Black cumin seeds are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties. In a new study, researchers examined its potential in tackling obesity-related problems.
Ahmed etc.. suggested that black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) may serve as a promising natural agent for obesity-related conditions. Image credit: Andre Holtz / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Nigella sativaor black cumin, is a flowering plant of the ranunculaceae family, long used in traditional medicine in South Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Its therapeutic properties are recognized in ancient systems such as Unani, Ayurveda and Tibb.
Black cumin seeds and its oil are rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids and essential oils, which contribute to their wide pharmacological potential.
Their diverse physicochemical properties make them valuable both in food and medicine.
Cell culture and animal studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of black cumin and its active component thymoquinone, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antiobesity effects.
To investigate these effects, Dr. Akiko Kojima-Yuasa from Osaka Metropolitan University and her colleagues used cell experiments and human clinical trials.
In a human clinical trial, participants who consumed 5 grams of black cumin seed powder daily (about a tablespoon) for 8 weeks showed significant reductions in blood triglycerides, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and total cholesterol. In addition, HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels increased.
These improvements in blood lipid profiles are associated with a lower risk of heart problems and premature death.
Scientists also conducted cellular experiments to understand the processes taking place.
They found that black cumin seed extract inhibited adipogenesis—the formation and maturation of fat cells—by blocking both the accumulation of fat droplets and the differentiation process.
“This study provides strong evidence that black cumin seeds are beneficial as a functional food for the prevention of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases,” said Dr. Kojima-Yuasa.
“It was great to see that black seed has comprehensively demonstrated real, demonstrable blood lipid-lowering effects in human trials.”
“We hope to conduct long-term, large-scale clinical trials to study the effects of black seed on metabolism.”
“We are particularly interested in studying its effects on insulin resistance in diabetes and markers of inflammation.”
study was published in the magazine Food Science and Nutrition.
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Shamima Ahmed etc.. 2025. Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) Has antiadipogenic effects in the 3T3-L1 cell model and reduces lipid levels in humans. Food Science and Nutrition 13(9):e70888; doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70888
