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ThymoQuin®: The Premier Black Seed Oil

By Dr. Michael Murray

Thymoquin Introduction

One of the most revered traditional herbal remedies is the oil from black seed or cumin ( Nigella sativum ). In fact, black seed is mentioned more frequently than any other plant in the Bible. Native to the Middle East, India, North Africa, Mediterranean, and western Europe, black seed has been used as a food and medicine for over 2,500 years. Some ancient texts referred to black seed oil as a “panacea for all ailments except for mortality.” 1

This remarkable gift from nature is gaining renewed attention through increasing scientific investigation for its potential to support overall health and wellness. Emerging research suggests it may help support healthy metabolic function, cardiovascular health, joint comfort, and a balanced inflammatory response. While the data is promising, it remains underappreciated as part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining optimal health. 1-6

While black seed oil (BSO) preparations are gaining popularity in the marketplace, based upon the results from human clinical trials along with its historical place, it is easy to judge that BSO is not as popular as it should be.

Why Full-Spectrum Standardization Matters

BSO is packed full of active compounds. Most of the research focus is on a key compound, thymoquinone. 7,8 But other compounds are that are important to the overall actions of BSO. These other ingredients include various volatile compounds known as terpenes and terpenoids, as well as sterols and saponins, polyphenols, and other antioxidant phytochemicals. Critical to insuring a balanced and full-spectrum BSO is using freshly harvested black cumin seeds that are then cold-pressed versus extracted for higher thymoquinone content.

Figure 1. Black Seed Oil’s Full Spectrum of Phytochemical Compounds

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ThymoQuin® is the premier cold-pressed BSO produced from a freshly harvested, non-GMO cumin variety naturally bred to yield a higher thymoquinone content. ThymoQuin® provides a standardized, full-spectrum BSO with optimal ratios of all the bioactive compounds found in black seeds in a very precise ratio for ultimate synergistic effect. ThymoQuin® is patented (US Patent #11,883,455) and is the only BSO that meets the USP monograph.

ThymoQuin® is standardized to contain 3% thymoquinone combined with other important bioactives at optimal levels including a less than 2% concentration of free fatty acids (FFAs). ThymoQuin® contains a sunflower proprietary blend (SPB) of compounds that produce a considerable increase in bioavailability (see orange line versus the green line in the Figure 2 below).

Figure 2. Low Free Fatty Acid Content Enhances Thymoquinone’s Anti-inflammatory Actions

In head-to-head comparison studies, ThymoQuin® outperforms all other BSO products. The lower concentration of FFAs is a big reason why. The low EFA levels ThymoQuin® leads to higher stabilization of thymoquinone and better balancing effects on inflammation. On the flipside, the higher the content of FFA in a BSO, the less effective it is in reducing inflammation. 9

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Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Preclinical and human studies suggest that black seed oil (BSO) may help support healthy blood sugar metabolism, blood pressure already within the normal range, heart function, mood, and a balanced inflammatory response, as well as promoting a healthy response to physical and mental stress and supporting normal immune function in active individuals. These effects are believed to be related to several key mechanisms that support overall cardiometabolic health and general wellness:

  • Enhances antioxidant activity. BSO components not only exert direct antioxidant effect, but they also increase the body’s own protective mechanisms against oxidative damage. Foremost in this regard is the increase in the activity of the body’s antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. The antioxidant effects provide benefit to all body systems, including immune function and the brain. 1,6
  • Balances inflammation. BSO exerts an action in inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway that leads to the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines. 1,6
  • Enhances mitochondrial function. In addition to the antioxidant protection offered to mitochondria, thymoquinoine upregulates the expression of proteins that are key activators of mitochondrial energy production. 10
  • Enhances the health of the microbiome. In addition to inhibiting the growth of undesirable microbes, BSO promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms. 11
  • Supports insulin sensitivity. The development of resistance to insulin is a key factor in the development of obesity. BSO supports insulin sensitivity via several mechanisms including enhancing GLP-1 secretion and activating a key enzyme known as AMP-kinase. 12,13
  • Supports cholesterol metabolism. BSO components help to support cholesterol metabolism by activating AMPk and increasing the expression of receptors for LDL cholesterol on liver cells. Both actions provide feedback to the liver cell that reduces cholesterol manufacture. 5,14
  • Supports blood flow. BSO components increase the utilization of nitric oxide, a compound produced by cells that line blood vessels. Nitric oxide leads to better vascular function and blood flow. 15

Because of these seven key mechanisms there are widespread health applications of BSO. It can literally support and improve health in virtually anyone taking it. However, the focus of most of the recent research of BSO in humans has been in evaluating its support of cardiometabolic health . 1-6

Black Seed Oil Supports Cardiometabolic Health

Excess body weight can place added stress on metabolic function and overall health. In contrast, black seed oil (BSO) has been studied for its ability to support key physiological processes that help maintain metabolic balance. While excess weight is often associated with increased oxidative stress and a heightened inflammatory response, BSO has been shown to support the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and promote a more balanced inflammatory state.

