Evidence supporting the use of: Black seed
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black seed (Nigella sativa), also known as black cumin, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. For acne, its use is primarily traditional rather than strongly supported by modern science. Historical texts and folk remedies have employed black seed oil topically for various skin ailments, including acne, due to its reputed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The active compound thymoquinone is thought to play a role in reducing inflammation and possibly inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Scientific validation is limited: a few small studies and case reports suggest that topical Nigella sativa oil may improve acne severity, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions. For example, one small randomized study compared a cream containing black seed oil to benzoyl peroxide and found both to be effective for mild to moderate acne, though the study’s sample size was small and methodology limited. Systematic reviews and larger clinical trials are lacking. Thus, while there is some preliminary evidence, it remains insufficient to fully substantiate its efficacy. Most of the support for black seed’s use in treating acne comes from traditional usage patterns rather than robust clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by black seed
AcneAllergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Blood Poisoning
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Congestive Heart Failure
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Malaria
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
