Joint pain, loss of mobility, functional impairment… osteoarthritis significantly impacts quality of life. In light of the limitations of current treatments, certain natural remedies are drawing attention, including Nigella sativa (black seed) oil. To what extent can it relieve arthritic pain? Find out here.
Nigella sativa oil and osteoarthritis: what effect can one expect?
Summary
Published on February 6, 2026, updated on February 6, 2026, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 8 min of reading
Themes:
21.2%
American adults aged 18 and older suffer from clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis.
53.2 million
Americans aged 18 years and older suffer from clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis.
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An effect of Nigella sativa oil on osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by a progressive deterioration of the cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of the bones. As this cartilage thins and cracks, the joint loses its shock-absorbing capacity, leading to mechanical pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and sometimes joint deformities. Contrary to a long-held belief, osteoarthritis does not result solely from age-related wear. Multiple factors contribute to the development of this disease. In addition to aging, excess body weight, repetitive mechanical stress, joint injuries, certain anatomical abnormalities, and genetic predispositions all play an important role.
From a pathophysiological perspective, osteoarthritis is accompanied by low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress that is significant enough to disrupt the balance between cartilage synthesis and degradation.
The black seed oil is sometimes considered a natural remedy to alleviate joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These effects are largely attributed to thymoquinone, its main bioactive compound. Mechanistically, thymoquinone can inhibit the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB, leading to reduced production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators involved in pain and cartilage degradation. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties help limit the formation of free radicals, unstable molecules that accelerate cartilage breakdown.
By reducing both low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative damage, Nigella sativa oil could be useful in osteoarthritis.
Several studies have relied on animal models to explore the effects of the Nigella sativa oil on joint inflammation and pain. One study thus focused on the preventive efficacy of black cumin oil in a polyarthritis model induced in rats by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), an experimental model classically used to reproduce chronic joint inflammation. Nigella sativa oil was administered orally for 25 days at two different doses (0.91 and 1.82 mL/kg), compared to a group treated with indomethacin, a reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The results show that Nigella sativa oil significantly reduces joint edema, the arthritis score, and certain pain-related behavioral alterations. Biologically, a decrease in systemic inflammatory markers, notably interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, was also observed.
Effect of Nigella sativa oil on the percentage inhibition of arthritis in rats.
Source: GABBIANELLI R. & al. Anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive activities of Nigella sativa oil in a rat model of arthritis. Antioxidants (2019).
The protective effect was dose-dependent, with the highest dose preventing the development of arthritis by about 56%. Nevertheless, efficacy remained lower than that of indomethacin, underscoring a real but moderate anti-inflammatory effect.
These experimental data were subsequently supplemented by several clinical studies conducted in patients suffering from joint pain. The results of the main available clinical studies are summarized in the table below.
| Study | Number of volunteers | Form of Nigella used | Study duration | Results | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KENAWY & al. (2011) | 40 women with rheumatoid arthritis | Nigella sativa oil capsules (500 mg twice daily) | 1 month of placebo + 1 month of Nigella sativa | Significant reduction in the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28). Reduction in the number of swollen joints and in the duration of morning stiffness. Clinical response was observed in 42.5% of patients according to the ACR20 criterion (20% reduction in the number of swollen or tender joints). | Non-randomized study without a control group. Population exclusively female. Study on rheumatoid arthritis rather than osteoarthritis. Effect evaluated only in the short term. |
| HADI & al. (2016) | 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis | Nigella sativa oil capsules (500 mg twice daily) | 8 weeks | Significant increase in IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine). Decrease in oxidative stress with a reduction in MDA (a biomarker used to estimate lipid peroxidation). | Study conducted on rheumatoid arthritis rather than osteoarthritis. Lacks direct clinical criteria (pain, stiffness, joint function). Modest sample size and limited duration. |
| KIANBAKHT & al. (2022) | 116 patients with knee osteoarthritis | Nigella sativa oil administered orally (2.5 mL every 8 hours) | 1 month | Significant reductions in pain intensity (-34%) and symptom severity (-28%) compared to placebo. Reduced acetaminophen use and improved patient satisfaction. No adverse effects reported. | Short duration (1 month). Only a single site studied (knee). High dosage not easily translatable to routine use. No long-term follow-up on osteoarthritis progression. |
Synthesis of clinical data on Nigella sativa oil for joint pain.
Black cumin seed oil thus appears promising for joint pain, notably due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties linked to thymoquinone. Animal experimental data show a reduction in inflammation and pain, while several clinical trials suggest a modest but real benefit on pain and joint function, particularly in knee osteoarthritis. These results support considering black cumin seed oil for joint pain as a potential adjunct, without, however, regarding it as an alternative to validated medical treatments. Indeed, the studies remain heterogeneous, often of short duration and involving high dosages, which limits extrapolation to routine use.
In this context, black cumin seed oil for knee pain may be considered in certain patients as part of a supervised and individualized approach, in addition to the recommended measures (appropriate physical activity, weight management, symptomatic treatments), and after consultation with a healthcare professional.
Sources
KENAWY S. A. & al. Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: A placebo controlled study. Phytotherapy Research (2011).
HADI V. & al. Effects of Nigella sativa oil extract on inflammatory cytokine response and oxidative stress status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Phytomedicine (2016).
GABBIANELLI R. & al. Anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive activities of Nigella sativa oil in a rat model of arthritis. Antioxidants (2019).
KIANBAKHT S. & al. Efficacy and safety of oral Nigella sativa oil for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2022).
SETH P. & al. Prevalence of diagnosed arthritis — United States, 2019–2021. Morbidity and Mortality (2023).
