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
Mason Jones
April 24, 2024
David, any thoughts on whether black seed oil is safe with low dose cialis (around 5mg or less) given the oil’s potential blood pressure lowering effects?
-Mason
David Tomen
April 24, 2024
Mason, good question. They are not contraindicated. I suppose if you have a bleeding problem you would want to avoid using Black Seed Oil. But if not and are not being treated for a bleeding disorder I don’t see a problem.
MattD
April 15, 2024
Hi David, do you know if the serotonin increase from BSO is from inhibition of MAO enzymes or is it some other mechanism? Are there 2 different things happening with both an increase in tryptophan to the brain and inhibition of serotonin breakdown or re-uptake? Having a hard time finding info on this. I’ve been taking the same BSO for almost a year and a half now and I’d like to go back to Ginkgo. I’m wondering how seemless it would be. After taking the BSO for so long I don’t want to just jump from one thing to the other but if the action is the same as far as serotonin is concerned then it may be doable. Anyways, wondering your thoughts this? Thanks
David Tomen
April 22, 2024
Matt, according to this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951226/. Black Seed Oil increases Tryptophan in the brain. And reduces Tryptophan “turnover”. This would have a dramatic effect on increasing serotonin levels.
Michel
April 11, 2024
Hi David,
I want to try Black seed oil, but I am wondering if it is potent to increase serotonin like increasing acetylcholine because I’m taking an SSRI (paroxetine) with a relative low dosage of 1/3, I’m looking for a supplement that is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, i already tried Huperzine a and bacopa monnieri, which had, unfortunately, some side effects, although they positively impacted my focus. Therefore, i would like to try BSO. Have you heard about any contradictions between them?
Thanks a lot.
David Tomen
April 12, 2024
Michel, the only Side Effects I am aware of including contraindications are above in the section called “Side Effects”.
Greg
March 27, 2024
Hi there David,
Under the heading “Black Seed Oil Recommended Dosage”, it states 1 to 3 teaspoons of oil, or 1 to 3 grams of seed, this implies 1 teaspoon of oil equals 1g of seed. Whereas I believe the seed contains an average of about 20% oil, which means 1g of seed contains 200mg of oil. However 1 teaspoon of oil will be roughly 5000mg.
I’m confused, any clarity on this ?
Thank you
David Tomen
March 27, 2024
Greg, what I said is “Nigella sativa extract” and not just “seed”.
Greg
March 29, 2024
Yes, the phrasing is confusing me I suppose.
“Nigella sativa extract seeds or powder dosage is 1 – 3 grams per day” —> My point is, the seed and powder is just ground seed, so the suggested amount of total seed is 1 – 3 grams per day.
However:
“Recommended dosage of Black Seed Oil is 1 – 3 teaspoons per day.” —> The oil is much stronger than the seed because it is the oil extracted from the seed leaving the seed body behind. So 1 – 3 teaspoons of oil would be equal to about 12 – 36 grams of seed. Reason being, 1 gram of seed contains for simplicity 30% oil, to produce 1 teaspoon of oil (4g) you would need 12 grams of seed, naturally then to get 3 teaspoons of oil you will need 3 times the amount of seed as was for 1 teaspoon, which is 36g of seed. These figures assume the maximum oil extraction of 30% which is probably less common than 20%, so even more seed would be required.
I hope my logic isn’t too messy, as a software engineer, my mind runs of in multiple directions and can confuse others often.
Thank you for taking the time to reply
David Tomen
April 1, 2024
Greg, math makes my brain hurt. So assuming you’ve got your math correct then you should be able to figure out the dosage based on my recommendation for Black Seed Oil. Which I would use as the base or standard because I get that from clinical studies and anecdotal reports by users of this supplement. Don’t over think this.
Anthony
March 20, 2024
Hi David,
I have some nasty Lyrica withdrawals and was wondering if Black seed oil will help for that as i read that it it does release or increase gaba in the brain if i remember correctly.
