Black Seed Oil / Thymoquinone

Black seed oil's thymoquinone inhibits PI3K/AKT, boosts ROS/apoptosis in tumors; preclinical synergies for chemo-sensitization in ovarian cancer.

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Human-reviewed · How we review →

AI extractedhuman reviewedsources checkedretractions suppressed

🔬⭐⭐ Low to Moderate — Robust preclinical data, including ovarian synergies; limited human trials, but promising for adjunctive use.Nigella sativa oilBlack cumin seed oilKalonji oilThymoquinone-rich oil

Forms: Black seed oil capsules or liquid (500 mg–1 g per serving)

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Black Seed Oil / Thymoquinone treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Simple Summary

From black cumin seed, thymoquinone turns down PI3K/AKT survival signaling, raises ROS in tumor cells, and triggers apoptosis. It shows synergy with standard drugs (e.g., cisplatin, doxorubicin) in preclinical ovarian models.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 2 · animalOvarianBreastColorectalLungProstateVarious

Low to Moderate — Robust in vitro/in vivo; early human trials for safety, but oncology efficacy needs more studies.

How it may work

Thymoquinone (TQ), the active compound in black seed oil, inhibits PI3K/Akt and STAT3 pathways, blocking cancer cell survival and proliferation. It enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, increases ROS selectively in cancer cells, and induces cell cycle arrest. In ovarian cancer, TQ promotes apoptosis via p53-dependent mechanisms, reduces NF-κB activity, and sensitizes cells to chemotherapy by targeting resistance pathways.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

PI3K/AKT↓Blocks survival and proliferation
STAT3↓
Apoptosis↑Enhances TRAIL-mediated; p53-dependent
ROS Production↑Selective in cancer cells
Cell Cycle Arrest↑
NF-κB↓
Chemotherapy Resistance↓Sensitizes to cisplatin, doxorubicin

PI3KROSApoptosis

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

Curcumin: Complementary pathway inhibition/apoptosis.
Berberine: Metabolic/ROS co-targeting.
Resveratrol: Anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant synergy.
Cisplatin: Overcomes resistance; enhances apoptosis.
Doxorubicin: Synergistic cytotoxicity.

Overlapping mechanisms

ROS ↑: Caution with other pro-oxidants to avoid excessive stress in normal cells.

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories

Gi Upset MildAllergic ReactionsHypotension Risk MildPregnancy AvoidHypoglycemia Risk

Potential interactions

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)MonitorModerateTheoreticalPotential additive antiplatelet effects.
CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., chemotherapy drugs)MonitorMinorTheoreticalTQ may inhibit CYP3A4.
Cisplatin / DoxorubicinConsiderBeneficialTheoreticalSynergistic in preclinical models; may enhance efficacy/reduce resistance.

Timing

With meals: To reduce GI upset and improve absorption.
Divided doses: 2–3 times daily for steady levels.

References

Research

No published studies for Black Seed Oil / Thymoquinone yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Black Seed Oil / Thymoquinone depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 1000–3000 mg (po) Divided into 2–3 doses daily. Based on human studies (1–2.5 g/day for general use; up to 3 g/day in trials); for TQ equivalent, aim for 5–50 mg/day (oil TQ content ~0.4–2.5%). Preclinical HED from mouse studies (5–20 mg/kg TQ → HED 0.4–1.6 mg/kg, ~24–96 mg TQ for 60 kg, equating to 1–24 g oil depending on TQ%). Oncology adjunct: start low under supervision., No Rx required. Choose cold-pressed, high-TQ oil; take with food for tolerance. Oncology use experimental—consult clinician; monitor for interactions..

Trials studying Black Seed Oil / Thymoquinone

No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

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