Peak HumanDatabase
    All Supplements
    Supplement

    Black Seed (Nigella sativa)New

    Supplement
    Metabolic Support
    4/10 Evidence

    Seed powder or cold-pressed oil from Nigella sativa, rich in thymoquinone. Recent meta-analyses of small randomized trials show modest improvements in blood pressure, fasting glucose and HbA1c, particularly in people with prediabetes, diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Effects are small and trial quality is variable.

    Mechanism of Action

    Thymoquinone and related compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (NF-kB and oxidative-stress pathways), may improve insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta-cell function, and may support endothelial function. Most mechanistic evidence is from animal and cell studies.

    Dosing Protocol

    Recommended

    2g per day of powder, or about 2.5-5 mL per day of oil

    Standard starting dose based on research

    Therapeutic Range

    1

    Minimum

    to

    3

    Maximum

    g per day of powder, or about 2.5-5 mL per day of oil

    With meals, divided into 1-2 doses; oil may be taken with food to reduce GI upset

    Cycling Protocol

    Trials last 8-12 weeks; reassess blood pressure and glucose markers at 12 weeks before continuing long term

    Dosages are general guidelines. Individual requirements vary based on body weight, health status, and specific goals. Start with lower doses and adjust based on response.

    Benefits

    Primary Benefits

    • Small reductions in systolic blood pressure (about -2.75 mmHg in a 2026 GRADE-assessed meta-analysis of metabolic disease populations)
    • Reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (pooled RCTs)

    Secondary Benefits

    Possible lowering of LDL and total cholesterol (inconsistent across analyses)
    Possible anti-inflammatory benefit (small trials)

    Safety Information

    Contraindications

    Do not use if any of the following apply:

    • •Pregnancy (possible uterine effects at high doses)
    • •Planned surgery within 2 weeks (bleeding and glucose effects)
    • •Bleeding disorders
    • •Known allergy to Nigella / Ranunculaceae
    • •Low blood pressure or very tight glycaemic control without clinician oversight

    Drug/Supplement Interactions

    May interact with the following. Consult a healthcare provider before combining:

    Antihypertensive drugs - additive blood-pressure lowering
    Glucose-lowering drugs - additive effect; monitor for hypoglycaemia
    Anticoagulants/antiplatelets - theoretical increased bleeding tendency
    CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrates - possible inhibition reported in preclinical work
    Immunosuppressants - possible immune effects (theoretical)

    Potential Side Effects

    Some users may experience:

    Nausea, bloating or GI upset
    Allergic contact dermatitis with topical oil
    Hypotension in susceptible users
    Hypoglycaemia with glucose-lowering drugs
    Rare liver or kidney reports at high doses

    This is not a complete list of interactions or side effects. Individual responses vary. Always start with the lowest effective dose and monitor your response. Report any adverse effects to your healthcare provider.

    Quality Markers

    Look for these specific quality indicators when sourcing this compound:

    • Label states Nigella sativa and the amount of seed powder or oil per serving
    • Standardised thymoquinone content where available
    • Cold-pressed, unrefined oil in dark glass or capsules
    • Third-party tested for purity and contaminants

    Trusted Certifications

    NSF Certified
    USP Verified
    GMP Certified
    ConsumerLab Approved

    Note: Supplement quality varies dramatically between brands. Cheap supplements often contain fillers, incorrect doses, or contaminants. Investing in quality products from reputable manufacturers is essential for safety and efficacy.

    Evidence Profile

    Evidence Score

    4/10

    Emerging/Anecdotal

    Limited clinical data, primarily mechanistic studies or user reports

    Classification:
    Emerging/Moderate. Several 2024-2026 meta-analyses of RCTs (e.g. 15 RCTs; 12 RCTs, n=854) report lower systolic and diastolic pressure, fasting glucose and LDL, with oil possibly more effective than powder for blood pressure. A 2026 GRADE-assessed analysis found SBP -2.75 mmHg, fasting glucose -18.6 mg/dL and HbA1c -0.56 with no effect on HOMA-IR, insulin or waist circumference. Benefits for insulin resistance appeared mainly in trials longer than 8 weeks at more than 1 g/day. Limitations: small, short, heterogeneous trials (powder vs oil, dose, population), mixed findings on triglycerides and HDL, many trials from a small number of regions. Scored Emerging (4). Evidence

    Evidence Scale

    8-10

    Strong

    5-7

    Moderate

    1-4

    Emerging

    PHS
    671
    / 1000
    T3
    Longevity Operator

    Sample member

    Longevity Operator

    The Peak Human Score · PHS v1

    One number for your longevity journey.

    FICO for credit. PHS for longevity. Eight biological domains collapsed into one provable score — intuitive at a glance, rigorous underneath.

    • Metabolic
    • Hormonal
    • Cardiovascular
    • Brain / Cognitive
    • Sleep
    • Musculoskeletal
    • Gut
    • Immunity / Inflammation
    See your Peak Human Score How it works