Black Seed Oil for High Blood Pressure
By Dr. Hamad Shafqat | Edited By Samuel Kovac | Written on October 8, 2023
High blood pressure | Black seed oil benefits | Scientific studies | Bottom Line
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a global health challenge affecting a substantial portion of the population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide had hypertension in recent years, with a significant majority (two-thirds) residing in low- and middle-income countries. This staggering statistic underscores the urgency of exploring diverse strategies, including the potential Show tooltip with a link benefits of natural remedies like black seed oil, in the ongoing effort to combat this silent but pervasive health threat.
This article covers the potential benefits of black seed oil for high blood pressure and examines the scientific evidence supporting its use.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
Before delving into the potential benefits of black seed oil, it is essential to understand what high blood pressure is and why it is a significant health concern.
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, manifests when the pressure exerted by blood against the artery walls remains persistently elevated. This places added stress on the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and more ( [Wu S, Li M, Lu J, Tang X, Wang G, Zheng R, Niu J, Chen L, Huo Y, Xu M, Wang T, Zhao Z, Wang S, Lin H, Qin G, Yan L, Wan Q, Chen L, Shi L, Hu R, Su Q, Yu X, Qin Y, Chen G, Gao Z, Shen F, Luo Z, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Liu C, Wang Y, Wu S, Yang T, Li Q, Mu Y, Zhao J, Ning G, Bi Y, Wang W, Xu Y; China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study Group. Blood Pressure Levels, Cardiovascular Events, and Renal Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease Without Antihypertensive Therapy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. Hypertension. 2023 Mar;80(3):640-649. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.122.19902. Epub 2023 Jan 5. PMID: 36601917.] ).
Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically does not exhibit noticeable symptoms until it has caused damage to vital organs.
There are two primary types of hypertension:
1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension:
- The most common type, with no identifiable cause.
- Often related to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress.
- Genetic predisposition may play a role.
2. Secondary Hypertension:
- Results from an underlying health condition.
- Can be caused by kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or medications.
- Typically requires treatment of the underlying cause.
Black Seed Oil: An Overview
Black seed oil, derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. It is known by various names, including black cumin seed oil, kalonji oil, and black caraway oil.
Black seed oil is rich in bioactive compounds, including thymoquinone, which is believed to be responsible for many of its potential health benefits.
The Potential Benefits of Black Seed Oil for High Blood Pressure
The potential benefits of black seed oil for high blood pressure are a topic of ongoing research and interest. While more studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions, there is some evidence to suggest that black seed oil may have a positive impact on blood pressure. Here are some key findings:
1. Blood Pressure Regulation:
- Some studies in animals and humans have suggested that black seed oil may help lower blood pressure by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which can reduce resistance to blood flow ( [Jaarin K, Foong WD, Yeoh MH, Kamarul ZY, Qodriyah HM, Azman A, Zuhair JS, Juliana AH, Kamisah Y. Mechanisms of the antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa oil in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Nov;70(11):751-7. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2015(11)07. PMID: 26602523; PMCID: PMC4642492.] ).
- This effect may be attributed to the presence of thymoquinone, a bioactive compound in black seed oil, which has been shown to have vasodilatory properties ( [Idris-Khodja N, Schini-Kerth V. Thymoquinone improves aging-related endothelial dysfunction in the rat mesenteric artery. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2012 Jul;385(7):749-58. doi: 10.1007/s00210-012-0749-8. Epub 2012 Apr 12. PMID: 22526469.] ).
2. Antioxidant Properties:
- Black seed oil is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are associated with hypertension ( [Burits M, Bucar F. Antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa essential oil. Phytother Res. 2000 Aug;14(5):323-8. doi: 10.1002/1099-1573(200008)14:5<323::aid-ptr621>3.0.co;2-q. PMID: 10925395.] ).
- By reducing oxidative stress, black seed oil may indirectly contribute to better blood pressure control.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in the development and progression of hypertension.
- Some research suggests that black seed oil may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially mitigating inflammation-related factors contributing to high blood pressure ( [Bordoni L, Fedeli D, Nasuti C, Maggi F, Papa F, Wabitsch M, De Caterina R, Gabbianelli R. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nigella sativa Oil in Human Pre-Adipocytes. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Feb 25;8(2):51. doi: 10.3390/antiox8020051. PMID: 30823525; PMCID: PMC6406245.] ).
4. Potential Impact on Risk Factors:
- High cholesterol levels, obesity, and insulin resistance are risk factors for hypertension.
- There is preliminary evidence to suggest that black seed oil may help improve lipid profiles, support weight management, and enhance insulin sensitivity, all of which can contribute to better blood pressure control ( [Sahebkar A, Beccuti G, Simental-Mendía LE, Nobili V, Bo S. Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2016 Apr;106:37-50. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.02.008. Epub 2016 Feb 10. PMID: 26875640.] ).
Scientific Studies on Black Seed Oil and Hypertension
While the potential benefits of black seed oil for high blood pressure are promising, it is crucial to acknowledge that more rigorous clinical research is needed to establish its efficacy definitively. Some studies have provided insights into its effects on blood pressure:
1. A 2013 Study:
- A small study published in Phytotherapy Research, an international pharmacological journal, found that black seed oil supplementation reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension.
