Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have wondered whether natural remedies and supplements, such as biotin and magnesium, may help manage symptoms. Black seed oil is one supplement that’s being studied for its effects on MS symptoms.

The natural components of black seed oil are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Some researchers have investigated whether these properties may help shield nerve fibers against autoimmune damage from MS.

Black seed oil, like any natural remedy, isn’t a treatment for MS. There’s currently no scientific evidence that black seed oil improves MS symptoms, prevents relapses, or slows progression in people. Most of the studies so far on black seed oil related to multiple sclerosis symptoms come from laboratory or animal studies, although research is ongoing.

Read on to learn what black seed oil is and whether it’s safe for people with MS.

Does Black Seed Oil Reduce MS Symptoms?

Much of the research on black seed oil and MS is actually based on animal studies. These studies look at the effects of N. sativa on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (a rat model of MS). While these studies help researchers better understand potential treatments, results in animals do not always translate to the same benefits in humans.

Research shows that N. sativa improves symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats. It appears to increase the immune response, which reduces the severity of the disease in this animal model.

What Is It About Black Seed Oil That May Help With MS?

Thymoquinone is the main compound in black seeds researched for potential neuroprotective effects. This makes it of interest for diseases involving the central nervous system (CNS), such as MS.

A review of scientific research studies involving animals (mostly rats and mice), showed thymoquinone to be a natural neuroprotective agent. That may be due to the compound’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The theory is that these effects may help neurons function more effectively.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, thymoquinone has been shown to reduce apoptosis (cell death) of neurons in rats. Reducing cell death is important because the more neurons that survive, the better the CNS works.

These animal studies showed promising results around the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, and antioxidant protective effects of black seed oil. But they don’t prove that black seed oil is effective or safe for humans with MS.

Natural remedies have become increasingly popular with people living with chronic conditions, creating incentives for research to back up their claims. Further research involving clinical trials with humans diagnosed with MS are needed to better understand whether black seed oil is safe and offers benefits to people with MS.

MyMSTeam Members on Black Seed Oil

Some MyMSTeam members have reported positive experiences with black seed oil. One member said, “I’ve been taking it now for about three months, and I am shocked because I was skeptical.”

This member noted that their yearly checkup showed some lesions were shrinking, and they had improvements in their blood pressure, lipid panel (cholesterol), and A1c levels (blood sugar). Of course, it’s impossible to know whether these benefits stemmed directly from taking the supplement or from other factors.

Another member also described positive effects after taking black seed oil for one year. “I feel more energetic than ever,” they said. “My brain fog rarely flares up, and my left hand isn’t shaky now. I can’t tell you when the last random allover body tic happened, and that’s a good thing.”

More investigation is required to see whether black seed oil may directly benefit MS symptoms and whether it’s safe to take.

Is Black Seed Oil Safe?

Dietary supplements aren’t approved for safety or efficacy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as prescription medications. The FDA has not reviewed or approved black seed oil to treat medical conditions.

Black seed oil comes in liquid or capsule form. If you want to try black seed oil to help with your MS symptoms, talk to your neurologist first. A clinician can help you assess whether this makes sense for your particular MS symptoms. They can also ensure there are no possible black seed oil interactions with other medications you’re taking.

How Much Black Seed Oil Should I Take?

There isn’t an established dose or standard therapy protocol for taking black seed oil for MS. Your healthcare team can advise you on whether black seed oil is safe for you and recommend a dose to start with.

Make sure each doctor on your healthcare team knows about any natural remedies or supplements you are taking.

Potential Side Effects

Black seed oil may seem harmless because it’s “natural.” However, many supplements can cause side effects or dangerous interactions with medications you are taking. They may also not be safe for people with certain health conditions.

Black seed oil may cause side effects like:

• Slowed blood clotting and increased risk for bleeding in those with bleeding disorders
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in those with diabetes
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Interference with anesthesia during surgical procedures
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Nausea
• Nasal dryness
• Rash

These risks are based on very limited scientific research, as the supplement hasn’t been widely researched in humans. Risks may vary by dose, product, health conditions, and other medications.

Ask Your Care Team About Risks

Excessive amounts of any compound, potential contaminants added in production, or certain ingredients in supplements can sometimes harm the liver or kidneys. If you ingest too much black seed oil, your liver or kidneys may be damaged or unable to function properly.

Melanthin is a component of black seed oil that can be toxic at very high doses. Studies have confirmed that high doses of black seed oil can be toxic to animals.

As with taking any new medication or supplement for the first time, there’s also the potential for an allergic reaction. In addition, the components of black seed oil may interact with other medications or supplements you take. That’s why it’s so important to tell your doctor if you’re considering taking black seed oil for your MS.

Join the Conversation

On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you used black seed oil for your MS symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.