Health Hotline Magazine | February 2025

effectively) with black seed oil. Studies show that thymoquinone significantly reduces inflamma tory molecules that play a role in allergy-related symptoms. A study of patients with allergic rhinitis showed that treatment with black seed oil resulted in a drastic decrease in IgE antibodies (antibodies that indicate an allergic response) in nasal secretions, as well as significant reductions in nasal congestion and itching, runny nose, and sneezing attacks. In a 2024 study, 65 subjects who had two or more allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, or nasal itching, for more than one hour per day were randomized to take either 250 mg black seed oil (standardized to 5% thymoquinone) or a placebo twice per day for 15 days. In as little as 24 hours, the allergic rhinitis symptoms decreased by 39.2 percent in the black seed oil group compared to only 24.6 percent in the placebo group. At the end of 15 days, those in the black seed oil group saw a 41.5 percent reduction in nasal symptoms compared to only 13.4 percent in the placebo group. Protect Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Research has found that black seed oil benefits cardiovascular health in a number of ways. With its strong antioxidant properties, black seed oil neutralizes lipid (fat) oxidation and reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a major trigger for the atherosclerotic plaques that block blood flow and cause heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that black seed oil can improve the lipid profile and prevent cardiovascular disease in both healthy people and those with high levels of fat particles, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood (known as hyperlipidemia). Black seed oil also reduces high blood pressure. Results from a double-blind, eight-week study looking at the effects of black seed oil on hypertension showed that, at 2.5 mL twice a day, the oil-treated group had significantly decreased systolic and diastolic numbers compared with the baseline and placebo group at the end of the trial, without any adverse effects. A known risk factor for cardiovascular disease is also being overweight and having poor metabolic health, and it is estimated that 40 percent of the world’s population is overweight or obese, which is predicted to steadily rise. Black seed oil can help reverse this worrisome trend. A 2021 study investigated the effect of taking 2,000 mg of black seed oil per day for eight weeks in overweight and obese women. At the end of the study, the black seed oil group exhibited significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage, body fat mass, and visceral fat mass. Subjects in the black seed oil group also reported feeling more satiated and experiencing less hunger at the end of the study. A more recent study, from 2024, found that supplementation with black seed oil for eight weeks significantly reduced gene

expression and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and leptin levels (a hormone produced by fat cells that play a direct role in appetite regulation and energy expenditure) in overweight and obese women. It also led to small, but significant decreases in fasting insulin levels. Finally, a review of 13 clinical trials on black seed oil’s effect on blood sugar found that black seed oil decreased fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and insulin resistance. Restore Comfort and Ease in Your Joints Looking for ways to stay loose and limber? Want to make pain-free movement your reality? Several studies show that black seed oil can help reduce inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis (OA). In a 2022 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, intake of 2.5 mL of black seed oil three times a day for one month in subjects aged 50-70 years old with knee OA, showed a significant reduction in WOMAC total scores (a self-reported questionnaire that measures pain, stiffness, and physical function in peo ple with hip or knee OA). It also reduced scores for pain and the need for pain medica tion compared to placebo. Another study found that taking 2.5 mL of black seed oil twice daily for six weeks significantly 14 | Health Hotline ®