Black Cumin Seed Oil

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Creams, gels, soaps, cooking oils, tablets

WWHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL?

Black cumin seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. Black cumin seed oil is found in various forms, including soap, cream and gel formulations. It is used topically on the skin, or ingested as a dietary supplement or cooking oil. The most active compounds within this plant are thymoquinones (TQ), which have been associated with numerous health effects. Some examples include:

  • Anti-Oxidant: Thymoquinone reduces oxidative stress on human cells, and may protect against the development of various malignancies, including certain types of skin cancer.1
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Topical application of black cumin seed oil may improve skin lesions in various inflammatory conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.2
  • Wound Healing: Thymoquinone may accelerate wound healing, especially in diabetic wounds and burns, by stimulating tissue growth and reducing inflammation and pain.3
  • Antimicrobial: Thymoquinones have been shown to protect against various types of infections, including types of bacteria, fungi and helminths.4
  • Digestive Health: Oral ingestion of black cumin seed oil may reduce the risk of diabetes, improve symptoms of indigestion and reduce oxidative stress on numerous internal organs.4

WHAT IS BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL?

Black cumin seed oil is an herbal ingredient derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. This plant is native to Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and has been used in traditional medicine, cosmeceuticals and cooking for thousands of years. Medieval physician Avicenna highlighted its benefits in his Canon of Medicine, and the plant is often referred to as the “herb of blessing” in Arabic due to its numerous purported health benefits.

IS BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL SAFE IN ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Black cumin seed oil is generally safe for use in patients of all skin tones. Although rare, contact dermatitis reactions to Nigella sativa and its derivatives have been reported, and patients with hypersensitivity should avoid using this product.5 The optimal dosing, delivery and formulation of black cumin seed oil and other Nigella sativa derivatives is still under investigation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no specific contraindications to the use of black cumin seed oil. Although the compound is safe to ingest as a dietary supplement or in cooking, patients should consult a physician prior to using it as treatment for any skin condition.

Sources:

1.         Liang J, Lian L, Wang X, Li L. Thymoquinone, extract from Nigella sativa seeds, protects human skin keratinocytes against UVA-irradiated oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mol Immunol. 2021;135:21-27.

2.         Hwang JR, Cartron AM, Khachemoune A. A review of Nigella sativa plant-based therapy in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(12):e493-e499.

3.         Sallehuddin N, Nordin A, Bt Hj Idrus R, Fauzi MB. Nigella sativa and Its Active Compound, Thymoquinone, Accelerate Wound Healing in an In Vivo Animal Model: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(11):4160.

4.         Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337-352.

5.         Gaudin O, Toukal F, Hua C, et al. Association Between Severe Acute Contact Dermatitis Due to Nigella sativa Oil and Epidermal Apoptosis. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(9):1062-1065.

Aamir Hussain, MD, MAPP

Author

Dr. Aamir Hussain is a dermatologist currently practicing adult and pediatric dermatology in Northern Virginia. He serves on the health policy committee of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and has a clinical interest in patch testing. Dr. Hussain is an internationally-recognized speaker, writer and educator. His writings on health policy, medical education and the connections between healthcare and faith have been featured in prestigious media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hill, and The Baltimore Sun. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of several book chapters. He has presented research at major conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress of Dermatology, Society of Pediatric Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.