PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 17 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Nigella arvensis is a medicinal herb used traditionally as a galactogogue and anti-inflammatory remedy [PMID:30000936, PMID:28553226].
Background
Nigella arvensis is a species of the genus Nigella (Family Ranunculaceae) found in regions including the Aegean archipelago, Greece, and Turkey [PMID:37598984, PMID:19459745].
Traditional uses
It has been used orally as a galactogogue in India, Türkiye, and the Middle East [PMID:30000936], and is widely used as an anti-inflammatory remedy in the traditional medicine of Northern Africa [PMID:28553226]. In Turkey, it is also used for aphrodisiac effects [PMID:26281312].
Active compounds
The seeds contain proteins (albumin, globulin, glutein-1, glutein-2, and prolamin) [PMID:28407892], amino acids including L-aspartic acid, L-leucine, L-valine, and L-tyrosine [PMID:39916614], and phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol [PMID:28553226]. Other identified constituents include glaucine, quercetin, kaempferol [PMID:32613127], flavonoids, and phenolic compounds [PMID:28541741].
Mechanism of action
β-sitosterol from N. arvensis seed extracts inhibits the expression of the pro-inflammatory neutrophil chemokine Interleukin (IL)-8 in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa [PMID:28553226]. Seed extracts also stimulate Na+ transport in renal epithelia, an effect caused by adenosine [PMID:12409499].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DLactation (Galactogogue)
No scientifically valid clinical trials support this use in humans; one study showed a slight increase in serum prolactin compared to placebo, but no evidence of growth promotion in infants [PMID:30000936].
Evidence DBacterial/Yeast Infections
Chloroform extracts of N. arvensis demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast strains in vitro [PMID:19459745].
Safety & adverse effects
Limited information indicates the herb is generally well tolerated, though black seed oil can cause allergic contact dermatitis [PMID:30000936]. In vitro testing of extracts (water, methanol, and chloroform) was conducted for cyto- and genotoxic potentials in rat kidney cells and Salmonella typhimurium [PMID:26281312].
Pregnancy & lactation
Used traditionally as a galactogogue [PMID:30000936]. However, no data exist on the excretion of components into breastmilk or the safety and efficacy of the herb in infants [PMID:30000936].
Evidence summary
The available evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, phytochemical analyses, and traditional use reports; there is a lack of scientifically valid human clinical trials.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000936 (2006) — Biological Potentials and Phytochemical Constituents of Raw and Roasted Nigella arvensis and Nigella sativa. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 28407892 (2017) — Molecular characterization and bio-functional property determination using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC of protein fractions from two Nigella species. · Food chemistry
- 3.PMID: 34715233 (2022) — Uptake, translocation, phytotoxicity, and hormetic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in Nigella arvensis L. · The Science of the total environment
- 4.PMID: 37598984 (2023) — Phylogenomic and population genomic analyses reveal the spatial-temporal dynamics of diversification of the Nigella arvensis complex (Ranunculaceae) in the Aegean archipelago. · Molecular phylogenetics and evolution
- 5.PMID: 39916614 (2025) — Comparative Chromatographic Analysis of Amino Acids in the Seeds of Three Nigella L. Representatives.