter our adult years.
↓ Chronic inflammation
↓ Cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, which affects blood clotting, atherosclerosis)
↓ Metabolic disease (diabetes, non-alcoholic liver disease)
↓ Neurodegenerative disease (anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
↓ Bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
Avicenna, the famous 10th century physician in his book “The Canon of Medicine” recommended Black Seed Oil for enhancement of body’s energy and support during recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.[xv]
What’s old is new again and we’re re-discovering the healing benefits and nootropic value of this ancient remedy for a variety of diseases.
Black Seed Oil benefits
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the primary active component of the volatile oil in Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and most of its effects and actions are related to TQ.
Black Seed Oil is anti-tumor, anti-microbial, anti-histamine, it modulates your immune system, is an anti-inflammatory and acts as an antioxidant.[xvi]
In the traditional system of medicine practices in the Arabian Gulf region, Black Seed is recommended for fever, cough, bronchitis, asthma, chronic headache, migraine, dizziness, chest congestion, obesity, diabetes, paralysis, back pain, infection, inflammation, fasting blood sugar levels, rheumatism, hypertension, and gastro issues like dyspepsia, flatulence, dysentery and diarrhea.
Over 150 clinical studies over the last 5 decades have investigated the chemical and health benefit properties of Black Seed Oil. And these studies justify the broad and traditional therapeutic value of Black Seed.
As a nootropic, studies show Black Seed Oil helps with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, brain inflammation, epilepsy, reduced blood flow, glial tumors, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).[xvii]
How does Black Seed Oil feel?
If you have not yet experienced the benefits of Black Seed Oil, check out some of the comments and reviews left by others who have.
Neurohackers report that using Black Seed Oil daily makes them feel better and they’ve got more energy.
Several people say using Black Seed Oil helps relieve their migraine symptoms.
A couple of people commented that Black Seed Oil gave them vivid dreams.
Some say it helps keep their allergies under control. And like Queen Nefertiti, some report their skin looks more youthful.
Black Seed Oil is said to reduce inflammation and balance hormones. Others say they get powerful relief from pain.
One person reported that she had lost 11 pounds, her joints weren’t aching, no more constipation and her sleep had improved tremendously – and she was only 1/4 of the way through the bottle. A randomized, double-blind trial of obese women who followed a low calorie diet found that the integration of black seed oil improved body composition, such as body mass index, and decreased appetites in participants.
Another long-time user of Black Seed Oil said he hadn’t been sick in over 2 years.
And several neurohackers say Black Seed Oil helps them quickly fall asleep.
Black Seed Oil Clinical Research
Black Seed Oil Boosts Memory
40 elderly volunteers were recruited by researchers at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was conducted to see if memory improvements from Black Seed Oil with animals also worked in humans.
Half of the group were given a 500 mg Black Seed Oil capsule twice daily for 9 weeks. The other half received a placebo.
The university research team found a significant improvement in memory, attention and cognition in the group using Black Seed Oil. With no significant improvement in the placebo group.
The researchers concluded Black Seed Oil should be considered as a supplement for enhancing memory, attention and cognition.[xviii]
Black Seed Oil for Anxiety
A study with 48 healthy human male volunteers aged 14 – 17 years were recruited and split into two groups.
Group A received a 500 mg Black Seed Oil capsule once daily for four weeks. And Group B received a placebo. The volunteers were assessed for cognition using a verbal learning test, mood and anxiety. Tests were done at the beginning of the trial and after 4 weeks of supplementation.
The research team concluded that after 4 weeks of using Black Seed Oil that there was a significant mood improvement, decreased anxiety, and a boost in cognition.[xix]
Black Seed Oil Reduces Seizure Frequency
Several different drugs and drug combinations are prescribed to reduce seizures in epileptic children. But nearly 15% of children are resistant to treatment.
Black Seed Oil is known to have anticonvulsant effects which are mainly attributed to thymoquinone.
A double-blind crossover clinical study was conducted in Iran with epileptic children. 22 patients were divided into two groups with one group receiving thymoquinone and the other a placebo for 4 weeks. They each had a one week wash out period. And then the groups were switched and dosed for another 4 weeks.
The parents were happy with the results of the trial. Because the children had significantly fewer seizures when using thymoquinone.
The researchers concluded that thymoquinone has anti-epileptic effects in children with refractory seizures.[xx]
Black Seed Oil for Opiate Withdrawal
Opioid addiction is a major problem in our society. With headlines every week about the number of deaths from opiate overdose.
The most successful treatment we have so far for quitting opiates are 12-step programs. But success rates in recovery and those ending up in relapse demonstrate how difficult it is to get off these powerful drugs.
But a new and novel treatment for dealing with opiate withdrawal symptoms may help.
A study was conducted in Karachi to find a non-opiate treatment for opiate withdrawal. 35 opiate addicts were recruited for this clinical trial.
While details are sketchy, the study found that 500 mg Nigella sativa significantly reduced opiate withdrawal symptoms.
