Black seed has historically been used for the management of rheumatism and conditions associated with pain and inflammation. Current clinical research is limited but has generally been positive.
In preliminary research, black seed has been found to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in women as measured with the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) — a validated, objective way of measuring disease activity based on the number of tender or swollen joints — and to reduce the duration of morning stiffness. However, no clear effect on markers of inflammation or antioxidant status has been found in this population.[1]
While the data are promising and supported by a large number of animal studies, more research is needed to clarify whether black seed has a role in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
References
- ^Alireza Khabbazi, Zeinab Javadivala, Neda Seyedsadjadi, Aida Malek MahdaviA Systematic Review of the Potential Effects of Nigella Sativa on Rheumatoid ArthritisPlanta Med.(2020 May)