Black Seed for Cholesterol
Verdict: Published with Warning
Across 4 PubMed studies, the evidence for Black Seed in Cholesterol grades Tier B — preliminary evidence. Effective, but with safety or population caveats.
B 🟡 B Preliminary Evidence Published with Warning
Why this grade7-layer evidence engine
⚖️
Scoring transparency
All scores computed by a 7-layer evidence engine — fully auditableRaw score 0.53
D
C
B
A
S
← counter-evidence / ineffectiveeffective / strong evidence →
Final grade
B · Published with Warning
Confidence
77%
Broadly consistent
Evidence level
E2
Multiple high-quality MAs (≥2 independent, consistent)
▸View the full decision path (audit trail)
- compute_raw_score — 加權公式: L2×0.30 + L3×0.25 + L5×0.25 + L11×0.10 + L1×0.10 = 0.525
- tier_from_score — 依分數區間映射至 tier letter
- apply_hec_rules — 高品質 SR/MA 顯示 positive (4 篇 > 0 negative)
- tier_strict_requirement_check — Tier 條件達標，未降階
- detect_disputes — 偵測到 0 個 hard + 0 個 soft dispute
- decide_status — 依 tier + dispute 結果決定 status
PubMed studies (4)L2 · primary research & systematic reviews
Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
Finding: Across 17 RCTs, Nigella sativa significantly reduced total cholesterol (WMD -15.65 mg/dL, 95% CI -24.67 to -6.63), LDL-C (WMD -14.10 mg/dL, 95% CI -19.32 to -8.88) and triglycerides (WMD -20.64 mg/dL, 95% CI -30.29 to -11.00); HDL-C change was not significant (WMD 0.28 mg/dL, 95% CI -1.96 to 2.53). Seed oil produced larger TC and LDL-C reductions than powder, while an HDL-C rise was seen only with powder.
View on PubMed Effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on lipid profiles in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Finding: Across 34 studies (2278 participants), N. sativa significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD -1.78, 95% CI -2.20 to -1.37, p<0.001), LDL-C (SMD -2.45, 95% CI -3.06 to -1.85, p<0.001) and triglycerides (SMD -1.27, 95% CI -1.67 to -0.83, p<0.001), and significantly increased HDL-C (SMD 0.79, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.20, p<0.001). Authors suggest N. sativa as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.
View on PubMed Does Nigella sativa supplementation improve cardiovascular disease risk factors? A comprehensive GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 82 randomized controlled trials
Finding: Across 82 RCTs (5026 participants, published 2008-2024), N. sativa supplementation significantly improved total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and the TC/HDL-C ratio. Dose-response analysis identified ~3000 mg/day over 12 weeks as maximizing benefit; authors conclude N. sativa could be a promising adjunct therapy for CVD risk factors. Published in Pharmacological Research.
View on PubMed Nigella sativa and health outcomes: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Finding: Eight meta-analyses examined lipids: six found N. sativa reduced total cholesterol and six showed LDL-C reductions; triglyceride results were mixed (seven reductions, four no change); only one of six showed HDL-C improvement. Critically, of 110 outcome indicators only five were rated moderate-quality, 17 low and 88 very-low quality, with downgrades for risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecision.
View on PubMed Regulatory & authoritative positionsL4/L5 · FDA / EMA / NIH ODS / Cochrane / Mayo …
L4a US FDA
Cautious
black cumin (black caraway), Nigella sativa L. — listed as a spice and other natural seasoning and flavoring (21 CFR 182.10), GRAS source↗
L4b EU EFSA
Neutral
L4d TW TFDA / 衛福部
Neutral
黑種草能食用的部位是黑種草籽油，只要適量食用，不會有特別的風險。 source↗
L5a NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Cautious
L5e Specialty Society (condition-mapped)
Against