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If you’re living with lupus, you’ve probably heard a lot about supplements and natural products as treatments. Black seed oil, also called black cumin seed oil, is getting attention, but can it actually ease lupus symptoms or improve your quality of life? The research is limited.
One MyLupusTeam member asked, “What are your experiences with black seed for its anti-inflammatory effects?” In response, some members shared positive experiences with black seed oil for lupus symptoms.
“I have given it to my husband who has lupus and has 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.
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This article covers what research says about black seed oil and its effects on lupus, including what to know about safety and how to take black seed oil.
Black seed oil comes from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a flowering plant also known as:
The plant is native to Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Its seeds are used as a spice and food flavoring. Black seed has also been used in traditional medicine for many conditions.
Its seeds contain several plant compounds, including thymoquinone, which researchers believe may be one of its main active compounds. Studies and reviews have looked at black seed for possible effects on:
However, a 2023 review of several research reviews found that the evidence was often limited or very low quality. More large, high-quality studies are needed to confirm the health effects of Nigella sativa.
That means black seed oil isn’t proven to treat lupus, prevent flares, or replace lupus medications.
Human research on the potential health benefits of black seed oil is limited — and there’s even less information about black seed oil for people with lupus.
Most lupus-specific research on Nigella sativa has involved mice with induced lupus. Animal studies can help researchers decide what to study next, but they don’t prove that black seed oil improves immune function, lupus symptoms, or disease activity in people.
Immune System Regulation In a 2021 mouse study published in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, researchers gave Nigella sativa extract to mice with induced lupus. The mice that received the highest dose had lower anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels and higher levels of regulatory T cells than mice with lupus that didn’t get the extract.
These results suggest a possible effect on immune markers in mice. These results show the potential of Nigella sativa to improve immune function, although much more research involving humans is necessary.
Kidney Functioning In another study using mice with induced lupus, researchers looked at Nigella sativa and kidney tissue damage. 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.
A Small Human Trial In 2024, researchers published a study of black seed oil in 32 children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common type of lupus. The children took either 1 gram of Nigella sativa oil or a starch placebo each day for eight weeks, along with their usual lupus treatment.
Disease activity scores improved within both groups. There was no significant difference in disease activity between the black seed oil group and the placebo group after treatment. The researchers noted possible changes in some immune system measures, but the study was small and lasted only eight weeks.
Overall, this trial doesn’t establish that black seed oil helps treat lupus. It also doesn’t establish the long-term safety of routine black seed oil use in children with lupus.
Some people are interested in black seed oil for skin or hair concerns. This is understandable, because lupus can cause skin problems, scalp sores, hair loss, and thinning hair. Some lupus medications can also contribute to hair loss.
At this time, there’s no strong evidence that black seed oil treats lupus-related rashes, scalp lesions, or hair loss. If you’re dealing with lupus hair loss, your doctor can help determine whether lupus activity, medications, or another cause may be involved.
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.”
Member experiences can be helpful, but they can’t show whether a supplement works or whether it’s safe for everyone. Lupus is complex, and what seems helpful for one person may not be helpful or safe for another.
The Lupus Foundation of America notes that some herbs and supplements can cause lupus flares or be harmful when taken with lupus medicines. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor before trying black seed oil or any other complementary therapy for lupus.
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.”
“Black seed oil is very common where I live, and people tend to use it for all sorts of ailments,” one member said. “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.”
Nigella sativa is sold in several forms, including oils, powders, capsules, and extracts. However, no lupus-specific dose, product type, or treatment duration has been established. There also isn’t one proven “best black seed oil” for lupus.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t routinely test dietary supplements before they’re sold. Independent testing may offer information about a product’s quality, contents, or purity.
Look for a product that has been independently tested for quality. But remember, that doesn’t prove that the product works for lupus.
Short-term studies of black seed products generally report mild or uncommon side effects, such as:
However, safety in people with lupus and long-term safety remain uncertain. Let your doctors and pharmacists know about all medicines and supplements you take, including over-the-counter medications and herbal products.
As one member wrote, “I really work closely with my rheumy because too much, or mixing remedies, can be more dangerous than helpful.” Never stop taking a prescribed medication for lupus without the medical advice of your doctor.
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As an herbalist who is in remission from lupus, I enjoy seeing articles discussing the effects of herbal medicine
I caution others to verify the source of your herbs. Quality over quantity is my… read more
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