Evidence Level
Nigella sativa has been called "the seed of blessing" in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. Modern research has validated many traditional claims. A meta-analysis by Mousavi et al. (2019, 11 RCTs, n=745) confirmed significant CRP reductions. For metabolic health, Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara et al. (2017, 13 RCTs) showed improvements in glucose, HbA1c, and lipids. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the primary active compound, constituting 30-48% of the volatile oil. TQ inhibits NF-kB, COX-2, and 5-LOX — providing triple-pathway anti-inflammatory coverage. It also modulates the immune system, with antihistamine effects explaining its benefit in allergic conditions. The oil form provides better TQ absorption than ground seeds. While the evidence is substantial, more large Western RCTs would strengthen the evidence base.