In one study, women with elevated body weight were randomly assigned to receive BSO (3 grams daily) or a placebo, along with a reduced-calorie diet for eight weeks. The group receiving BSO experienced greater reductions in body weight and waist circumference compared to the placebo group. In addition, the BSO group demonstrated increased activity of an important antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase) along with reductions in markers associated with inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP). 16

Excess body weight is commonly associated with oxidative stress, metabolic imbalance, and reduced insulin sensitivity. Research suggests that BSO may help support the body’s response to these challenges by promoting healthy metabolic function, supporting antioxidant activity, and helping maintain a balanced inflammatory response. These findings have been demonstrated in controlled clinical studies involving women with elevated body mass index (BMI), highlighting BSO’s potential role as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting metabolic health. 4

Human Clinical Studies with ThymoQuin®

ThymoQuin® has its own scientific portfolio of preclinical and human clinical studies highlighting its positive effects on supporting a variety of health goals.

Enhances blood flow. BSO components increase the utilization of nitric oxide, a compound produced by cells that line blood vessels. Nitric oxide leads to better blood flow and improved blood pressure control. 15

Two other human clinical trials have been published on the effects of ThymoQuin® in marathon runners. This group represents a good test on the effects of ThymoQuin® in combating stress and promoting recovery. Marathon runners are more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections and the mental effects of stress the three weeks prior to and one week after an event. In the first study, 37 runners (13.1-mile half-marathon and 26.2-mile marathon distance) consumed 500 mg of ThymoQuin® or placebo daily three weeks before and one week following a marathon or half-marathon competition. 22

Compared to placebo, subjects in the ThymoQuin® supplementation group reported significantly fewer upper-respiratory tract symptoms such as such as cough, sore throat, sinus congestion, etc., and better overall well-being (e.g. lower stress, increased energy), as well as lower cortisol levels, and greater intestinal microbiome diversity. These results show that ThymoQuin® black can improve immune system function and overall well-being following the stress of intense endurance training and competition. It also suggests that some of these may be the result of an improved intestinal microbiome. through the Gut-Immune-Axis.

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In the other other study in marathon runners, ThymoQuin® (500 mg) was combined with an omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish oil (1,500 mg). 23 The runners consumed either the supplement or a placebo daily three weeks before and one week following a marathon or half-marathon competition. In both studies, the runners in the supplementation group reported the same benefits as the first study: significantly fewer upper-respiratory tract symptoms and better overall well-being, as well as lower cortisol and superior microbiome composition.

Synergistic Effects

In addition to potentiating the effects of fish oils, ThymoQuin® has also been shown to potentiate the health benefits of other natural products including astaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, Pycnogenol®, and vitamin D. 24

Here are some of the synergistic increases seen in cell culture models of balancing inflammation:

  • Astaxanthin with ThymoQuin® – 2X increased effect
  • Lutein with ThymoQuin® – 3.3X times increased effect
  • Pycnogenol® with ThymoQuin® – 21X times increased effect
  • Vitamin D with ThymoQuin® – 6X increased effect

These results indicate ThymoQuin® is a synergistic potentiator of other health promoting compounds. Often dietary factors work in harmony to produce a total effect or force that is greater than the sum of the individual factors. In other words, it is a situation whereby 1+1+1 does not equal 3, but something much greater. However, ThymoQuin®’s synergistic effects appear to be extremely far reaching. This action is provocative. Perhaps the greatest benefit of ThymoQuin® is not its own pharmacology, but rather its ability to amplify all of the health promoting properties of all of the myriads of beneficial components that we consume in food and as dietary supplements. Regardless, it is truly one of the greatest gifts in Nature’s pharmacy.

Clinical Studies with Black Seed Preparations

Various forms of black seed have been utilized in human double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies including preparations of crude seed powder, extracts, and various concentrations of BSO at random dosage levels. This variation of form, quality, and dosage levels makes it difficult for clear evaluation of benefits of BSO. The standardization offered by ThymoQuin® represents a big step for producing consistent results and clinical evaluation of the health benefits of black seed preparation.

Thymoquin is more concentrated than the black seed preparations used of in the published clinical research and is also much better absorbed and utilized. Hence, the recommended dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg daily.

In addition to the studies discussed above, there are several other studies that are important to call out. First, over 20 human clinical trials have substantiated the antioxidant and inflammatory balancing benefits of BSO in a variety of test subjects. 1,6,17  

BSO is also a great “brain food” as all seven of its mechanisms action are particularly beneficial for brain health. Two double-blind human clinical studies highlight this potential benefit. In one study in healthy males over 50 years of age, those given 500 mg of black seed powder for 9 weeks showed significant improvements in memory, attention, and mental function. 18 And in another study with the same dosage for four weeks, the black seed powder showed an improvement in mood and feelings of anxiousness along with improved mental function in a study of 48 healthy adolescent males between the ages of 14 to 17 years old. 19 These results indicate that ThymoQuin® may have positive effects of mood, memory, and brain function at any age.

