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Nigella Sativa for COVID-19
15 studies with >3,000 patients
Serious outcome risk
Nigella Sativa
Control
Significantly lower risk for ventilation, hospitalization, progression, recovery, cases, and viral clearance.
45% lower risk in 11 RCTs CI 22-61%
COVID-19 Nigella Sativa studies · October 2026
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Kaseb.
Covid Analysis Nigella Sativa reduces COVID-19 risk: real-time meta-analysis of 15 studies (Version 24)
Significantly lower risk is seen for ventilation, hospitalization, progression, recovery, cases, and viral clearance. 12 studies from 11 independent teams in 9 countries show significant benefit. Meta-analysis using the most serious outco..
Aug 13
 Kaseb et al., NCT05785390 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Phase IIa/IIb Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of NP-101 in Treating High-Risk Participants Who Have Tested Positive for Novel Coronavirus 2019
60% lower progression (p=0.006), 42% lower long COVID (p=0.07), and 10% worse recovery (p=0.7). RCT 110 high-risk outpatients showing significantly lower COVID-19 progression with NP-101 (thymoquinone from Nigella sativa with fatty acids, including palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids), but no significant difference for the pr..
Jan 28
 Elrosasy et al., Journal of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, doi:10.1007/s44467-025-00004-7 Efficacy of Nigella sativa in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 RCTs showing significantly lower mortality and symptom severity with nigella sativa treatment in 1,595 COVID-19 patients.
Nov 30
2024
 Saghghaei et al., Veterinary Research Forum, doi:10.30466/vrf.2024.2024154.4196 Protective effects of Nigella sativa oil thymoquinone and dexamethasone on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats
Rat study showing protective effects of nigella sativa oil (NSO), thymoquinone (TQ), and dexamethasone (DEX), alone or in combination, against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The TQ + DEX combination significantly reduced the severi..
Aug 31
2024
 Ali et al., Current Therapeutic Research, doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2024.100759 In vitro inhibitory effect of Nigella sativa L. extracts on SARS-COV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction
In vitro study showing nigella sativa extracts inhibit the interaction between the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 in a dose-dependent manner, with chloroform extract having the highest inhibition of 98.9% at 10 mg/ml...
Jul 22
2024
 Sebghatollahi et al., Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, doi:10.22038/ajp.2024.24633 The adjuvant therapy of edible herbal product including colchicum bulb, olive leaf, black cumin seeds, lavender flower, and ginger rhizome on the outcome of patients with severe and critical COVID-19: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
73% lower mortality (p=0.001), 77% lower ICU admission (p=0.0005), and 41% shorter hospitalization (p<0.0001). RCT 150 severe and critical COVID-19 patients showing lower mortality, lower ICU admission, and improved recovery with a treatment including nigella sativa, colchicum autumnal, olea europaea, lavandula angustifolia, and zingiber officinal..
Jun 25
2024
 Rahman et al., Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, doi:10.9734/ajarr/2024/v18i7697 In Silico Screening of Potential Drug Candidate against Chain a of Coronavirus Binding Protein from Major Nigella Bioactive Compounds
In silico study of components of nigella sativa, showing nigellamine C, nigeglanine, nigellamine D, nigellicine, nigellidine, and nigellone had higher binding affinity compared to ribavirin, favipiravir, remdesivir, and nirmatrelvir, to t..
Mar 31
2024
 Alsalahi et al., Heliyon, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27390 Immune stimulatory effect of Nigella sativa in healthy animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Review of the effects of nigella sativa (NS) on humoral and cellular immunity in healthy animals through a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies. The meta-analysis found that NSS significantly increased serum IgG titers and an..
Mar 14
2024
 Bostancıklıoğlu et al., Gene, doi:10.1016/j.gene.2024.148366 Nigella sativa, Anthemis hyaline and Citrus sinensis extracts reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication by fluctuating Rho GTPase, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK/ERK pathways in HeLa-CEACAM1a cells
In vitro study showing that nigella sativa, anthemis hyaline, and citrus sinensis extracts reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication in HeLa-CEACAM1a cells. Nigella sativa extract notably increased IL-8 levels, indicating its potential role in modula..
