Plant Comparison
Tea vs Black Cumin
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Tea and Black Cumin: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, blood sugar / diabetes support, cancer (anticancer research), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Tea | Black Cumin | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Blood sugar / diabetes support | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 8/10 | 7/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Metabolic support | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Principal antioxidant polyphenols, most concentrated in minimally oxidised green tea; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the best studied.
Caffeine gives tea its mild stimulant effect; L-theanine, a unique amino acid, is associated with calm alertness and modulates caffeine's effects.
Oxidative polymerisation products of catechins formed during black tea processing, contributing to black tea's colour and its own antioxidant profile.
The principal bioactive constituent of the seed oil, responsible for much of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
The aromatic fraction of the seed, contributing antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
The bulk lipid fraction of the seed (roughly a third of seed weight by weight), the carrier for the fat-soluble thymoquinone.
Minor isoquinoline-type alkaloids studied for antioxidant activity.
Triterpene saponin studied for anticancer and antiparasitic activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally safe in moderate consumption. High caffeine intake may cause insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, or dependence. Large amounts of green tea extract supplements may be hepatotoxic (rare). May reduce iron absorption if consumed with meals. Avoid very high supplement doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates tea (Camellia sinensis) as ++ and notes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, anticariogenic, and antibacterial activities at the experimental level (score 1). The catechins (EGCG, ECG) and polyphenols are responsible for the antioxidant and anticancer properties under research investigation. Duke notes that green tea preserves more polyphenols than black tea due to less oxidation. Regular tea consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. Excess consumption (>10 cups daily) may cause fluoride-related bone changes. Caffeine content is relevant for sleep disturbance, anxiety, and interactions with cardiovascular medications (Duke, 2002).
Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 200 mg/day of oil for 90 days. Potential side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects. May interact with immunosuppressants and antidiabetic medications. Allergic reactions possible in sensitive individuals. Consult healthcare provider before use, especially with concurrent medications.
Duke (2002) describes black cumin (Nigella sativa) as one of the most multi-active medicinal spices, with experimental evidence for bronchodilation, immunostimulation, hepatoprotection, and antihistaminic activity. The prophet Muhammad reportedly described it as 'a cure for all things except death.' Key bioactive compounds include thymoquinone and nigellone. Antihistaminic and bronchodilatory activity supports its traditional use in asthma and allergic conditions. Duke notes it is generally safe at culinary amounts but recommends caution with medicinal doses in pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green, leathery, finely toothed leaves. Small, fragrant, white flowers with a prominent central boss of yellow stamens are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils. Commercial tea is made from the young leaves and unopened leaf buds ('sprouts'), processed differently to yield green, black, white or oolong tea from the same species.[15]
Annual herb (Ranunculaceae), 20-90 cm tall, with an erect, branched stem and finely divided, pinnately dissected, fern-like leaves. Delicate pale blue-white (occasionally pale purple) flowers, each with 5-10 petal-like sepals, are surrounded by a feathery bract collar. The fruit is an inflated, many-celled capsule that dries and splits to release numerous small, black, angular seeds - the medicinal part.[1]
Habitat
Native to the subtropical and tropical forests and hillsides of East and South Asia (China, India, Myanmar); cultivated extensively across Asia, Africa and elsewhere on well-drained, acidic upland soils.[15]
Native to the Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa, and widely cultivated as a spice and medicinal crop across the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa; grows in cultivated fields and on disturbed ground.[1]
Harvesting
The youngest leaves and unopened leaf buds ('flush') are hand- or machine-picked repeatedly through the growing season; how the fresh leaf is subsequently processed (withered, rolled, oxidised, fixed and dried) determines whether it becomes green, black, white or oolong tea.[15]
Seed capsules are harvested once dried and brown (late summer), then threshed to release the small black seeds. Seed is stored whole and either used directly or cold-pressed for oil shortly before use to preserve the volatile thymoquinone-rich fraction.[1]
Traditional Uses
One of the most celebrated medicinal seeds in Middle Eastern and Islamic traditional medicine - known as 'Habbatul Barakah' (the blessed seed) - black seed has traditionally been used for digestive complaints, respiratory conditions (asthma, cough), pain, inflammation, skin conditions and as a general tonic. Modern research on its principal constituent thymoquinone supports broad anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory activity.[1, 2, 9]
Preparations
Young leaf, minimally oxidised, infused in hot water; the least-processed and most-studied form for antioxidant polyphenol content.