And let’s not forget one of black seed’s major traditional use as a digestive aid. In both the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine it was used primarily for its benefits in abdominal bloating, gas, and other minor gastrointestinal issues. These effects are now known to be due to both its volatile compounds and thymoquinone as well as through its modulating effects in promoting an improved microbiome.  20

References

  1. Wahab S, Alsayari A. 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). 2023 Nov 11;12(22):3829.
  2. Ferizi R, Ramadan MF, Maxhuni Q. Black Seeds ( Nigella sativa ) Medical Application and Pharmaceutical Perspectives. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2023 Apr-Jun;15(2):63-67.
  3. Al Asoom L. Is Nigella sativa an Effective Bodyweight Lowering Agent and a Mitigator of Obesity Risk? A Literature Review. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2022 Jul 12;18:495-505.
  4. Adam SH, Abu IF, Kamal DAM, Febriza A, Kashim MIAM, Mokhtar MH. A Review of the Potential Health Benefits of Nigella sativa on Obesity and Its Associated Complications. Plants (Basel). 2023 Sep 8;12(18):3210.
  5. Shabani M, Ghavidel F, Rajabian A, Homayouni-Tabrizi M, Jamialahmadi T, Hosseini H, Sahebkar A. Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Med Chem. 2024 Jan 23.
  6. Kavyani Z, Musazadeh V, Golpour-Hamedani S, Moridpour AH, Vajdi M, Askari G. The effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Inflammopharmacology. 2023 Jun;31(3):1149-1165.
  7. Aslani MR, Saadat S, Boskabady MH. Comprehensive and updated review on anti-oxidant effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone, in various disorders. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2024;27(8):923-951.
  8. Sadeghi E, Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of black cumin ( Nigella sativa ) and its active constituent, thymoquinone: a review. Mol Biol Rep. 2023 Jun;50(6):5439-5454.
  9. Yeun K, Akshay A, Rafaelle M, et al. Beneficial efect of 3% thymoquinone on stem-cell-mediated improvement in immune system and anti-inflammatory function. J Food Nutr Sci. 2021;3(3) 63-74.
  10. Isaev NK, Chetverikov NS, Stelmashook EV, Genrikhs EE, Khaspekov LG, Illarioshkin SN. Thymoquinone as a Potential Neuroprotector in Acute and Chronic Forms of Cerebral Pathology. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2020 Feb;85(2):167-176.
  11. Akinrinde AS, Adekanmbi AO, Olojo FO. Nigella sativa oil protects against cadmium-induced intestinal toxicity via promotion of anti-inflammatory mechanisms, mucin expression and microbiota integrity. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2022 May-Jun;12(3):241-256.
  12. Ogen-Shtern N, Margarita Y, von Oppen-Bezalel L. Antimicrobial activity by a unique composition of cold pressed Nigella sativa seed (Black Cumin) Oil. Food Sci Nutr Res. 2021; 4(2): 1-9.
  13. Shaukat A, Zaidi A, Anwar H, Kizilbash N. Mechanism of the antidiabetic action of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: a review. Front Nutr. 2023 Sep 25;10:1126272.
  14. 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.
  15. Jaarin K, Foong WD, Yeoh MH, Kamarul ZY, et al. Mechanisms of the antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa oil in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Nov;70(11):751-7.
  16. Mahdavi R, Namazi N, Alizadeh M, Farajnia S. Nigella sativa oil with a calorie-restricted diet can improve biomarkers of systemic inflammation in obese women: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Lipidol. 2016 Sep-Oct;10(5):1203-11.
  17. Hadi V, Pahlavani N, Malekahmadi M, Nattagh-Eshtivani E, et al. Nigella sativa in controlling Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, and rheumatoid arthritis diseases: Molecular aspects. J Res Med Sci. 2021 Mar 31;26:20.
  18. Bin Sayeed MS, Asaduzzaman M, Morshed H, et al. The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jul 30;148(3):780-6.
  19. Bin Sayeed MS, Shams T, Fahim Hossain S, et al . Nigella sativa L. seeds modulate mood, anxiety and cognition in healthy adolescent males. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Feb 27;152(1):156-62.
  20. Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Zielińska M, Helma K, et al. Effect of Nigella sativa on Selected Gastrointestinal Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023 Apr 3;45(4):3016-3034.
  21. Bush B, Pena T, Bush R, et al. Effects of Standardized Black Seed Oil Cold Press Supplement Over A Six Week Period on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Healthy Patients: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. Food Science & Nutrition Research 2020;3:1-5.
  22. Talbott SM, Talbott JA. Effect of ThymoQuin Black Cumin Seed Oil as a Natural Immune Modulator of Upper-Respiratory Tract Complaints and Psychological Mood State. Food Sci Nutr Res. 2022; 5(1): 1-6.
  23. Talbott SM, Talbott JA. Black Cumin seed oil plus fish oil combination modulates gut-immune-axis. EC Nutrition. 2022;17(7):18-27.
  24. Unpublished Research by TriNutra on ThymoQuin Synergies. 2018. Pharmaseed, Nes Ziona Israel.
Portrait of Dr. Michael Murray

About the Author

Dr. Michael Murray is one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. He has published over 30 books featuring natural approaches to health. He is a graduate, former faculty member, and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.

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