Mar 6
2024
 Vaziri et al., Heliyon, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27373 Investigating efficacy of colchicine plus phenolic monoterpenes fraction as a potential treatment for patients diagnosed with COVID-19: A randomized controlled parallel clinical trial
81% lower mortality (p=0.03), 87% lower ICU admission (p=0.002), and 35% shorter hospitalization (p<0.0001). RCT 179 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing lower mortality, ICU admission, and hospitalization duration with colchicine plus phenolic monoterpenes compared to standard care alone. The intervention group received 0.8 mg/day colchicine ..
Mar 5
2024
 Zafar Nayak Snehasis, S., International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), doi:10.21275/SR24323192940 Molecular Docking to Discover Potential Bio-Extract Substitutes for Hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19 and Malaria
In silico study showing that the phytochemicals longifolene and thymohydroquinone from nigella sativa may be suitable alternatives to hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19. Authors found that these compounds share binding sites with..
Feb 6
2024
 Maen et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1291212 Individual ingredients of NP-101 (Thymoquinone formula) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection
In vitro study showing that components of thymoquinone formulation NP-101, including thymoquinone, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, showed dose-dependent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 variants in a pseudovirus model. Combinations ..
Jan 15
2024
 Idris et al., The Nigerian Health Journal, doi:10.60787/tnhj-712 Nigella sativa oil (NSO) as an adjuvant in the management of mild COVID-19 infection in Kaduna state
39% faster recovery (p=0.003). Prospective study of 51 mild COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, showing faster recovery and improved viral clearance with nigella sativa oil (NSO) treatment. NSO patients received 5mL twice daily in addition to usual care (zinc, vitamin C and a..
Dec 27
2023
 Umer et al., Food Science & Nutrition, doi:10.1002/fsn3.3906 Nigella sativa for the treatment of COVID-19 patients: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
73% lower mortality (p=0.009), 74% lower hospitalization (p=0.15), 52% improved recovery (p=0.1), and 38% improved viral clearance (p=0.04). Systematic review and meta analysis of seven RCTs showing significantly lower mortality (RR 0.27) and improved viral clearance (RR 0.62) with nigella sativa treatment in COVID-19 patients. The mortality benefit was greater with early trea..
Dec 15
2023
 Donzelli, A., MDPI AG, doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1178.v1 Neglected Effective Early Therapies against COVID-19: Focus on Functional Foods and Related Active Substances. A Review
Review of a group of compounds with efficacy shown in RCTs, safety, favorable opportunity costs, biological plausibility, and accessibility without major conflicts of interest. The compounds include curcumin, nigella sativa (black seed), ..
Nov 15
2023
 Cyril et al., Inflammopharmacology, doi:10.1007/s10787-023-01385-9 Nigella sativa and its chemical constituents: pre-clinical and clinical evidence for their potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects
Review of pre-clinical and clinical evidence for the the use of nigella sativa for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Sep 1
2023
 Faruq et al., Bangladesh Critical Care Journal, doi:10.3329/bccj.v11i2.69187 Role of Nigella Sativa (black cumin seeds)as an adjunct therapy in treating severe and critical COVID-19 infection compared to those with standard therapy : An open label randomized clinical trial
6% lower mortality (p=0.87), 62% lower ventilation (p=0.01), and 23% lower ICU admission (p=0.74). Open label randomized trial of 150 ICU patients in Bangladesh, showing shorter ICU stay and lower requirements for increased oxygen support including mechanical ventilation with nigella sativa treatment, but no significant difference in m..
Aug 25
2023
 Alkafaas et al., Virology Journal, doi:10.1186/s12985-023-02160-6 A study on the effect of natural products against the transmission of B.1.1.529 Omicron
Review of natural products for SARS-CoV-2 omicron including an in silico study showing quercetin, curcumin, ascorbic acid, nigellidine, and chloroquine among many compounds docked to the ACE2 metallopeptidase domain. Quercetin, curcumin, ..
Jul 16
2023
 Daneshfard et al., Phytotherapy Research, doi:10.1002/ptr.7915 Effect of Sinamaz nasal drop on asymptomatic family members of COVID 19 patients: An open-label randomized controlled trial
34% fewer symptomatic cases (p=0.006). RCT 173 family members of COVID-19 patients, showing lower incidence of COVID-19 symptoms with nasal drops containing nigella sativa oil and olea europaea oil. One drop in each nostril twice daily for 7 days.
