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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Black Cumin and Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level

Research synthesisModerate evidenceMixed effect size4 studies · 3 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) on reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The highest-quality evidence comes from two meta-analyses (total n > 7,000) showing moderate-to-large reductions, while one meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients found no significant effect. Doses reported in one study ranged from 200 to 4600 mg/day, but most studies did not specify form or duration (median 7 days from one study).

  • Studied populations: General adult population; some evidence in type 2 diabetes patients (though one study in that group found no significant effect)

Caveats: Evidence base is limited to 4 studies, and one meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients showed a neutral effect, indicating possible variation by population. Only one of four studies reported a short intervention duration (7 days), so long-term efficacy is unclear. No form data were extracted, and the wide dose range (200–4600 mg/day) from the largest meta-analysis suggests heterogeneity across trials.

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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