Kalonji is flavorful and boasts numerous medicinal properties. Supplements may benefit your health, but more research is needed to determine its benefits and potential risks.
Also known as black cumin, nigella (or by its scientific name, Nigella sativa), kalonji belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants.
It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.
In addition to its culinary use, kalonji is known for its medicinal properties.
Its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedy for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea.
Let’s go over nine of the most impressive science-backed benefits of kalonji, plus how you can add it to your diet.
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells. Research shows that antioxidants can have a powerful effect on health and disease.
Some studies indicate that antioxidants may protect against several types of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Several compounds found in kalonji, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties.
Lab research from 2024 also suggests that kalonji essential oil may also have antioxidant properties. However, further research is needed to determine how the antioxidants found in kalonji may impact health in people.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found throughout your body. While you need some cholesterol, high amounts can build up in your blood and increase your risk of heart disease.
Kalonji has been shown to be especially effective at lowering cholesterol.
A 2021 review of available research found that kalonji was associated with significant decreases in both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.
More new research is needed to include larger group sizes as well as standardized ways to prepare kalonji, researchers say.
Kalonji is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals, molecules that may contribute to the development of diseases like cancer.
Studies have found some impressive results regarding the potential anti-cancer effects of kalonji and thymoquinone, its active compound.
For instance, a 2021 study found that thymoquinone induced cell death in blood cancer cells.
A 2018 study demonstrated that thymoquinone in kalonji
In all, studies suggest kalonji and its components may be effective against several other types of cancer, including:
- pancreatic
- lung
- cervical
- prostate
- skin
- colon
- liver
- renal
- ovarian
More research is needed to examine whether kalonji has any cancer-fighting benefits when used as a spice or taken as a supplement, as well as in people.
Disease-causing bacteria are responsible for a long list of dangerous infections, ranging from ear infections to pneumonia.
Some test-tube studies have found that kalonji may have antibacterial properties and be effective at fighting off certain strains of bacteria.
Research from 2020 notes that it is effective at treating staphylococcus skin infections.
Another 2019 test tube study found that kalonji showed to be surprisingly effective at killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a strain of bacteria that is difficult to treat and resistant to antibiotics.
Yet, human studies are limited, and more research is needed to look at how kalonji may affect different strains of bacteria in the body.
In most cases, inflammation is a normal immune response that helps protect the body against injury and infection.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a variety of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Numerous studies show that kalonji may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
A 2019 study showed that taking 1,000 milligrams (mg) of of kalonji oil as a supplement for 8 weeks could decrease markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in people with liver disease.
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Despite these promising results, most human studies are limited to people with specific conditions. More research is needed to understand how kalonji may affect inflammation among the general population.
The liver is an incredibly important organ. It removes toxins, metabolizes drugs, processes nutrients and produces proteins and chemicals that are crucial to health.
Several promising animal studies have found that kalonji may help protect the liver against injury and damage. Most of these have focused on results in animal groups and most are older.
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- hepatic steatosis
- liver enzymes
- inflammatory markers
However, the authors noted that higher-quality trials are needed.
However, more studies are needed to measure how kalonji may influence liver health in humans.
High blood sugar can cause many negative symptoms, including increased thirst, unintentional weight loss, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Left unchecked in the long term, high blood sugar can lead to even more serious consequences, such as nerve damage, vision changes and slow wound healing.
Kalonji may help keep blood sugar levels steady and thus prevent these dangerous adverse side effects.
A 2025 meta-analysis of 16 studies of people with type 2 diabetes found that kalonji supplementation significantly reduced:
- fasting blood sugar
- glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
- total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form when stomach acids eat away at the layer of protective mucus that lines the stomach.
Some research, including a 2023 review notes that, based on animal research, kalonji could help protect against ulcers by preserving the lining of the stomach, reducing stomach acid secretion, and eradicating H. pylori, a bacteria that can damage stomach lining.
In another 2020 study, people with H. pylori and functional dyspepsia received antibiotics, kalonji or antibiotics for 8 weeks. The group that received kalonji had higher rates of H. pylori eradication and improved quality of life compared to a placebo control group.
Keep in mind that much of the current research is limited to animal studies. More research is needed to determine how kalonji may affect stomach ulcer development in humans.
There are a variety of ways to add kalonji to your diet.
With a bitter taste that’s described as a mix between oregano and onions, it’s often found in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.
It’s usually lightly toasted and then ground or used whole to add flavor to bread or curry dishes.
Some also eat the seeds raw or mix them with honey or water. They can also be added to oatmeal, smoothies or yogurt.
Supplements are available in capsule or softgel form for a concentrated dose of kalonji.
While kalonji has been associated with many health benefits and is generally safe when used as a spice or seasoning, taking a kalonji supplement or using kalonji oil may have risks.
For example, there have been reports of contact dermatitis after applying kalonji to the skin. If you plan on using it topically, be sure to do a patch test by applying a small amount first to make sure it does not cause an adverse reaction.
Furthermore, some test-tube studies have found that kalonji and its components may slow blood clotting, leading to thrombocytopenia, a potential serious condition. If you take medication for blood clotting, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking kalonji supplements.
Additionally, consuming it in greater amounts than that found in food is likely unsafe during pregnancy, and its use is thus not recommended at this time.
If you are pregnant, be sure to use it in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
The seeds of the kalonji plant are known for their diverse culinary uses and medicinal properties.
Traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, kalonji has been associated with a wide range of health benefits.
However, many of them have only been examined only in test-tube or animal studies.
Although more research is needed, adding kalonji to your diet or using it as a supplement could have a beneficial effect on several aspects of your health.