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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Black Cumin and Reduced Blood Cholesterol

Research synthesisModerate evidenceMixed effect size4 studies · 4 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 meta-analyses, all reported beneficial effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) supplementation on total cholesterol reduction, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. The largest study included 5,026 participants. Although the evidence is consistent, the median study duration was only 7 days (reported by 1 study), limiting conclusions about longer-term effects.

  • Studied populations: general adults, patients with type 2 diabetes, patients with metabolic syndrome

Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Only 1 of 4 studies reported study duration (7 days), so the observed effects may not reflect long-term supplementation. Effect sizes were mixed (moderate to large) across studies, and the wide dose range (200–4600 mg/day) precludes a specific dose recommendation.

Generated Jul 4, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • mg/day: 200–4,600 (median 2,400, IQR 200–4,600) — 1 study
Time to effect
Median: 7 days · IQR 7 days–7 days · Range 7 days–7 days — Reported in 1 of 4 studies
4 of 4 papers
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