Historically revered for its therapeutic virtues, black cumin seeds have been the subject of recent scientific scrutiny regarding their potential to mitigate conditions associated with obesity.
Ahmed et al. suggest that black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) may serve as a promising natural agent in obesity-related conditions. Image credit: Andre Holz / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, is an herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, traditionally employed for its medicinal efficacy throughout South Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region.
Its salutary effects are acknowledged within venerable medical traditions such as Unani, Ayurveda, and Tibb.
The seeds and oil derived from black cumin are replete with bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which confer a broad spectrum of pharmacological potential.
These compounds, possessing diverse physicochemical characteristics, find utility in both culinary and therapeutic applications.
Preclinical investigations utilizing cell cultures and animal models have elucidated the therapeutic benefits of black cumin and its primary active component, thymoquinone. These documented effects encompass antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-obesity activities.
To further elucidate these impacts, Dr. Akiko Kojima-Yuasa from Osaka Metropolitan University, alongside her research associates, conducted a series of cellular experiments and human clinical trials.
Within the human clinical investigation, participants who ingested 5 grams of black cumin seed powder daily, equivalent to approximately one tablespoon, for a duration of 8 weeks, exhibited statistically significant improvements in their blood lipid profiles. Specifically, reductions were observed in levels of blood triglycerides, LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, and total cholesterol, accompanied by an increase in HDL (‘good’) cholesterol.
Such ameliorations in circulating lipid concentrations are empirically linked to a diminished propensity for cardiovascular ailments and premature mortality.
Concurrently, the research team executed cellular experiments to delineate the underlying biological mechanisms.
These investigations revealed that an extract derived from black cumin seeds exerted inhibitory effects on adipogenesis, the process by which pre-adipocytes develop into mature fat cells. This inhibition was achieved by impeding both the accumulation of lipid droplets and the cellular differentiation cascade.
“This research provides compelling evidence for the utility of black cumin seeds as a functional food ingredient in the prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome,” stated Dr. Kojima-Yuasa.
“It was immensely rewarding to witness black cumin demonstrably and comprehensively reduce blood lipid levels in a human study cohort.”
“Our future research endeavors aim to conduct extended-duration and larger-scale clinical trials to further explore the metabolic effects of black cumin.”
“We are particularly keen on examining its influence on insulin resistance in diabetic individuals and its impact on inflammatory biomarkers.”
The findings of this investigation have been formally published in the esteemed journal Food Science & Nutrition.
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Shamima Ahmed et al. 2025. Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa) Confers Anti-Adipogenic Effects in 3T3-L1 Cellular Model and Lipid-Lowering Properties in Human Subjects. Food Science & Nutrition 13 (9): e70888; doi: 10.1002/fsn3.70888
