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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Black Cumin and Reduced Body Mass Index

Research synthesisModerate evidenceSmall effect6 studies · 4 beneficial · 2 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 6 studies, 4 reported beneficial effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) on reduced body mass index (BMI), with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Meta-analyses with large sample sizes (2145 and 5026 participants) showed small to moderate reductions in BMI (e.g., -0.51 kg/m² and -0.67 kg/m²). Effects were typically observed at 8 weeks (median study duration 56 days), and the most-studied population was patients with metabolic or cardiovascular conditions, with doses varying from 200 to 4600 mg/day.

  • Effective dose range: 200 to 4600 mg/day
  • Studied populations: patients with metabolic diseases, coronary artery disease, postmenopausal women, and adolescents with PCOS

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). Two of the six studies found neutral effects, including a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients, suggesting the benefit may not generalize to all populations. Doses varied widely, and no specific form (e.g., oil vs. powder) predominated across studies.

Generated Jul 16, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • mg/day: 200–4,600 (median 1,000, IQR 300–2,800) — 3 studies
  • g/day: 2 (median 2, IQR 2–2) — 1 study
Time to effect
Median: 8 weeks · IQR 6.3 weeks–10 weeks · Range 7 days–3.7 months — Reported in 4 of 6 studies
6 of 6 papers
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