Topical black seed oil has been studied for changes in vitiligo severity. A six-month trial offers a closer look at the oil’s skin-research potential.
Study design
Randomised, double-blind trial; 52 eligible participants; topical Nigella oil versus topical fish oil; six months.
Reported findings
In a 2014 report, 52 participants used topical Nigella sativa oil or fish oil twice daily for six months. The mean Vitiligo Area Scoring Index fell from 4.98 to 3.75 in the Nigella group and from 4.98 to 4.62 in the fish-oil group.
Interpreting the result
This was a small study with an active-oil comparator. It does not show complete repigmentation, sustained benefit after treatment stops, or equivalence to established care. Results for topical application do not demonstrate effects from oral supplementation.
Why this study is useful
The trial assessed oil applied to skin, with fish oil as the comparison. Its group-average improvement describes a change in severity rather than complete repigmentation. This distinction keeps the focus on the outcome researchers actually observed.
Source
Ghorbanibirgani A, Khalili A, Rokhafrooz D. Comparing Nigella sativa Oil and Fish Oil in Treatment of Vitiligo. (2014).
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