Research synthesisHigh evidenceSmall effect7 studies · 5 beneficial · 2 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 7 studies on black cumin (Nigella sativa) supplementation and reduced body weight, 5 reported beneficial effects, with the predominant effect size being small. The most robust evidence comes from two meta-analyses (including 31 and 82 RCTs, respectively) showing significant weight reductions (e.g., -1.59 kg, 95% CI: -3.03 to -0.15). Effects were typically observed at doses ranging from 400 to 4600 mg/day over a median study duration of 56 days, primarily in clinical populations with metabolic or cardiovascular conditions.
- Effective dose range: 400–4600 mg/day
- Studied populations: Patients with metabolic diseases, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, 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 seven studies reported neutral effects, including a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients and an RCT in adolescents with PCOS, suggesting the benefit may not be universal across all populations. Most trials were in clinical populations, so results may not generalize to healthy individuals seeking weight loss.
Generated Jul 16, 2026