Concentrated leaf extract standardised to catechin (e.g. EGCG) content, taken as capsules; used in some clinical studies, though high-dose extracts carry rare hepatotoxicity concerns.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph on green tea leaf (Camelliae sinensis non fermentatum folium) gives, for adults and elderly, 1.8-2.2 g of the whole or comminuted leaf in 100-150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 3-5 times daily; a powdered herbal substance at 390 mg three times daily (up to 5 if necessary) is also listed. Contraindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers, cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and arrhythmia, and hyperthyroidism. Not recommended under 18 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Mancini, E., Beglinger, C., Drewe, J., Zanchi, D. et al (2017) 'Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review', Phytomedicine, 34, pp. 26-37. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008 - Musial, C., Kuban-Jankowska, A. and Gorska-Ponikowska, M (2020) 'Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(5), pp. 1744. doi:10.3390/ijms21051744 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051744 - Ohishi, T., Goto, S., Monira, P., Isemura, M. and Nakamura, Y (2016) 'Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea', Anti-inflammatory & Anti-allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(2), pp. 74-90. doi:10.2174/1871523015666160915154443 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871523015666160915154443 - Zhao, T., Li, C., Wang, S. and Song, X (2022) 'Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology', Molecules, 27(12), pp. 3909. doi:10.3390/molecules27123909 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123909 - Filippini, T., Malavolti, M., Borrelli, F., Izzo, A.A., Fairweather-Tait, S.J., Horneber, M. and Vinceti, M (2020) 'Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), pp. CD005004. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3 - Prasanth, M.I., Sivamaruthi, B.S., Chaiyasut, C. and Tencomnao, T (2019) 'A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy', Nutrients, 11(2), pp. 474. doi:10.3390/nu11020474 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020474 - Bedrood, Z., Rameshrad, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'Toxicological effects of Camellia sinensis (green tea): A review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), pp. 1163-1180. doi:10.1002/ptr.6063 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6063 - Hamilton-Miller, J.M.T (2001) 'Anti-cariogenic properties of tea (Camellia sinensis)', Journal of Medical Microbiology, 50(4), pp. 299-302. doi:10.1099/0022-1317-50-4-299 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1099/0022-1317-50-4-299 - Conde, V.R., Alves, M.G., Oliveira, P.F. and Silva, B.M (2015) 'Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)): a putative anticancer agent in bladder carcinoma?', Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(1), pp. 26-36. doi:10.2174/1566524014666141203143143 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1566524014666141203143143 - Moore, R.J., Jackson, K.G. and Minihane, A.M (2009) 'Green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins and vascular function', British Journal of Nutrition, 102(12), pp. 1790-1802. doi:10.1017/S0007114509991218 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114509991218 - Gaur, R. and Bao, G.H (2021) 'Chemistry and Pharmacology of Natural Catechins from Camellia sinensis as Anti-MRSA Agents', Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(17), pp. 1519-1537. doi:10.2174/1568026621666210524100632 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026621666210524100632 - Tafazoli, A. and Tafazoli Moghadam, E (2020) 'Camellia Sinensis Mouthwashes in Oral Care: a Systematic Review', Journal of Dentistry (Shiraz), 21(4), pp. 249-262. doi:10.30476/DENTJODS.2020.83204.1045 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.30476/DENTJODS.2020.83204.1045 - Albassam, A.A. and Markowitz, J.S (2017) 'An Appraisal of Drug-Drug Interactions with Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)', Planta Medica, 83(6), pp. 496-508. doi:10.1055/s-0043-100934 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-100934 - Gramza-Michalowska, A (2014) 'Caffeine in tea Camellia sinensis - content, absorption, benefits and risks of consumption', Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 18(2), pp. 143-149. doi:10.1007/s12603-013-0404-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-013-0404-1 - Chacko, S.M. et al (2010) 'Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Beneficial%20effects%20of%20green%20tea%3A%20a%20literature%20review - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2013) 'Community herbal monograph on Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, non fermentatum folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-camellia-sinensis-l-kuntze-non-fermentatum-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-camellia-sinensis-l-kuntze-non-fermentatum-folium_en.pdf - Drake, V.J (2015) 'Tea catechins and cardiovascular disease risk', 74(1), pp. 39--46. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Tea%20catechins%20and%20cardiovascular%20disease%20risk - Nobre, A.C., Rao, A. and Owen, G.N (2008) 'L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state', pp. 167--168. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=L-theanine%2C%20a%20natural%20constituent%20in%20tea%2C%20and%20its%20effect%20on%20mental%20state - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Misaka, S., Yatabe, J., Muller, F., Takano, K., Kawabe, K., Glaeser, H., Yatabe, M.S., Onoue, S., Werba, J.P., Watanabe, H., Yamada, S., Fromm, M.F. and Kimura, J (2014) 'Green tea ingestion greatly reduces plasma concentrations of nadolol in healthy subjects', Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 95(4), pp. 432-438. doi:10.1038/clpt.2013.241 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2013.241 - Werba, J.P., Misaka, S., Giroli, M.G., Shimomura, K., Amato, M., Simonelli, N., Vigo, L. and Tremoli, E (2018) 'Update of green tea interactions with cardiovascular drugs and putative mechanisms', Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 26(2S), pp. S72-S77. doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2018.01.008 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2018.01.008
