Black seed (Nigella sativa), also known as black cumin, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in the Middle East and South Asia. Its seeds and oil have been used for a variety of ailments, including liver disorders such as hepatitis. Traditional practitioners have believed that black seed has hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been prescribed to support liver health and function in the context of hepatitis and jaundice.

Scientifically, there is limited but growing evidence from preclinical studies (animal and in vitro) suggesting that the active components of black seed, particularly thymoquinone, may have hepatoprotective effects. Some animal studies have demonstrated reductions in liver enzyme levels and mitigation of chemically-induced liver damage. However, high-quality clinical evidence in humans with hepatitis is lacking. A small number of pilot human studies have investigated black seed’s effects on liver enzymes, but these studies are generally preliminary, with modest sample sizes and varying methodologies.

In summary, the primary justification for using black seed to support or treat hepatitis comes from traditional use, with some limited scientific support from animal studies. There is not enough robust clinical evidence to firmly validate its effectiveness for hepatitis in humans at this time.