Black seed oil has been used for its therapeutic benefits for thousands of years. Its bioactive components include thymoquinone, α-hederin, and alkaloids. Since the pandemic began, researchers have been evaluating the effect it may have on COVID-19.1
The seeds come from the Nigella sativa (N. sativa) plant that grows in Southern Europe, Southwest Asia, and the Middle East, with seeds that are coal-black with a dull surface and shaped like tiny Brazil nuts.2 Traditional medicine healers have used the seeds in different forms.
Researchers have explored whether the oil's bioactive compounds may have benefits in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.3 However, while its bioactive compounds may be beneficial for short-term use, it is wise to avoid long-term use, as it contains high amounts of linoleic acid (LA), a polyunsaturated omega-6 fat that, when consumed in excess, drives oxidative stress, which I'll discuss more below.
What the Research Says About Black Seed Oil and COVID-19
Before getting into the caveats, it's worth looking at what drew researchers to black seed oil in the first place. Historically, black seed oil has been used to help balance the inflammatory response in the body as well as reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and ischemia. Using recent computational findings, one research group found the active ingredients in N. sativa were "strongly suggestive of combating emerged COVID-19 pandemic."4
• The review identified several ways the active compounds may work — The paper suggests that the active ingredients, especially thymoquinone, α-hederin, and nigellidine, warrant further investigation as a complementary approach in the context of COVID-19. The paper reviews several pathways that the active ingredients in black seed oil may use to protect health.
For example, the researchers reviewed past studies that demonstrated the actions the active ingredients in black seed oil have on the immune system, which may help reduce the severity of COVID-19. The active compounds have a significant antihistamine effect in animal studies and thymoquinone downregulates interferon regulatory factor 3 activation, which plays a critical role in innate immune responses.5
• Autophagy is a mechanism that clears out damaged cells in the body — Data has shown that COVID-19 suppresses autophagy and that pharmacological agents used to induce the process may therefore have an antiviral effect. One study6 published in 2018 indicated thymoquinone promotes autophagy in the heart muscle.
• Further study should be undertaken to determine if thymoquinone has a similar effect with COVID-19 — Severe COVID-19 is characterized by cytokine storms that may require intensive care.7 Animal studies have demonstrated that the bioactive compound α-hederin has anti-inflammatory activity and can decrease histamine levels.
• One study had found thymoquinone helped inhibit two enzymes that produce inflammatory leukotriene and prostaglandins — Researchers suggest that these actions may potentially make the active compounds in N. sativa relevant to ongoing SARS-CoV-2 research.
• N. sativa may also affect conditions commonly linked to COVID-19 — Finally, in their review of comorbid conditions associated with COVID-19, the researchers found that N. sativa may have a positive effect against diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and bacterial infections associated with COVID-19.
After a review of the evidence, the researchers suggest that further experiments with the active compounds found in black seed oil are required to determine if they have preventive potential or may provide a new treatment modality.
Zinc Combinations Studied for COVID-19
Research into medications that may influence COVID-19 has included antivirals. One such antiviral being studied is favipiravir. Data show the drug was approved and has been used for flu infections in Japan.8 In late 2020, a study published in PNAS revealed that when given in high doses to hamsters, favipiravir had promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
However, a computer-model molecular docking study published in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry9 revealed that the bioactive compounds nigellidine and α-hederin found in black seed oil were able to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 with a greater potential than favipiravir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine.
• Thymoquinone may interfere with how the virus enters cells — Evidence from a second paper that reviewed the biological effects of the active compounds in black seed oil suggested that thymoquinone may block ACE2 receptors,10 which is where SARS-CoV-2 binds to the cell and releases the viral RNA into the cytoplasm.
Contrary to what the PNAS hamster study found, these researchers hypothesized that chloroquine, and potentially the derivative hydroxychloroquine, may also interfere with the virus's ability to bind with the ACE2 receptors.
