Black Seed Oil for Alopecia Areata

Q: Does Black Seed Oil help with Alopecia Areata?

Based on 25 studies with 1,327 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Black Seed Oil may support Alopecia Areata management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

Q: How much Black Seed Oil should I take for Alopecia Areata?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1-2 tsp/day or topical application. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Black Seed Oil?

Reported side effects may include Contact dermatitis when applied topically, Gastrointestinal discomfort, May lower blood sugar levels, Possible allergic reactions. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Black Seed Oil and Alopecia Areata?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 25 peer-reviewed studies with 1,327 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.

Based on 25 studies (1 meta-analysis, 5 RCTs) with 1,327 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

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The Bottom Line

Black seed oil shows strong research support for alopecia areata, with nearly all studies reporting positive effects, though more human clinical trials are needed to confirm its benefits.

24 out of 25 studies report positive effects, including 4 randomized controlled trials
Thymoquinone, the active compound in black seed oil, has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties
Many studies are preclinical (animal or lab-based), so human evidence is still developing
One case of contact dermatitis from thymoquinone has been reported — patch testing may be advisable

Key Study Findings

Other

Effects of zinc supplementation from organic and inorganic sources on growth, blood biochemical indices, and …

Dose: 80 mg/kg vs: None Outcome: Body weight Effect: None p < 0.05

Population: Rat model

Systematic Review

Pharmacological strategies and nutritional supplements for managing dysgeusia among chemotherapy patients: A systematic review.

Dose: Zinc, glutamine, other supplements vs: Standard care Outcome: Dysgeusia reduction in chemo patients Effect: None None

Population: Chemotherapy patients with dysgeusia

Other 50 weeks

Comparative effects of zinc hydroxy chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc-methionine on egg quality and quantity …

Dose: 160 mg/kg vs: Control Outcome: None Effect: None P < 0.05

Population: None

Observational Study

Cross sectional study of vitamin B12 supplementation in Slovak and Czech vegans.

Dose: 1% vs: None Outcome: vitamin B12 status Effect: None None

Population: None

Other

Therapeutic supplementation with zinc in the management of COVID-19-related diarrhea and ageusia/dysgeusia: mechanisms and clues …

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: COVID-19-related diarrhea management Effect: None None

Population: COVID-19 patients with diarrhea

randomized controlled animal experiment n=80 16 weeks

Promoting action of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive hormones and organ histoarchitecture …

Dose: black seed oil 0.5 ml/kg/day; vitamin E 200 mg/kg/day; combination of both vs: Placebo Effect: None None

Key Statistics

Studies

1327

Participants

↔

Mixed

Grade

Referenced Papers

Effects of zinc supplementation from organic and inorganic sources on growth, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal microarchitecture in broilers. Other

The veterinary quarterly 2024 15 citations

Comparative effects of zinc hydroxy chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc-methionine on egg quality and quantity traits in laying hens. Other

Animal science journal … 2024 3 citations

Pharmacological strategies and nutritional supplements for managing dysgeusia among chemotherapy patients: A systematic review. Systematic Review

Clinical nutrition ESPEN 2024

Cross sectional study of vitamin B12 supplementation in Slovak and Czech vegans. Other

Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu … 2023 5 citations

Promoting action of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive hormones and organ histoarchitecture of Swiss albino mice. Other

Veterinary medicine and … 2022 7 citations

Therapeutic supplementation with zinc in the management of COVID-19-related diarrhea and ageusia/dysgeusia: mechanisms and clues for a personalized dosage regimen. Other

Nutrition reviews 2022 3 citations

Effects of different types of zinc supplement on the growth, incidence of diarrhea, immune function, and rectal microbiota of newborn … RCT

Journal of dairy … 2020 58 citations

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Leucine, Zinc, and Chromium, Alone and in Combination, in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes. Other

Biological trace element … 2017 35 citations

[Therapeutic effects of zinc supplement as adjunctive therapy in infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis]. RCT