- Hannan, M.A., Rahman, M.A., Sohag, A.A.M., Uddin, M.J., Dash, R., Sikder, M.H., Rahman, M.S., Timalsina, B., Munni, Y.A. and Sarker, P.P (2021) 'Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety', Nutrients, 13(6), pp. 1784. doi:10.3390/nu13061784 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061784 - Ahmad, A., Husain, A., Mujeeb, M., Khan, S.A., Najmi, A.K., Siddique, N.A., Damanhouri, Z.A. and Anwar, F (2013) 'A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb', Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(5), pp. 337-352. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1 - Chatterjee, G., Saha, A.K., Khurshid, S. and Saha, A (2025) 'A Comprehensive Review of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Therapeutic Efficacies of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seed Oil and Its Thymoquinone', Journal of Medicinal Food, 28(4), pp. 325-339. doi:10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0149 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0149 - Majdalawieh, A.F. and Fayyad, M.W (2015) 'Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone: A comprehensive review', International Immunopharmacology, 28(1), pp. 295-304. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.023 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.023 - Shaukat, A., Zaidi, A., Anwar, H. and Kizilbash, N (2023) 'Mechanism of the antidiabetic action of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: a review', Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, pp. 1126272. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1126272 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1126272 - Beheshti, F., Khazaei, M. and Hosseini, M (2016) 'Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa', Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 6(1), pp. 104-116. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Neuropharmacological%20effects%20of%20Nigella%20sativa - Shafiq, H., Ahmad, A., Masud, T. and Kaleem, M (2014) 'Cardio-protective and anti-cancer therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa', Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 17(12), pp. 967-979. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cardio-protective%20and%20anti-cancer%20therapeutic%20potential%20of%20Nigella%20sativa - Bordoni, L., Fedeli, D., Nasuti, C., Maggi, F., Papa, F., Wabitsch, M., De Caterina, R. and Gabbianelli, R (2019) 'Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nigella sativa Oil in Human Pre-Adipocytes', Antioxidants, 8(2), pp. 51. doi:10.3390/antiox8020051 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8020051 - Gholamnezhad, Z., Havakhah, S. and Boskabady, M.H (2016) 'Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 190, pp. 372-386. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.061 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.061 - Ali, B.H. and Blunden, G (2003) 'Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa', Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), pp. 299-305. doi:10.1002/ptr.1309 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1309 - Al-Attass, S.A., Zahran, F.M. and Turkistany, S.A (2016) 'Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone in oral health', Saudi Medical Journal, 37(3), pp. 235-244. doi:10.15537/smj.2016.3.13006 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2016.3.13006 - Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3 (2013) ';3(5):337-352', 3(5). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3642442/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3642442/ - Darakhshan S, Bidmeshki Pour A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Sisakhtnezhad S. Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;95-96:138-158. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387230/ (2015) ';95-96:138-158'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387230/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387230/ - Forouzanfar F, Bazzaz BSF, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of ethnobotany, phytochemistry, antimicrobial pharmacology and toxicology of Nigella sativa L. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;142:112040. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009665 (2021) ';142:112040'. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009665 Traditional / reference
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009665 - Gholamnezhad Z, Keyhanmanesh R, Boskabady MH. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory aspects of Nigella sativa for its preventive and bronchodilatory effects on obstructive respiratory diseases. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;136:111240. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002778 (2021) ';136:111240'. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002778 Traditional / reference
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002778 - Hannan MA, Rahman MA, Sohag AAM, et al. Black cumin (2021) ';13(6):1784', 13(6). doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.625386/full Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.625386/full - Kooti W, Hasanzadeh-Noohi Z, Sharafi-Ahvazi N, et al. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of black seed (2016) ';22(3):231-237', 22(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225153/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225153/ - Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on clinical trials of black seed (2017) ';20(3):179-193', 20(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5633670/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5633670/ - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Saadati, S., Naseri, K., Asbaghi, O., Abhari, K., Zhang, P., Li, H.B. and Gan, R.Y (2022) 'Nigella sativa supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, pp. 977756. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.977756 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.977756 - Willcox, M.L., Elugbaju, C., Al-Anbaki, M., Lown, M. and Graz, B (2021) 'Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 777561. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 - Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara, R., Golzarand, M., Ghaffari, M.P. and Djafarian, K (2017) 'Nigella sativa improves glucose homeostasis and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 35, pp. 6-13. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.016 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.016 - Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L.E., Derosa, G., Maffioli, P. and Parati, G (2016) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure', Journal of Hypertension, 34(11), pp. 2127-2135. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 - Kavyani, Z., Musazadeh, V., Safaei, E., Mohammadi Asmaroud, M., Khashakichafi, F., Ahrabi, S.S. and Dehghan, P (2023) 'Antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa supplementation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Phytotherapy Research, 37(8), pp. 3224-3238. doi:10.1002/ptr.7891 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7891
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.