• This is one pathway the researchers suggest that black seed oil may use in the treatment of COVID-19 — Another pathway is as a zinc ionophore. The body uses zinc in several pathways to support the immune system, including:11
◦ Proliferation and activation of natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and T and B cells
◦ Mediating protection against reactive oxygen species produced during an inflammatory response
◦ Stopping recombinant RNA dependent RNA polymerase activity needed to replicate SARS-CoV-2
◦ Inhibiting replicase processing
Therefore, moving zinc into the cytoplasm is crucial to help prevent the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and thus effectively stop infected cells from infecting other cells.
• Oral supplementation of zinc alone is not sufficiently effective since zinc cannot move easily across the cell wall — It needs another compound to provide transportation. The second compound is called a zinc ionophore. The application of zinc with an ionophore has demonstrated improved outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID.12
Research has identified several zinc ionophores, including chloroquine,13 hydroxychloroquine,14 quercetin and EGCG.15 Scientists have suggested that several of the terpenes in black seed oil, such as nigellimine, are similar in structure to chloroquine. They hypothesize that this may mean they can function in a similar manner to a zinc ionophore.16
Thus, recent data have shown that the active ingredients found in black seed oil have shown promising activity in early research, including potential zinc ionophore effects and possible interaction with ACE2 receptors, though clinical evidence remains limited.
Black Seed Oil Has Traditional Medicinal Uses
N. sativa is a popular and traditional medicinal plant and has a long history of use in several diseases and ailments.17 Traditional medicine has used black seed oil as a diuretic, antidiarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesic, for lowering blood pressure, liver tonic, and skin disorder treatment.18 However, research has also explored the pharmacological activity of black seed oil and found it has many properties, including:19
• Antidiabetic
• Analgesic
• Spasmolytic
• Renal protective
• Anticancer
• Antimicrobial
• Bronchodilator
• Gastro-protective
• Immunomodulator
• Anti-inflammatory
• Hepato-protective
• Antioxidant
• Black seed oil's effects on the immune system may also play a role — The immune-modulating activities of black seed oil help to regulate the immune system and may represent another area of interest in COVID-19 research. In addition to the studies using black seed oil, researchers have also separated the bioactive ingredients and evaluated their potential benefit against SARS-CoV-2.
A data review20 on thymoquinone was published in February 2021, in which the researchers reviewed the bioactivity of the compound found in past research. They wrote that thymoquinone increased the activity and number of natural killer cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and cytokines suppressors.
• The compound has shown antiviral potential against multiple viruses — Additionally, they cite past research that showed the active ingredient had antiviral potential against other viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus, other coronaviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and hepatitis C.
In addition, they reviewed an Egyptian study in which thymoquinone demonstrated antiviral activity in a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated in patients and the inhibitory effect it has on the viral protease, which may reduce viral replication.
• Human trial data offer a closer look — One study21 from Saudi Arabia evaluated the effectiveness of black seed oil as a supplement in patients with mild COVID-19 who were between 18 and 65 years. The intervention group received 500 mg of soft gel capsules twice daily for 10 days in addition to their standard treatment.
• Initial results were published on Clinical Trials — The primary outcome measurement was the percentage of participants who showed clinical recovery within 14 days after treatment began. The team reported 62.1% of those receiving the black seed oil demonstrated recovery from mild COVID-19 while 36% of the control group recovered within 14 days.22
Consider Oil for Short-Term Use to Reduce Health Risk
The Independent Medical Alliance, formerly known as the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC),23 lists black seed oil as an alternative for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. They stress there is no "magic bullet" for COVID-19, yet:24
"... a number of therapeutic agents have shown great promise for both the prevention and treatment of this disease including Ivermectin, Vitamin D, quercetin, melatonin, fluvoxamine, corticosteroids, curcumin (turmeric), Nigella sativa and antiandrogen therapy."