Mar 31
2023
 Ali et al., Pakistan BioMedical Journal, doi:10.54393/pbmj.v6i3.853 Computational Prediction of Nigella sativa Compounds as Potential Drug Agents for Targeting Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2
In silico study identifying multiple compounds from nigella sativa as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. Methyl stearate showed the lowest binding energy and formed a stable complex with the spike protein.
Feb 20
2023
 Miraz et al., International Journal of Clinical Practice, doi:10.1155/2023/9917306 Nigelladine A among Selected Compounds from Nigella sativa Exhibits Propitious Interaction with Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Study
In silico study of 96 phytochemical compounds of nigella sativa, identifying Nigelladine A as the most promising compound for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition with the highest docking scores for the spike protein and Mpro. Dithymoquinone, kaempferol..
Feb 9
2023
 Kow et al., Phytotherapy Research, doi:10.1002/ptr.7743 The effect of Nigella sativa on the risk of mortality in patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
78% lower mortality (p=0.004). Systematic review and meta analysis of nigella sativa COVID-19 RCTs, showing significantly lower mortality with treatment.
Nov 8
2022
 Said et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.1011522 The effect of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 supplementation on the clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial
77% improved recovery (p=0.09) and 61% improved viral clearance (p=0.08). 120 patient RCT comparing vitamin D, nigella sativa, and combined vitamin D+nigella sativa, showing improved symptom recovery and viral clearance with both vitamin D and nigella sativa, and further improvements with the combination of bot..
Sep 19
2022
 Bin Abdulrahman et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph191811798 The Effect of Short Treatment with Nigella Sativa on Symptoms, the Cluster of Differentiation (CD) Profile, and Inflammatory Markers in Mild COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial
RCT 262 mild cases in Saudi Arabia, showing no significant difference in outcomes. The only symptomatic outcomes provided are for individual symptoms, with large differences in the baseline frequencies. 75 patients were lost to followup w..
Jul 11
2022
 Sherwani et al., Processes, doi:10.3390/pr10071346 Pharmacological Profile of Nigella sativa Seeds in Combating COVID-19 through In-Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies
In vitro study of nigella sativa's effect on oxidative stress, hemolysis, proteolysis, and glycation, and in silico study for SARS-CoV-2 antiviral potential, suggesting beneficial effects for COVID-19.
Jul 5
2022
 Chandra et al., Phytotherapy Research, doi:10.1002/ptr.7531 Efficacy of polyherbal formulations for prevention of COVID-19 infection in high-risk subjects: A randomized open-label controlled clinical trial
49% fewer cases (p=0.36). RCT 251 high-risk individuals in India, mostly with direct contact with COVID-19 positive patients, testing polyherbal formulations Infuza, which includes nigella sativa, and Kulzam. Both formulations showed lower risk, without statisical..
Jun 3
2022
 Setayesh et al., Integrative Medicine Research, doi:10.1016/j.imr.2022.100869 Efficacy of a Persian herbal medicine compound on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a randomized clinical trial
27% lower need for oxygen therapy (p=0.007) and 29% shorter hospitalization (p<0.0001). Small RCT 41 patients treated with nigella sativa, glycyrrhiza glabra, punica granatum, and rheum palmatum, and 41 control patients, showing shorter hospitalization with treatment.
May 7
2022
 Bencheqroun et al., Pathogens, doi:10.3390/pathogens11050551 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ThymoQuinone Formula (TQF) for Treating Outpatient SARS-CoV-2
9% faster improvement (p=0.78) and 43% improved viral clearance (p=0.31). 52 patient RCT in the USA with nigella sativa component thymoquinone, showing improved recovery with treatment. There was a significantly faster decline in the total symptom burden, and a significant increase in CD8+ and helper CD4+ centr..
Apr 20
2022
 Thomas et al., Toxicology Reports, doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.04.020 A phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety of thymoquinone -rich black cumin oil (BlaQmax®) on healthy subjects: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective study
Phase 1 trial of high thymoquinone content (5%) black cumin oil finding treatment to be safe without any major side effects or adverse events. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and increased H..
