Black seed is the seed oil or whole ground seeds of Nigella sativa — a flowering plant in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family that grows in certain parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.[1] Black seed has a long history of use in many cultures, both as a spice in foods and as an herbal medicine. It contains a variety of nutritional compounds like polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as an abundance of phytochemicals — thymoquinone (a terpenoid) being considered the most important.
What is black seed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Black seed, which is derived from the plant Nigella sativa, is used both as a spice and an herbal medicine across various cultures. It is rich in nutritional compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, particularly thymoquinone.