The researchers concluded, “Non opioid drug Nigella sativa is effective in long-term treatment of opioid dependence. It not merely cures the opioid dependence but also cures the infections and weakness from which majority of addicts suffer.”[xxi]
Black Seed Oil Recommended Dosage
Recommended dosage of Black Seed Oil is 1 – 3 teaspoons per day.
If you’ve never used Black Seed Oil before, start with ½ a teaspoon and see how your body reacts.
Children under 11 years should only use half the adult dosage. And kids under 5 years, only a drop or two to start with.
Nigella sativa extract seeds or powder dosage is 1 – 3 grams per day.
Potency can vary between brands which can affect dosage. So check labels carefully.
Black Seed Oil Side Effects
Black Seed Oil is considered non-toxic and safe to use at recommended doses. (More is NOT better).
Black Seed Oil has a nasty taste. To me it tastes a lot like gasoline. So beware if this is your first time. And have something handy to chase it with especially if you don’t like the taste.
You should not use Black Seed Oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s best to check with your doctor before using Black Seed Oil, especially if you’re dealing with a chronic health condition or are currently taking medication.
Do not use Black Seed Oil if you have a bleeding disorder or plan on doing surgery of any kind.
If you have low blood pressure Black Seed Oil could make this condition worse by causing slow blood clotting.
And too much Black Seed Oil (more than the recommended dosage) could cause liver or kidney damage.
On your skin, Black Seed Oil may cause a rash or hives. Best to do a small patch test before using a regular dose.
Type of Black Seed Oil to Buy
Black Seed Oil is easily found in most health food stores and vitamin shops worldwide. You can get Black Seed Oil in a bottle, or Black Seed Oil capsules. Or Black Seed extract as a powder. The Oil version in a bottle is most common.
Always go for organic Black Seed Oil to ensure you are not getting any toxic pesticides or herbicides contaminating your oil.
And select Black Seed Oil that comes in a dark amber glass bottle which helps prevent it from going rancid.
Choose an oil that is cold-pressed because other methods of extraction involve high heat. Which can damage the beneficial compounds and fatty acids in the oil. And you’ll end up with Black Seed Oil that’s useless.
I recommend and use Amazing Herbs Egyptian Black Seed Oil (Amazon) because it’s milder tasting. It works and has good reviews.
They also sell Black Seed Oil Soft-Gels (Amazon) if you can’t stand the taste. Each soft-gel is equivalent to ¼ teaspoon of oil.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Black Seed Oil 1 – 3 teaspoons per day
I recommend using Black Seed Oil as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Black Seed Oil on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a nootropic supplement.
Black Seed Oil is especially helpful for those dealing with stress and anxiety. Because it affects the GABA pathway in your brain which provides its anxiolytic benefit.[xxii]
Recent research shows depression may be caused by inflammation. Black Seed Oil may reduce symptoms of depression because it decreases levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-13 (IL-13) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a).[xxiii]
Black Seed Oil can increase learning and memory within 20 weeks of consistent, daily dosing.
If you’ve tried other meds to reduce seizures with no luck, try Black Seed Oil next. Because it’s been shown to be effective with some types of epilepsy.
And two decades of research shows Black Seed Oil may be effective in suppressing tumor development, growth, and metastasis for a wide range of brain tumors. Including glial tumors which cannot be treated by modern medicine.
Black Seed Oil is a powerful but ancient nootropic supplement. If you’ve tried everything else including the latest mainstream medicine has to offer and have had no luck, try Black Seed Oil.
You can safely take up to 3 teaspoons of Black Seed Oil daily if needed. Split into smaller doses 2 – 3 times during your day. But do NOT exceed 3 teaspoons.
Join The Discussion - 145 comments
Dara Ree
December 31, 2022
I am so glad I found your website with all this great information. I have a question. I have been helping my 39-year-old sister, who had a traumatic brain injury from a car accident 19 years ago. In the last two years, she has been having seizures. They are getting stronger and lasting longer. Her neurologist has tried several different medications. So far, none have them have stopped the seizure. I want to try BSO along with her current medication Oxberbazepene. Are you aware of any studies that show BSO can not be used with this medication? I tried searching and saw one of the studies of 22 patients; most of them were on anti-seizure medications. Thank you for all of you work on this!
David Tomen
January 13, 2023
Dara, I an not aware of any contraindication between Black Seed Oil and any other prescription med.
For seizures, have you tried CDB Oil (https://nootropicsexpert.com/cbd-oil/)?
Steve
November 22, 2022
Hi, I’ve just started on Black seed oil & Im taking 1 teaspoon for lunch & 1 teaspoon before bed (For Sleep)… I’m just wondering if I can take St Johns Wort at Breakfast whilst I’m taking Black Seed Oil?
Thanking in Advance!
Kind regards,
Steve
David Tomen
November 28, 2022
Steve, while there is no record of a contraindication between the two I suggest being very careful about using both. St. John’s wort acts more like a prescription antidepressant compared to other herbs.
Jephthah
October 29, 2022
Hello David,
Please can black seed oil help resolve schizophrenia symptoms like hallucinations?
Needs urgent attention please
David Tomen
November 3, 2022
Black Seed Oil does seem to be effective for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia. But all I’ve seen are animal studies and not in humans. It worth trying.
