Herb
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION: No Human Data—No Relevant Animal Data
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION: No Human Data—Probably Compatible
PREGNANCY SUMMARY
There are no animal or human pregnancy data for the seeds of Nigella sativa (black seed/kalanji) or its active ingredients. However, one animal study did show a protective effect of thymoquinone in pregnant diabetic mice. Hepatotoxicity has been observed in some animal tests and the oil can cause contact dermatitis. Because of its use since antiquity, it is unlikely that black seed/kalanji causes teratogenicity. However, its use to stimulate menstruation and its potential contraceptive properties suggests that the product should be avoided in pregnancy.
FETAL RISK SUMMARY
The seeds of the annual plant N. sativa, commonly known as black seed or kalanji, have been used as a medicine and food or spice for several thousand years in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and India. The seeds contain a large number of compounds, including fixed oils, proteins, alkaloids, saponin, fatty acids, vitamin C, minerals, and essential oil. The main active constituents are thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol (1,2).
The seeds and/or their active constituents have been used for numerous diseases and conditions and are thought to have beneficial effects on the respiratory, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. They also are claimed to have anticancer effects and have been used for their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihypertensive, broad-spectrum antimicrobial, and anthelmintic properties. However, there are few clinical studies of these uses, and information on the doses taken is lacking. In women, the seeds have been used to stimulate menstruation and increase milk flow (1,2).
Animal reproduction tests with the seeds or its active compounds have not been conducted. However, in a study of pregnant mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, thymoquinone (10 mg/kg/day) was shown to reduce the rate of malformations (3). Moreover, studies in rats and guinea pigs with the volatile oil of N. sativa have shown anti-oxytocic potential by inhibiting spontaneous uterine contractions and to have a potential contraceptive effect (1,2,4).
It is not known if any of the active constituents or other compounds found in the seeds of N. sativa cross the placenta.
BREASTFEEDING SUMMARY
No reports describing the use of black seed/kalanji during breastfeeding have been located. The seeds of N. sativa have been used for thousands of years and it is unlikely that they cause significant toxicity in a nursing infant. The product has been used to increase milk flow but, apparently, there are no clinical studies to support this claim (1,2).
References
1.Kalanji. In The Review of Natural Medicines. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Health, 2008.
2.Black Seed. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 10th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2008:191–2.
3.Al-Enazi MM. Effect of thymoquinone on malformations and oxidative stress-induced diabetic mice. Pakistan J Biological Sci 2007;10:3115–9.
4.Aqel M, Shaheen R. Effects of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds on the uterine smooth muscle of rat and guinea pig. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;52:23–6.