Do you think it might help? Also, since you in the field of nootropics and supplements you might know of some thing that can help for Lyrica Wd? I am on 225mg but tolerance has caught up with me and get Wd like 3 hours after taking my 75mg. I take 75mg 3 times a day.
Thank you
David Tomen
March 20, 2024
Anthony, after years of consulting with people getting off of antidepressants and benzos there is no ‘magic bullet’. Some have said they had success with higher doses of L-Theanine and magnesium glycinate. Black Seed Oil may also help because it has been shown to help get off of opiates so it is certainly worth trying as well.
Anthony
March 22, 2024
It’s worth a try so thank you David.
David Cory Enderby
January 24, 2024
awesome info as usual. Thanks for your expertise…
David Tomen
January 26, 2024
Thank you David.
Glen Joshua Watts
December 20, 2023
Hi,
Just wondering would it be ok to take Black Seed Oil with Prozac 20mg?
Kind regards
Glen
David Tomen
December 21, 2023
Glen, it has not been tested. Studying the mechanism of action for each indicates it is not likely a problem. But there is no proof both can be safely used together.
Gary Smith
July 6, 2023
Hi David, great recap as always!
I had been reading about black seed oil helping with sleep, brain inflammation and anxiety. All of my issues! 🙂 It seems like you agree. Some reddit users said it actually made their sleep worse. Maybe try it in the AM and see if it negatively affects my sleep and if not take a second dose mid-afternoon a few days later? Then bedtime eventually if no side effects re insomnia? Not sure how much to take in a full day at that stage.
I’m trying to select a good product.
The Amazing Herbs oil you link to seems to have 5 g per teaspoon? I think I’m looking to start in the 200 mg range. I want to go very slow. Their caps have gelatin so that’s a big no for me.
Amazing Herbs Premium Black Seed Oil
The Nutropics is vegan and 200 mg caps. Do you think this is a good product?
Nootropics Depot Nigella Sativa Extract Capsules
This one is vegan and 500 mg per. Maybe too large a dose to start?
Healths harmony Black Seed Oil – 120 Softgel Capsules
I’d appreciate your suggestion. Thanks!
David Tomen
July 8, 2023
Gary, the Amazing Herbs supplement is a liquid (and tastes nasty) which is 5 ml but it contains 48 mg thymoquinone which is the active ingredient in Black Seed Oil.
Nootropics Depot only contains 10 mg thymoquinone. And Healths Harmony I’ve never heard of. They don’t tell you how much thymoquinone is in their supplement.
I know you’ll get the benefits I describe in the above review with a teaspoon of Amazing Herbs’ Black Seed Oil 3-times per day. For Nootropics Depot you’d need to use 5 capsules 3-times per day to get it. And the last one is a complete unknown.
Gary Smith
July 8, 2023
Thank you, David! I ordered the Amazing Herbs. Would you start slow and work up to 3 teaspoons per day over a week or two?
David Tomen
July 8, 2023
Gary, try a teaspoon per day for 2 – 3 days and see how you feel. If that is not a problem then add another teaspoon a few hours later and try that for 2 – 3 days. Etc.
Gary Smith
July 8, 2023
David, Amazon sent me the wrong BSO. They’re being cool and letting me keep it at no cost. I’m trying to compare it to the Amazing Herbs product you recommend (that will be arriving tonight).
Are you able to figure out how this compares to AH – “is 5 ml but it contains 48 mg thymoquinone.” I can’t figure out if it’s the same or less?
https://amzn.to/3NLc7yP
David Tomen
July 10, 2023
Gary, according to the claims of the manufacturer on that Amazon listing one teaspoon of that Black Seed Oil contains 75 mg TQ.
Gary Smith
July 10, 2023
Wow. So even “stronger.” I wonder if I can get away with teaspoons of this version vs three with Amazing Herbs?
David Tomen
July 10, 2023
Gary, use one or the other. They both work and it’s a good supplement from a good company.