Feb 28
2022
 Shehab et al., Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, doi:10.4314/tjpr.v21i2.13 Immune-boosting effect of natural remedies and supplements on progress of, and recovery from COVID-19 infection
no change in severe cases (p=1). Retrospective survey-based analysis of 349 COVID-19 patients, showing no significant difference with nigella sativa prophylaxis in unadjusted analysis. REC/UG/2020/03.
Jan 24
2022
 Khan et al., Brazilian Journal of Biology, doi:10.1590/1519-6984.25066 Inhibitory effect of thymoquinone from Nigella sativa against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. An in-silico study
In silico analysis of thymoquinone from nigella sativa showing good binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Jan 1
2022
 Esharkawy et al., Bioorganic Chemistry, doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105587 In vitro Potential Antiviral SARS-CoV-19- Activity of Natural Product Thymohydroquinone and Dithymoquinone from Nigela sativia
In vitro and in silico study of nigella sativa components, showing anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at non-cytotoxic nanomolar concentrations for thymohydroquinone with selectivity index 1.4.
Dec 22
2021
 Banerjee et al., Natural Product Research, doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.2018430 Nigellidine (Nigella sativa, black-cumin seed) docking to SARS CoV-2 nsp3 and host inflammatory proteins may inhibit viral replication/transcription
In silico study showing nigella sativa docking to SARS CoV-2 Nsp3 and host inflammatory proteins, which may inhibit viral replication.
Oct 13
2021
 Rizvi et al., Processes, doi:10.3390/pr9101814 Identifying the Most Potent Dual-Targeting Compound(s) against 3CLprotease and NSP15exonuclease of SARS-CoV-2 from Nigella sativa: Virtual Screening via Physicochemical Properties, Docking and Dynamic Simulation Analysis
In silico study predicting that nigella sativa component dithymoquinone has good affinity and stability against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and NSP15, suggesting potential benefits for COVID-19 treatment.
Oct 4
2021
 Karimi et al., Phytotherapy Research, doi:10.1002/ptr.7277 Efficacy of Persian medicine herbal formulations (capsules and decoction) compared to standard care in patients with COVID-19, a multicenter open-labeled, randomized, controlled clinical trial
61% lower ICU admission (p=0.28), 70% shorter hospitalization (p=0.001), and 67% improved recovery (p=0.001). RCT 358 hospitalized patients in Iran, 184 receiving treatment with a combination of nigella sativa and several other herbal medicines, showing shorter hospitalization time and improved recovery with treatment. IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1399.024.
Sep 8
2021
 Mir et al., Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.09.002 Identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors from the major phytochemicals of Nigella sativa: An in silico approach
In silico study identifying phytochemicals from nigella sativa (α-hederin, dithymoquinone, negillicine, and negillidine) as potential SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors.
Aug 15
2021
 Koshak et al., Complementary Therapies in Medicine, doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102769 Nigella sativa for the treatment of COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled clinical trial
75% lower hospitalization (p=0.37) and 43% improved recovery (p=0.0002). RCT 183 mild COVID-19 outpatients in Saudi Arabia, 91 treated with Nigella Sativa, showing lower hospitalization and faster recovery with treatment. 500mg Nigella Sativa oil (MARNYS Cuminmar) twice daily for 10 days. NCT04401202.
Jul 27
2021
 Al-Gabri et al., International Journal of Nanomedicine, doi:10.2147/IJN.S314321 Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone and Its Nanoformulations in Pulmonary Injury: A Comprehensive Review
Review of thymoquinone (a component of nigella sativa) research, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties, application to lung conditions, and the potential advantages of nanoformulations on drug solubility, cellular ..
Jul 23
2021
 Ahmad et al., Vascular Pharmacology, doi:10.1016/j.vph.2021.106899 The potential role of thymoquinone in preventing the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19
Review of the potential role of thymoquinone (a component of nigella sativa) in minimizing cardiovascular complications of COVID-19.
Jul 23
2021
 Shad et al., Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, doi:10.1111/1440-1681.13553 The role of thymoquinone, a major constituent of Nigella sativa, in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases
Review of the pharmacological properties of nigella sativa and thymoquinone and application for a variety of diseases, focusing on recent studies of the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that are promising for diseases including ..
