Kalonji

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Kalonji
Latin/Botanical	Nigella sativa

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Thymoquinone (TQ, major bioactive in essential oil)
• Thymohydroquinone
• Thymol
• Carvacrol
• p-Cymene
• alpha-Thujene
• Nigellicine and Nigellidine (alkaloids)
• alpha-Hederin (saponin)

How does it work?

• Thymoquinone inhibits NF-kB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production
• Anti-asthmatic action through functional antagonism of muscarinic receptors, inhibition of histamine H1 receptors, calcium channel blocking, potassium channel opening, and beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation
• Anticancer activity via induction of apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of angiogenesis
• Antidiabetic mechanism through enhanced pancreatic beta-cell function, improved insulin sensitivity, and inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis
• Antimicrobial action through oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis, efflux pump blockade, and enhanced membrane permeability in pathogens

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Traditionally used as a digestive aid and carminative for bowel and indigestion problems. Pharmacological studies have reported antispasmodic and carminative effects.
• Traditionally used for asthma and other respiratory complaints. Clinical studies have reported bronchodilatory effects and improved lung function in people with asthma.
• Traditionally used for blood sugar control in diabetes. A clinical study reported improved glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes when it was used as an adjuvant.
• Traditionally used to lower lipids and protect the heart. Meta-analyses have reported improvements in lipid profiles.
• Traditionally used for immune modulation and against infections. Immunological studies have reported enhanced immune cell function and antimicrobial activity.

What do recent studies show?

• Alberts A, Moldoveanu ET, Niculescu AG and others 2024. Nigella sativa: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications. International journal of molecular sciences. PMID 39769174 · doi:10.3390/ijms252413410
  Comprehensive review covering main compounds of Nigella sativa with their therapeutic effects, molecular structure, properties, and mechanisms of action, establishing scientific basis for traditional medicinal uses.
• Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q and others 2023. Nigella sativa and health outcomes: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Frontiers in nutrition. PMID 37057067 · doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1107750
  Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirmed significant effects of N. sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight, and inflammation markers across multiple clinical trials.
• Wahab S, Alsayari A 2023. Potential Pharmacological Applications of Nigella Seeds with a Focus on Nigella sativa and Its Constituents against Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Progress and Future Opportunities. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38005726 · doi:10.3390/plants12223829
  Highlighted thymoquinone’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms targeting NF-kB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways, with therapeutic potential in rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, asthma, and neuroinflammatory conditions.
• Mashayekhi-Sardoo H, Rezaee R, Karimi G 2020. Nigella sativa (black seed) safety: an overview. Asian biomedicine : research, reviews and news. PMID 37551386 · doi:10.1515/abm-2020-0020
  Safety overview establishing that N. sativa has a very low degree of toxicity; LD50 varies from 28.8 mL/kg to 3,371 mg/kg in mice; aqueous extracts at doses up to 6 g/kg showed no toxicity in subacute evaluations.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• An estimated safe daily thymoquinone dosage below 48.6 mg per adult has been calculated (based on NOAEL of 5 mg/kg in 90-day rat studies, converted to human equivalent dose)
• Very low toxicity profile; two cases of contact dermatitis reported with topical use; no significant adverse effects on liver or kidney function with oral administration of seed extract or oil
• Caution advised with concurrent use of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immunosuppressive drugs due to potential synergistic effects; not recommended during pregnancy without medical supervision

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

• Thymoquinone
• Thymohydroquinone
• Thymol
• Carvacrol
• Nigellidine
• Alkaloids
• Nigellicine

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Seed (whole), Churna (seed powder), Taila (seed oil), Capsule, Soft gel capsule, Tablet

Standard Dosage: 1-3g whole seeds daily; 2.5-5ml oil daily; 500mg-1g extract; commonly mixed with honey (1 tsp seeds + 1 tsp honey)

Optimal Timing: Morning on empty stomach with honey (traditional); with meals for digestive support; oil with fatty meal for enhanced absorption

Storage: Seeds: cool, dry, airtight containers. Oil: amber glass, nitrogen-flushed, below 25°C. Protect from light and heat. Avoid plastic containers for oil storage.

Marker Compounds: Thymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Thymol, Carvacrol, Nigellone, p-Cymene, Alpha-hederin, Nigellidine, Nigellicine

Synergistic Combinations

• With Honey for immune support (Prophetic medicine tradition)
• With Haridra (traditionally combined)
• With Ajwain for digestive support
• With Methi seeds (traditionally combined to support metabolic function)