Plant Comparison
Black Cumin vs Elder
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 Elder: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, infection (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Black Cumin | Elder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cold & flu | 5/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Elder |
| Infection (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Respiratory support | 5/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Elder |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
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.
Give the ripe berries their deep colour and much of their antioxidant activity.
Found in both flower and berry, contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Present in raw berries, leaves, bark and stems; the basis for the caution to always cook berries before eating and avoid raw plant material.
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 antiviral 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).
The dark blue or purple berries are mildly poisonous in their raw state, but are edible after cooking.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-nccih-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-Fagan-2019-28 Components of the elderberry plant, including its fruit, contain diverse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical, such as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaloid, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectin, and cyanogenic glycosides, which may be toxic if consumed raw.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8 Consumption of berries, leaves, bark or stems, if not properly prepared, may cause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausea, vomiting, and severe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diarrhea.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-nccih-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-msk-27 Elderberry plant constituents or products should not be consumed during pregnancy or by people with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrointestinal_disease.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-msk-27 Elderberry products may cause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_effect when used with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescription_drug.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-msk-27
Duke (2002) rates elderflower and elderberry as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for bronchostimulant, diaphoretic, and secretagogue activities, consistent with Commission E approval. Clinical use for colds, bronchitis, and fever is well-supported. Dose: dried flower: 3–5 g as tea three times daily. Important safety consideration: raw elderberries and elder bark contain sambunigrin (cyanogenic glycoside) and lectins — always cook berries before consumption, and avoid bark preparations for medicinal use without expert guidance (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]
Deciduous shrub or small tree (Adoxaceae), 3-10 m tall (occasionally larger), with corky, furrowed grey-brown bark. Leaves are pinnate with 5-7 toothed leaflets. Abundant flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers are followed by drooping clusters of small, glossy, purple-black berries.[11]
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 throughout Europe, western Asia and North Africa, extremely common in hedgerows, woodland edges, waste ground and disturbed sites, tolerating a wide range of soils.[11]
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]
Flowers are picked in full bloom (late spring/early summer), ideally on a dry day, and dried quickly. Berries are picked in late summer/early autumn once fully ripe (deep purple-black) and always cooked before use, as raw berries - and all other parts of the plant - contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be eaten raw.[11]
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]
Elder has one of the most celebrated European folk-medicine reputations, described as a 'medicine chest' of the countryside. The flowers have official European herbal-monograph use for symptoms of the common cold, and the berries - cooked, or as a standardised extract - are widely used and clinically studied for upper respiratory and flu-like symptoms.[2, 11]
Preparations
Dried flower steeped in hot water - the classic cold and flu remedy.
Cooked, sweetened berry preparation - the most widely used commercial and traditional form for immune and cold support.
The concentrated form used in influenza clinical trials.
Dosage
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
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
- Liu, D., He, X.Q., Wu, D.T., Li, H.B. and others (2022) 'Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Applications', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 70(14), pp. 4202-4220. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00010 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00010 - Hawkins, J., Baker, C., Cherry, L. and Dunne, E (2018) 'Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, pp. 361-365. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004 - Uhl, K. and Mitchell, A.E (2024) 'Elderberry, an Ancient Remedy: A Comprehensive Study of the Bioactive Compounds in Three Sambucus nigra L. Subspecies', Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, 15(1), pp. 27-51. doi:10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 - Asgary, S. and Pouramini, A (2022) 'The Pros and Cons of Using Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) for Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19', Advanced Biomedical Research, 11, pp. 96. doi:10.4103/abr.abr_146_21 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.4103/abr.abr_146_21 - Ferreira, S.S., Martins-Gomes, C., Nunes, F.M. and Silva, A.M (2022) 'Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extracts promote anti-inflammatory and cellular antioxidant activity', Food Chemistry: X, 15, pp. 100437. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100437 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100437 - Dominguez, R., Pateiro, M., Munekata, P.E.S., Santos Lopez, E.M. and others (2021) 'Potential Use of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) as Natural Colorant and Antioxidant in the Food Industry. A Review', Foods, 10(11), pp. 2713. doi:10.3390/foods10112713 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112713 - Sanlier, N., Ejder, Z.B. and Irmak, E (2024) 'Are the Effects of Bioactive Components on Human Health a Myth?: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from Exotic Fruits', Current Nutrition Reports, 13(4), pp. 815-827. doi:10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6 - Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Cheung, L., Goldberg, H. and others (2014) 'An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11(1), pp. 80-120. doi:10.3109/19390211.2013.859852 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2013.859852 - Has, I.M., Teleky, B.E., Szabo, K., Simon, E. and others (2023) 'Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential', Molecules, 28(7), pp. 3099. doi:10.3390/molecules28073099 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073099 - Kim, J., An, J., Song, Y., Jang, M. and others (2024) 'Effect of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract Intake on Normalizing Testosterone Concentration in Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome Rat Model Through Regulation of 17beta-HSD, 5alpha-Reductase, and CYP19A1 Expression', Nutrients, 16(23), pp. 4169. doi:10.3390/nu16234169 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234169 - European Medicines Agency (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Sambucus%20nigra%20L.%2C%20flos - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Zakay-Rones, Z., Thom, E., Wollan, T. and Wadstein, J (2004) 'Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections', 32(2), pp. 132--140. doi:10.1177/147323000403200205 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000403200205 - 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 - Jimenez, P. and Gayoso, M. and Tejero, J. and Cabrero, P. and Cordoba-Diaz, D. and Basterrechea, J.E. and Girbes, T (2012) 'Toxicity in mice of lectin ebulin f present in dwarf elderberry (Sambucus ebulus L.)', Toxicon, 61, pp. 26-9. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.009 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.009 - Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (2023) 'Sambucus ebulus L., dwarf elder (Fermanagh species accounts)'. Available at: https://bsbi.org/in-your-area/local-botany/co-fermanagh/fermanagh-species-accounts/sambucus-ebulus-l Traditional / reference
https://bsbi.org/in-your-area/local-botany/co-fermanagh/fermanagh-species-accounts/sambucus-ebulus-l - Botanical-online (2024) 'Differences between elder and dwarf elder (Sambucus nigra vs Sambucus ebulus)'. Available at: https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/differences-sambucus-nigra-ebulus Traditional / reference
https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/differences-sambucus-nigra-ebulus
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.