Jul 12
2021
 Hardianto et al., Indonesian Journal of Chemistry, doi:10.22146/ijc.65951 Exploring the Potency of Nigella sativa Seed in Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Using Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
In silico study showing nigella sativa metabolites binding to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
May 11
2021
 Aldwihi et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph18105086 Patients’ Behavior Regarding Dietary or Herbal Supplements before and during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
24% lower hospitalization (p=0.09). Retrospective survey-based analysis of 738 COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing lower hospitalization with vitamin C, turmeric, zinc, and nigella sativa, and higher hospitalization with vitamin D. For vitamin D, most patients contin..
May 5
2021
 Maiti et al., Research Square, doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-26464/v1 Active-site Molecular docking of Nigellidine to nucleocapsid/Nsp2/Nsp3/MPro of COVID-19 and to human IL1R and TNFR1/2 may stop viral-growth/cytokine-flood, and the drug source Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds show potent antioxidant role in experimental rats
In silico and animal study of nigella sativa and component nigellidine, showing nigellidine binding activity for several important SARS-CoV-2 proteins and for relevant host receptors; and that black cumin seed extract was antioxidative, h..
Mar 12
2021
 Duru et al., Bulletin of the National Research Centre, doi:10.1186/s42269-021-00517-x In silico identification of compounds from Nigella sativa seed oil as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 targets
In silico study of compounds from Nigella Sativa oil. Authors identify component phytochemicals with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyze binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 targets. Caryophyllene oxide, α-bergamotene, and β-bisa..
Mar 4
2021
 Fetian et al., Healthbook Times, doi:10.36000/hbT.2021.01.001 Response to Nigella sativa in Patients with Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19
Retrospective 35 patients treated with Nigella Sativa showing good outcomes and relatively fast recovery. There was no control group.
Jan 31
2021
 Al-Haidari et al., Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 15:1 Preventive Value of Black Seed in People at Risk of Infection with COVID-19
62% fewer symptomatic cases (p<0.0001). Prophylaxis study with 376 mostly high-risk patients, 188 treated with nigella sativa, showing significantly lower cases with treatment. Black seeds 40mg/kg orally once daily.
Jan 31
2021
 Al-Haidari et al., Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15:3 (date from preprint) Clinical Trial of Black Seeds Against COVID – 19 in Kirkuk City / Iraq
96% lower mortality (p=0.001) and 93% lower severe cases (p<0.0001). Open-label RCT with 419 patients in Iraq, 160 treated with Nigella Sativa, showing lower mortality and severe cases with treatment. Black seeds 40mg/kg orally once daily for 14 days.
Nov 3
2020
 Ashraf et al., Phytotherapy Research, doi:10.1002/ptr.7640 (date from preprint) Honey and Nigella sativa against COVID-19 in Pakistan (HNS-COVID-PK): A multi-center placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial
82% lower mortality (p=0.01), 84% improved recovery (p<0.0001), and 82% improved viral clearance (p<0.0001). RCT with 157 patients treated with honey and nigella sativa, and 156 control patients, showing significantly faster recovery and viral clearance. Honey (1gm/kg/day) plus encapsulated nigella sativa seeds (80mg/kg/day) orally in 2-3 divide..
Oct 15
2020
 El Sayed et al., Am J Blood Res., doi: Promising preventive and therapeutic effects of TaibUVID nutritional supplements for COVID-19 pandemic: towards better public prophylaxis and treatment (A retrospective study)
Small retrospective study of 20 patients in Egypt suggesting benefits of TaibUVID (nigella sativa, chamomile and honey) treatment.
Jul 10
2020
 Kulyar et al., Phytomedicine, doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153277 Potential influence of Nagella sativa (Black cumin) in reinforcing immune system: A hope to decelerate the COVID-19 pandemic
Review of immune-regulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits of nigella sativa, and potential benefits for COVID-19.
Jun 26
2020
 Ahmad et al., Phytotherapy Research, doi:10.1002/ptr.6793 Covid-19 and thymoquinone: Connecting the dots
Review of the potential benefits of thymoquinone (a component of nigella sativa) for COVID-19, recommending clinical trials.
Apr 2
2020
 Bouchentouf et al., ChemRxiv, doi:10.26434/chemrxiv.12055716.v1 Identification of Compounds from Nigella Sativa as New Potential Inhibitors of 2019 Novel Coronasvirus (Covid-19): Molecular Docking Study
In silico study of compounds from nigella sativa identifying nigellidine and α-Hederin as potential compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2.