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Small Trial Finds Black Cumin May Lower 'Bad' Cholesterol and Support Weight Loss — But More Research Needed

04:32 AM, 11/30/2025

A small clinical trial found that 22 adults who took 5 g of black cumin seed powder daily for eight weeks had lower LDL and higher HDL cholesterol, while a 20-person control group saw no change. Some participants also lost weight. Authors said the changes were comparable to effects reported for some cholesterol‑lowering drugs, but the study’s small size and short duration mean larger, longer trials are needed. Consult a healthcare provider before using black cumin as a supplement.

A small clinical trial from Osaka Metropolitan University suggests that daily consumption of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed powder may improve cholesterol levels and could contribute to modest weight loss. The findings are preliminary but point to potential cardiovascular benefits worth further study.

Study design and intervention

In the trial, 22 adults consumed 5 grams of black cumin seed powder each day for eight weeks. A control group of 20 adults who did not take cumin showed no meaningful changes in cholesterol during the same period. The study reports reductions in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increases in HDL ("good") cholesterol among those taking the black cumin powder.

Key findings

Participants in the cumin group experienced improvements in blood lipid measures that the authors described as comparable in magnitude to some cholesterol‑lowering medications. Several people in the treatment group also lost weight during the eight weeks.

"This study strongly suggests that black cumin seeds are useful as a functional food for preventing obesity and lifestyle-related diseases," said Akiko Kojima-Yuasa, a professor and one of the study authors. "It was so gratifying to see black cumin comprehensively demonstrate actual, demonstrable blood lipid-lowering effects in a human trial."

Limitations and caution

These results are encouraging but should be interpreted with caution. The study sample was small and short-term, and participant characteristics (such as baseline cholesterol, diet, medications, and health conditions) were not detailed in the summary. The trial design and whether it was randomized or blinded were not specified. Because of these limitations, the findings do not establish that black cumin can replace prescribed cholesterol medications.

Next steps

The researchers plan longer and larger clinical trials to evaluate black cumin's effects on insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular outcomes. Replication in more diverse populations and careful monitoring of safety and interactions with other medications will be important.

Practical takeaway

While a daily spoonful of black cumin powder may offer benefits for some people, anyone considering it as a supplement should consult their healthcare provider first—especially those taking lipid-lowering drugs or with existing medical conditions.

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