Scott
November 12, 2022
I have bad allergies, and nothing I’m taking really seems to help. I started taking a teaspoon of BSO twice daily. And it really works! I’m wondering is this safe long-term? And
overtime will my body adapt making this therapy less effective?
David Tomen
November 16, 2022
Scott, a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil twice daily is well within the recommended dosage of this supplement. We do not have any clinical studies showing the safety or non-safety of BSO long-term because no one wants to pay the multi-millions to conduct such a study.
It should not become “less effective” but I do recommend getting your labs done 3-4 times per day to keep an eye on your liver and kidney health.
Dani
August 28, 2022
David, thank you for your research! Brief history: 2 y post severe Lyme, hypothyroid, long term very low bp, and recently widowed. I have always gone “natural”, however, due to long term insomnia from these issues I utilize low dose clonazepam 1-2 x’s wk, if my natural stack is not effective. (I realize the neg. impact on GABA.) I recently started taking very small amount; two-sz 1 caps of BSO. I do take it at night, w/K1. Upon rising I feel great after my little benzo, however, after a night of BSO I consistently notice nausea. I tolerate oils better at night than in the day. Could I be having a herx reaction from this small amt of BSO? Any other thoughts? Thank you in advance.
David Tomen
August 31, 2022
Dani, one is likely potentiating the other. Likely not a good idea to use Black Seed Oil with clonazepam.
Anthony
July 17, 2022
Hi David
Is Crede Black Cumin Oil the same as Black seed oil(Made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant)?
How may mg is 1 teaspoon of black seed oil?
Can one take it before bed?
Thanks
David Tomen
July 17, 2022
Anthony, Black Seed is also called Black Cumin and 1 teaspoon is exactly what I mean. It’s 4.92 ml.
I suppose you can take it before bed but not sure why you would want to.
Anthony
July 20, 2022
How long before Black seed oil start working? Does it work immediately or like an antidepressant?
Why i am asking is do you have to take it every day?
Thanks David
David Tomen
July 20, 2022
Anthony according to animal studies is takes consistent daily use of Black Seed Oil for 4 weeks to provide any antidepressant benefit (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951226/).
Anthony
August 8, 2022
Hi David
How does it work on Gaba in your brain. Does it work on Gaba receptors or just raise Gaba.
I have been taking 1 tsp per day for 3 weeks now and i feel benzo like withdrawals(only now on the 3rd week) same as i had when i was dependant on Diazepam 2 years ago. Could it be the BSO??
Thanks
David Tomen
August 8, 2022
Anthony, according to this animal study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21857076/) Black Seed Oil affects GABA in your brain. If you have used benzos in the past it likely means you either have desensitized GABA receptors that have not recovered. BSO is aggravating those dysfunctional receptors.
Anthony
June 24, 2022
Hi David
I take 7.5mg Mirtazapine with 500mg tryptophan every night with no problems.
Will it be safe if i take 7.5mg Mirtazapine at night and 1-2 teaspoons of Black seed oil during the day for anxiety and will stop l-tryptophan cause the sounds more benefits taking black seed oil??
thanks
David Tomen
June 25, 2022
Anthony, there is no contraindication that I am aware of.
Anthony
June 29, 2022
Thanks David
Sara
May 21, 2022
Hi David, I have three questions for when you have time, I would really appreciate your help
– Do you recommend the use of Mononucleotide (NMN)?, (and how many mg do you recommend a day?)
– 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7.8 DHF) seems to be very effective in improving mood, do you recommend it or do you think it lacks sufficient evidence?
– Why have you not tried Oleamide and what negative effects could it have according to your experience?
David Tomen
May 22, 2022
Sara, Nicotinamide mononucleotide is a derivative of niacin. I don’t think it is necessary because unless you have some wonky genetic thing going on your system is going to make it anyway. I say it’s not needed because of my experience with Long-COVID recovery and have studies have found and use has proven that depleted NAD+ can only be increased by using plain old niacin. It does not work by supplementing with NAD+.
I have not done the research yet on 7.8 DHF so do not know if there is enough science to warrant its use as a nootropic supplement.
And I have been getting the fatty acid oleic acid C-18 every day 2 or 3-times per day when I use unrefined coconut oil as my fat source when I take fat-soluble supplements in my stack.
Catherine Yonge-Mayes
August 17, 2022
Hi David– can you share what helped you most to get through and over your long covid? What were your symptoms? Thank you.
David Tomen
August 21, 2022
Catherine, fortunately I have never contracted COVID. But I have done many consultations with those dealing with Long-COVID. And have a protocol based on research and what people who have dealt with Long-COVID said worked for them.
That list is too long to share here in the comments section. I am happy to do a consultation with you if you’d like.
David
April 22, 2022
Hi David!
Could blackseed oil be better than lemon balm for sleep? It increases ACH more than Lemon Balm, so REM should be better. Also Higher serotonin and tryptophan levels. Wort checking out for sleep? Thank you!
David Tomen
April 22, 2022
David, it’s not ‘better’ just different. Whichever works best for you for sleep is the one you should use.