Black Cumin May Lower Cholesterol and Blood Lipids, Study Suggests

Experts warn that results are preliminary and the spice isn’t a stand-alone solution.

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A clinical trial suggests that black cumin seeds, commonly used to flavor Indian dishes such as curry and paneer, may also help improve blood lipid and cholesterol levels, combat obesity, and support heart health.

Overweight participants who ate just one tablespoon of black cumin for eight weeks saw improvements in key blood biomarkers.

Researchers say the flavorful spice could be used as a functional food to help prevent diseases linked to long-term excess weight.

Ancient Spice, Modern Research

“Black cumin seeds have been used for more than 3,000 years by the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks,” said Stephanie Schiff—a registered dietitian nutritionist at Huntington Hospital, part of Northwell Health in New York state—who was not involved in the study, told The Epoch Times.

Researchers conducted both cellular experiments and human trials to explore the health benefits of Nigella sativa, also known as black caraway or black cumin.

The study, published in September in Food Science & Nutrition, enrolled 42 overweight adults with high cholesterol. Participants were split into a test group of 22 people who received black cumin and a control group of 20 people.

Participants who took 5 grams of black cumin seed powder daily—about one tablespoon—for eight weeks experienced reductions in triglycerides; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol; and total cholesterol. Meanwhile, levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, increased.

In cell culture experiments, researchers found that black cumin seed extract blocked adipogenesis, the formation and maturation of new fat cells in the body, suggesting that the spice may help prevent obesity. However, the researchers did not measure whether participants lost weight during the study.

“The health benefits of black cumin seed are due to thymoquinone, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” Schiff said.

Inflammation promotes atherosclerosis and affects lipid and cholesterol metabolism, leading to higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increased blood triglycerides.

The study builds on previous research involving 45 women who took black seed oil daily and lost weight while showing reduced body fat and appetite. Another study found that black cumin seed, whether powdered or in oil form, reduced inflammation potentially linked to heart disease, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.

“This study strongly suggests that black cumin seeds are useful as a functional food for preventing obesity and lifestyle-related diseases,” Akiko Kojima-Yuasa, lead author and an associate professor of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University, said in a statement.

She said she hopes to conduct longer-term and larger-scale trials investigating the spice’s effects on insulin resistance and inflammatory markers.

The researchers also noted that, unlike synthetic anti-obesity drugs, which often come with adverse effects, black cumin extract is safe and has minimal side effects. However, they emphasized that more research is needed to establish its safety, bioavailability, and effectiveness in people.

Interacts With Certain Medications

Certain populations should be cautious about adding black cumin to their diets, Michelle Routhenstein, a cardiology dietitian and owner of Entirely Nourished, who was not involved in the study, told The Epoch Times.

These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with bleeding disorders, those taking blood pressure or blood sugar medications, and anyone scheduled for surgery.

These groups may experience negative effects such as an increased bleeding risk or changes in blood pressure or blood sugar due to black cumin’s blood-thinning properties, according to Routhenstein.

The findings are still preliminary and should be taken with caution, she said.

“Black cumin may be helpful for some, but it should be seen as a small, supportive addition rather than a solution on its own,” she said.

Not a Magic Bullet

It’s important to look at the bigger picture when it comes to health and wellness, according to Schiff, who stressed that people should temper their expectations.

“Black cumin seed by itself is not likely to produce substantial changes in weight or health,” she said. “It’s not a magic bullet.”

She said black cumin, like many functional herbs and spices, works best when combined with other healthy foods, stress reduction, good sleep habits, and regular physical movement.