Plant Comparison
Black Cumin vs Marjoram
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
Black Cumin and Marjoram: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Black Cumin | Marjoram | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Bloating | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Indigestion | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Infection (general) | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Black Cumin |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 1/10 | 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
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.
The volatile oil, dominated by terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate in true sweet marjoram, gives most of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
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
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Generally very safe as a culinary herb. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts and avoided in pregnancy. Theoretically may interact with anticoagulants. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates marjoram (Origanum majorana) as +++ and notes antiviral, antispasmodic, COX-2 inhibitory, and antiseptic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It demonstrates antiherpetic activity in vitro. The plant contains rosmarinic acid and thymol, which contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Dose: 1–2 g dried herb as tea three times daily or equivalent preparations. Duke notes the plant is generally well-tolerated with no significant contraindications at usual herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Tender perennial subshrub (Lamiaceae), often grown as an annual in cold climates, 20-60 cm tall, with square, downy, much-branched stems. Leaves are opposite, small, grey-green and ovate. Tiny white to pale pink, two-lipped flowers are borne in distinctive knot-like clustered spikes, the origin of the common name 'knotted marjoram'.[6]
Habitat
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]
Native to Cyprus, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean, and widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in gardens worldwide; prefers full sun and well-drained, often calcareous soils.[6]
Harvesting
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]
The aerial flowering parts are cut just before or at flowering (summer), when essential-oil content is highest, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated place.[9]
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]
Marjoram has a long Mediterranean culinary-medicinal tradition as a digestive carminative and mild sedative for indigestion, cramping and poor sleep, and as an antiseptic for minor wounds and infections. Modern research confirms antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from its essential oil and phenolic constituents.[6, 8]
Preparations
Dosage
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- 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
- Rehman, N.U., Ansari, M.N., Ahmad, W. and Ali, A (2024) 'Calcium Channel Inhibitory Effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.): Its Medicinal Use in Diarrhea and Gut Hyperactivity', Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition), 29(2), pp. 47. doi:10.31083/j.fbl2902047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbl2902047 - Hussein, Z. and Yasir, S.M (2022) 'Origanum majorana attenuates ciprofloxacin-induced nephropathy in rats', Wiadomosci Lekarskie, 75(12), pp. 3046-3049. doi:10.36740/WLek202212126 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.36740/WLek202212126 - Elfiky, A.M., Ibrahim, R.S., Khattab, A.R., Kadry, M.O. and others (2025) 'Exploring the therapeutic potential of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights from serum metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 25(1), pp. 67. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-04774-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04774-5 - Waller, S.B., Cleff, M.B., de Mattos, C.B., da Silva, C.C. and others (2021) 'Protection of the marjoram (Origanum majorana Linn.) essential oil in cutaneous sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis', Natural Product Research, 35(17), pp. 2977-2981. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1678617 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1678617 - Haj-Husein, I., Tukan, S. and Alkazaleh, F (2016) 'The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study', Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 29(1), pp. 105-111. doi:10.1111/jhn.12290 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12290 - Bouyahya, A., Chamkhi, I., Benali, T., Guaouguaou, F.E. and others (2021) 'Traditional use, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology of Origanum majorana L', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 265, pp. 113318. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113318 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113318 - Al-Howiriny, T., Alsheikh, A., Alqasoumi, S., Al-Yahya, M. and others (2009) 'Protective Effect of Origanum majorana L. 'Marjoram' on various models of gastric mucosal injury in rats', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 37(3), pp. 531-545. doi:10.1142/S0192415X0900703X Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X0900703X - Bina, F. and Rahimi, R (2017) 'Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities', Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), pp. 175-185. doi:10.1177/2156587216650793 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216650793 - Paudel, P.N., Satyal, P., Satyal, R., Setzer, W.N. and others (2022) 'Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil from Nepal', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 6136. doi:10.3390/molecules27186136 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186136 - Makrane, H., Aziz, M., Mekhfi, H., Ziyyat, A. and others (2019) 'Origanum majorana L. extract exhibit positive cooperative effects on the main mechanisms involved in acute infectious diarrhea', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 239, pp. 111503. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.005 - Baser, K.H.C (2008) 'Biological and pharmacological activities of carvacrol and carvacrol bearing essential oils', 14(29), pp. 3106--3119. doi:10.2174/138161208786404227 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/138161208786404227 - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Seidler-Lozykowska, K. et al (2016) 'Essential oil content and composition of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) grown in Poland', 62(1), pp. 37--45. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Essential%20oil%20content%20and%20composition%20of%20sweet%20marjoram%20%28Origanum%20majorana%20L.%29%20grown%20in%20Poland - 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 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
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.