January 2025
2 min read
The Miracle That Endures from Tutankhamun to Today: Black Seed
Black seed (Nigella sativa) first makes an appearance in history in the tomb of Tutankhamun, who reigned in the 14th century BCE. While we cannot say for certain why black seed was placed in the burial chamber, we know that objects included in tombs were carefully chosen to aid the pharaoh in his afterlife.
The earliest written reference to black seed can be found in the Old Testament (Isaiah 28:25-27). Over time, it appears in various texts under different names, from Hippocrates to Avicenna.
In Latin, it was called panacea, meaning a cure-all, while in Arabic, it was known as habba sawda or habbat al-baraka, translating to seeds of blessing.
In Persian and Urdu poetry, black seed is associated with virtue. Meanwhile, in everyday life, it became a topic of conversation due to its reputed health benefits, its contribution to wisdom, and even its so-called magical powers(!).
In a hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari (5687), the Prophet Muhammad's words about black seed are conveyed as follows:
"Use the black seed, for it is a cure for every disease except death."

One of the most beneficial forms of black seed is cold-pressed black seed oil, known for its rich and healthy fatty acid profile. It contains approximately 50-60% linoleic acid (Omega-6), 20-30% oleic acid (Omega-9), 10-15% palmitic acid, 2-5% stearic acid, and 1-2% of the rare eicosenoic acid.
In addition to its fatty acid composition, black seed oil is rich in active compounds that contribute to its remarkable properties, including thymoquinone, nigellone, and beta-sitosterol.
A systematic review conducted in 2022 examined 17 different clinical studies on black seed (1). The findings revealed that regular consumption of black seed significantly improves parameters such as fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood glucose, and hemoglobin levels.
In one experiment (2), 41 patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) were given cold-pressed black seed oil for 40 days. Following the trial, the patients experienced reduced fasting blood sugar levels and increased insulin hormone levels. A similar study conducted with 34 T2D patients (3) found that consuming 3 ml of cold-pressed black seed oil daily for 12 weeks led to a significant reduction in HbA1c levels, which reflect the average blood sugar over the past three months.
In a 2013 study in India (4), involving 90 men and women, researchers focused on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Participants were given 0.5 grams of black seed daily for eight weeks. The results showed notable improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as reductions in LDL (low-density lipoprotein), commonly referred to as bad cholesterol.

Finally, let’s discuss the lipid profile in our blood and the impact of black seed on it. A series of laboratory tests that measure the levels of fats and types of cholesterol in the blood are collectively known as the "Lipid Profile." This critical tool for assessing cardiovascular health typically includes total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride levels.
The active compounds in black seed have been observed to influence the lipid profile positively, although the exact mechanism remains not fully understood. Some of these benefits are thought to be linked to black seed's antioxidant properties (5).
Disclaimer: The information we share about botanical products is derived from scientific studies examining their biochemical effects and is not intended as medical advice for the treatment of any condition. The findings of these studies do not provide guidance on how these botanical products should be used. Please remember that the most reliable way to safeguard your health is to consult health professionals who follow in the footsteps of Hippocrates.
References
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Mahomoodally, M.F.; Aumeeruddy, M.Z.; Legoabe, L.J.; Montesano, D.; Zengin, G. Nigella sativa L. and Its Active Compound Thymoquinone in the Clinical Management of Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 12111.
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Bilal, A.; Masud, T.; Uppal, A.M.; Naveed, A.K. Effects of Nigella sativa oil on some blood parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Asian J. Chem. 2009, 21, 5373.
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Heshmati J, Namazi N, Memarzadeh MR, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz FJ. Nigella sativa oil affects glucose metabolism and lipid concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial. Food Res Int 2015;70:87‑93.
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Najmi A, Nasiruddin M, Khan R, Haque SF. Indigenous herbal product Nigella sativa proved effective as an antihypertensive in metabolic syndrome. Asian J Pharm Clin Res 2013;6:61‑4.
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Hadi V, Pahlavani N, Malekahmadi M, Nattagh-Eshtivani E, Navashenaq JG, Hadi S, et al. Nigella sativa in controlling Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, and rheumatoid arthritis diseases: Molecular aspects. J Res Med Sci 2021;26:20.