Big effect
A systematic review of 82 trials found black cumin lowered body fat percentage — though the doses spanned a twentyfold range (200–4,600 mg/day) and the longest study ran just 48 weeks.
This is the first indexed meta-analysis on black cumin and body fat, so the evidence is still early — but the pooled results are consistent across multiple body composition measures, which adds some weight, even if the wide dose range and short trial durations mean the practical takeaway is fuzzy.
Black cumin (Nigella sativa) has been linked to reductions in body fat percentage in a large meta-analysis that combined data from over 5,000 participants. The same analysis also saw improvements in other measures like body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, but because the doses used in the included studies varied enormously and none lasted more than about 11 months, it's unclear what dose or duration would actually be needed for a real-world effect.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Black Cumin for Reduced Body Fat Percentage — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Meta-Analysis
- n = 5,026
- 2025-09
- Pharmacological research
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.