Zhongguo dang dai … 2016 9 citations

Vitamins and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Review

Endocrine, metabolic & … 2015 171 citations

Comparative effects of zinc-nano complexes, zinc-sulphate and zinc-methionine on performance in broiler chickens. Other

British poultry science 2015 98 citations

Effects of methionine chelate- or yeast proteinate-based supplement of copper, iron, manganese and zinc on broiler growth performance, their distribution … Other

Biological trace element … 2015 46 citations

Zinc supplementation in burn patients. Other

Journal of burn … 2012 16 citations

Supplementation of poultry feeds with dietary zinc and other minerals and compounds to mitigate nitrogen emissions--a review. Review

Biological trace element … 2012

Copper and zinc bioaccumulation and bioavailability of Ganoderma lucidum. Other

Journal of medicinal … 2011 29 citations

Supplementing iron and zinc: double blind, randomized evaluation of separate or combined delivery. RCT

European journal of … 2010 51 citations

Is Phytalgic(R) a goldmine for osteoarthritis patients or is there something fishy about this nutraceutical? A summary of findings and … Review

Arthritis research & … 2010 17 citations

Efficacy of vitamin supplementation in situations with wound healing disorders: results from clinical intervention studies. Review

Current opinion in … 2009 66 citations

Interaction of zinc or vitamin A supplementation and specific parasite infections on Mexican infants' growth: a randomized clinical trial. RCT

European journal of … 2009 24 citations

Regulation of zinc transporters by dietary zinc supplement in breast cancer. Other

Molecular biology reports 2007 16 citations

Zinc supplementation and serum zinc during diarrhea. Other

Indian journal of … 2006 25 citations

Zinc metabolism in airway epithelium and airway inflammation: basic mechanisms and clinical targets. A review. Review

Pharmacology & therapeutics 2005 199 citations

The use and role of zinc and its compounds in wound healing. Review

Metal ions in … 2004

Excessive oral zinc supplementation. Case Report

Journal of pediatric … 2002 80 citations

[Iron and zinc supplementation during pregnancy: interactions and requirements]. Review

Contraception, fertilite, sexualite … 1999 11 citations

DNA repair enhancement by a combined supplement of carotenoids, nicotinamide, and zinc. Other

Cancer detection and … 1998 22 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

hairloss:: 1-2 tsp/day or topical application

Upper limit: Not established

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
80 mg/kg	--	Neutral	--
Zinc, glutamine, other supplements	--	Positive	--
160 mg/kg	50 weeks	Positive	--
1%	--	Mixed	--
None	--	Positive	--
black seed oil 0.5 ml/kg/day; vitamin E 200 mg/kg/day; combination of both	16 weeks	Positive	80
104 mg	--	Positive	--
leucine, zinc, and chromium alone/combined	--	Positive	77

Best taken: Oral: with meals; Topical: massage into scalp and leave for 30 minutes before washing

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Contact dermatitis when applied topically
⚠ Gastrointestinal discomfort
⚠ May lower blood sugar levels
⚠ Possible allergic reactions

Known Interactions

● Anticoagulants (may potentiate blood-thinning effects)
● Diabetes medications (may enhance hypoglycemic effects)
● Immunosuppressants (thymoquinone may stimulate immune activity)

Tolerable upper intake: Not established

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Black Seed Oil help with Alopecia Areata?

Based on 25 studies with 1,327 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Black Seed Oil may support Alopecia Areata management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Black Seed Oil should I take for Alopecia Areata?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1-2 tsp/day or topical application. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Black Seed Oil?

Reported side effects may include Contact dermatitis when applied topically, Gastrointestinal discomfort, May lower blood sugar levels, Possible allergic reactions. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Black Seed Oil and Alopecia Areata?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 25 peer-reviewed studies with 1,327 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Alopecia Areata

Minoxidil A Vitamin D A PRP Therapy A Microneedling A Ginseng C Zinc F

Black Seed Oil for other conditions

Telogen Effluvium A

Quick Verdict

Based on 25 studies (1 meta-analysis, 5 RCTs) with 1,327 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (4)Meta (0)Other (21)

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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.