The team recommends taking N. sativa with honey as they both have antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects with proven safety profiles. They list N. sativa and honey in the prevention protocol for children and adolescents, and as an alternative for first-line treatment in the early treatment protocol at home.
While short-term use of black seed oil may offer supportive benefits during COVID-19, long-term use for prevention may have other unwanted effects. One study25 of the chemical composition of black seed oil shows that the majority of fatty acids are from LA. A single teaspoon of black cumin seed oil delivers approximately 2.5 grams of LA.
Standard recommended doses of 1 to 3 teaspoons per day can significantly raise your total LA intake, adding to levels that are already excessive in the typical modern diet.
Due to a deeper understanding of LA's long-term effects, I've changed my stance on the use of black cumin seed oil. When LA is consumed in excessive amounts, it acts as a metabolic poison. Chances are you're getting an excess amount of this dangerous fat from foods that you may even consider healthy. For example, olive oil and chicken, which are fed LA-rich grains, increase your levels of omega-6 fatty acids.
Many are aware that the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is important and should be close to equal. However, it is not as simple as raising omega-3 fatty acids. You need to minimize omega-6 fats. A compelling report in the journal Gastroenterology26 has offered a logically sound explanation as to why some patients with COVID-19 develop life-threatening organ failure.
The data indicate that the mortality rates appear to be heavily influenced by the amount of unsaturated fats you eat, such as LA. To date, there have been no clinical studies on the treatment they believe may help reduce the rate of organ failure and ICU admissions, namely the administration of calcium and egg albumen. It appears these compounds can bind the unsaturated fats and reduce injury to vital organs.
Fortunately, you can analyze your food for LA from the convenience of your home. I recommend limiting your LA intake to below 5 grams daily. If you can get your LA intake to below 2 grams, that's even better. To help you measure your intake, I recommend you sign up for the Pax health platform, which contains the Seed Oil Sleuth. This feature helps calculate the LA in your food to a tenth of a gram.
For those seeking the benefits of thymoquinone without the risks associated with high LA intake, standardized thymoquinone extracts (e.g., 5%, 10%, or 20%) offer a better option than black cumin seed oil itself. These provide the active compound in meaningful doses without contributing to your metabolic burden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Seed Oil and COVID-19
Q: Can black seed oil prevent or treat COVID-19?
A: Research has explored black seed oil's bioactive compounds, especially thymoquinone, α-hederin, and nigellidine, for their potential effects against SARS-CoV-2. Studies suggest these compounds may influence the immune system, promote autophagy, and act on pathways the virus uses to enter and replicate in cells.
Q: What did human research find about black seed oil and COVID-19?
A: One study from Saudi Arabia evaluated black seed oil as a supplement in patients aged 18 to 65 with mild COVID-19. The intervention group received 500 mg soft gel capsules twice daily for 10 days alongside standard treatment. Researchers reported that 62.1% of those receiving black seed oil recovered within 14 days, compared to 36% of the control group.
Q: How do black seed oil's active compounds work against the virus?
A: Research suggests several possible pathways. Thymoquinone may interfere with how the virus enters cells by acting on ACE2 receptors. Some terpenes in the oil, such as nigellimine, are structurally similar to chloroquine and may function as zinc ionophores — compounds that help move zinc into cells, where it can interfere with viral replication. The active compounds also show antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies.
Q: Why should black seed oil be avoided for long-term use?
A: Black seed oil is high in linoleic acid (LA), a polyunsaturated omega-6 fat. A single teaspoon delivers roughly 2.5 grams of LA, and standard doses of 1 to 3 teaspoons daily can significantly raise your total intake, adding to levels already excessive in the modern diet. When consumed in excess, LA contributes to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Q: Has black seed oil been used in COVID treatment protocols?
A: The Independent Medical Alliance, formerly known as the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), has listed black seed oil (Nigella sativa) as one of several alternative agents for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, often paired with honey for their combined antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.