If you’re living with lupus, you’ve probably heard a lot about supplements and natural treatments. Black seed oil is currently getting a lot of attention, but can it actually ease your lupus symptoms and improve your quality of life? One MyLupusTeam member asked, “What are your experiences with black seed for its anti-inflammatory effects?”

In response, some members shared their positive experiences with black seed oil for lupus symptoms. “I have given it to my husband who has lupus and suffers from pain because of the disease. It has seemed to work for him. We are still new at taking it, but so far, so good — just a drop a day for him,” one member wrote.

The most common type of lupus is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects many parts of the body. It is a long-lasting condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation.

It is important to note that research on humans is limited regarding the potential health benefits of black seed oil — and there is even less information about black seed oil for people with lupus. Before trying black seed oil, talk with your doctor.

This article covers how black seed oil may ease lupus symptoms and what to know about taking it.

What Is Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil is a natural product that goes by many names, including black seed, black cumin, Roman coriander, kalonji, and fennel flower. The scientific name for black seed is Nigella sativa. Nigella sativa is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family, which includes buttercup flowers. It originally comes from southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwest Asia.

Black seed oil is used as a medicinal plant in traditional forms of medicine such as Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that aims to restore balance and well-being in the body.

Black cumin is a popular spice in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. The seeds of Nigella sativa, known as black cumin seeds, are praised for their potential health benefits. These benefits are mainly due to a chemical compound called thymoquinone, which is the main active ingredient in the seeds.

In some types of traditional medicine, these seeds are considered helpful for people with inflammatory and immune system disorders. Black seed oil has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergy, and antifungal effects. It may also be able to improve skin conditions, lower blood pressure, and help with blood sugar control.

These findings have brought black seed to the attention of scientists and researchers looking for ways to help people with autoimmune disorders like lupus, who face many issues with inflammation and the immune system.

Is Black Seed Oil Effective for Lupus?

Researchers have studied the effects of black seed oil on the immune system and the kidneys in mice with induced lupus (lupus mice). Here, we summarize the two major animal studies related to black seed oil and lupus.

Immune System Regulation

In a study published in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, researchers from Indonesia gave mice Nigella sativa to assess its impact on the immune system and lupus disease activity. To test the anti-inflammatory properties and effects on the immune system of Nigella sativa, scientists compared the levels of immune system activity markers in healthy mice, untreated lupus mice, and lupus mice treated with three different doses of Nigella sativa.

They found that the more Nigella sativa was given to mice, the less they saw of the negative autoimmune marker (an antibody against DNA) and the more they saw of the positive immune system marker (regulatory T cells). These results show the potential of Nigella sativa to improve immune function for people with lupus, although much more research involving humans is necessary.

Kidney Functioning

In another study carried out on mice in Indonesia, scientists investigated immune markers and kidney damage in mice with induced lupus. The mice who received Nigella sativa had better immune system outcomes and less kidney damage than the untreated mice. This study suggests the importance of further research looking into Nigella sativa in humans with lupus nephritis.

MyLupusTeam Member Experiences

Some MyLupusTeam members have reported positive experiences taking black seed oil. One member shared, “I take black seed oil regularly. It dampens many of my symptoms.”

However, it’s important to note there have been no studies on the effects of nigella sativa on humans with lupus in a placebo-controlled clinical trial, which is considered to be the strongest experimental evidence. A placebo-controlled clinical trial is a research study where participants are randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (inactive substance) or a real treatment, allowing researchers to compare the effects of the active treatment against those of a placebo. It is not yet possible to determine whether black seed oil should be used to help treat lupus in a clinical setting.

How To Take Black Seed Oil

If you choose to take black seed oil, knowing what forms are available is helpful. One member asked, “I don’t know how much to consume or whether the oil is better than the extract or vice versa.”

Another member shared their thoughts: “Black seed oil is very common where I live, and people tend to use it for all sorts of ailments. Here, we can get it in extract form, seed form, and oil. I think purists buy the seeds and crush them only before making some tea. To me, the quality of the seed is more important, as food safety is an issue, so I will go for an oil brand that I trust instead of buying dubious seeds from the local market.”

Nigella sativa oil comes in the form of a liquid or a capsule. When drinking it as a liquid, many people dilute the strong taste with honey or lemon. In adults, black seed oil is usually taken in doses of 1 to 2.5 grams by mouth daily for one to three months. Check with your rheumatologist to find out what dose might be best for your lupus symptoms.

Supplements like black seed oil are subject to less strict regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compared to medications. Look for a product that has been independently tested for quality.

Safety of Black Seed Oil

Although black seed oil is generally considered safe and nontoxic, there isn’t enough evidence to support the safety of black seed oil for people with lupus. If you’re considering trying black seed oil, remember that it could interact with your prescription medications and increase your risk of side effects.

Black seed oil may interact with multiple medications, including:

• Antidepressants
• Blood thinners
• Blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications
• Immunosuppressants

Always check with your doctor before taking black seed oil or any new supplement. As one member wrote, “I really work closely with my rheumy because too much, or mixing remedies, can be more dangerous than helpful.”

Because there isn’t enough research on how long it is safe to take black seed oil, you should not take it daily for more than three months. The safety of black seed oil has also not been studied in children or during pregnancy.

For these reasons, let all your doctors and pharmacists know about any medication changes, including over-the-counter, herbal, natural treatments, and supplements. Never stop taking a prescribed medication for your lupus without the medical advice of your rheumatologist.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyLupusTeam — the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones — more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you talked to your doctor about black seed oil for lupus? Have you tried it? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.