- No adverse effects were reported during the study
- However, the study involved a relatively small number of participants, and further research is needed to confirm these findings ( [Fallah Huseini H, Amini M, Mohtashami R, Ghamarchehre ME, Sadeqhi Z, Kianbakht S, Fallah Huseini A. Blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa L. seed oil in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2013 Dec;27(12):1849-53. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4944. Epub 2013 Feb 25. PMID: 23436437.] ).
2. Animal Studies:
- Some animal studies have reported positive effects of black seed oil on blood pressure regulation. These studies have demonstrated reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive rats after black seed oil treatment.
- While animal studies are valuable for initial investigations, their findings must be validated in human clinical trials ( [Jaarin K, Foong WD, Yeoh MH, Kamarul ZY, Qodriyah HM, Azman A, Zuhair JS, Juliana AH, Kamisah Y. Mechanisms of the antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa oil in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Nov;70(11):751-7. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2015(11)07. PMID: 26602523; PMCID: PMC4642492.] ).
3. Limited Human Trials:
- As of now, there is a lack of large-scale, well-designed human clinical trials specifically focused on the effects of black seed oil on hypertension.
- Any potential benefits reported in small-scale studies need further confirmation through robust clinical research.
Bottom Line
Black seed oil holds promise as a natural remedy for managing high blood pressure thanks to its potential to improve blood vessel function, combat oxidative stress and inflammation, and impact various risk factors associated with hypertension. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the current scientific evidence is preliminary, and more extensive, controlled clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety definitively.
Individuals considering black seed oil supplementation as part of their hypertension management should consult with a healthcare professional. It is essential to prioritize established treatments and lifestyle modifications recommended by medical experts, such as dietary changes, exercise, and prescribed medications, to manage high blood pressure effectively.
In conclusion, while black seed oil may have a role to play in hypertension management, it is not a standalone solution. Its potential benefits should be viewed as complementary to conventional medical interventions and lifestyle modifications.
As research in this area continues to evolve, a more comprehensive understanding of black seed oil’s role in high blood pressure management may emerge, offering new possibilities for those seeking natural approaches to improve their cardiovascular health.
- Wu S, Li M, Lu J, Tang X, Wang G, Zheng R, Niu J, Chen L, Huo Y, Xu M, Wang T, Zhao Z, Wang S, Lin H, Qin G, Yan L, Wan Q, Chen L, Shi L, Hu R, Su Q, Yu X, Qin Y, Chen G, Gao Z, Shen F, Luo Z, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Liu C, Wang Y, Wu S, Yang T, Li Q, Mu Y, Zhao J, Ning G, Bi Y, Wang W, Xu Y; China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study Group. Blood Pressure Levels, Cardiovascular Events, and Renal Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease Without Antihypertensive Therapy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. Hypertension. 2023 Mar;80(3):640-649. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.122.19902. Epub 2023 Jan 5. PMID: 36601917.
- Jaarin K, Foong WD, Yeoh MH, Kamarul ZY, Qodriyah HM, Azman A, Zuhair JS, Juliana AH, Kamisah Y. Mechanisms of the antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa oil in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Nov;70(11):751-7. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2015(11)07. PMID: 26602523; PMCID: PMC4642492.
- Idris-Khodja N, Schini-Kerth V. Thymoquinone improves aging-related endothelial dysfunction in the rat mesenteric artery. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2012 Jul;385(7):749-58. doi: 10.1007/s00210-012-0749-8. Epub 2012 Apr 12. PMID: 22526469.
- Burits M, Bucar F. Antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa essential oil. Phytother Res. 2000 Aug;14(5):323-8. doi: 10.1002/1099-1573(200008)14:5<323::aid-ptr621>3.0.co;2-q. PMID: 10925395.
- Bordoni L, Fedeli D, Nasuti C, Maggi F, Papa F, Wabitsch M, De Caterina R, Gabbianelli R. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nigella sativa Oil in Human Pre-Adipocytes. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Feb 25;8(2):51. doi: 10.3390/antiox8020051. PMID: 30823525; PMCID: PMC6406245.
- Sahebkar A, Beccuti G, Simental-Mendía LE, Nobili V, Bo S. Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2016 Apr;106:37-50. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.02.008. Epub 2016 Feb 10. PMID: 26875640.
- Fallah Huseini H, Amini M, Mohtashami R, Ghamarchehre ME, Sadeqhi Z, Kianbakht S, Fallah Huseini A. Blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa L. seed oil in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2013 Dec;27(12):1849-53. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4944. Epub 2013 Feb 25. PMID: 23436437.
- Jaarin K, Foong WD, Yeoh MH, Kamarul ZY, Qodriyah HM, Azman A, Zuhair JS, Juliana AH, Kamisah Y. Mechanisms of the antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa oil in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Nov;70(11):751-7. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2015(11)07. PMID: 26602523; PMCID: PMC4642492.
- Current Version
- October 8, 2023
- Written By: Dr. Hamad Shafqat
- Edited By: Samuel Kovac