Thymoquinone
Type
supplement
Dosage Summary
Maintenance: 15-50 mg TQ daily via 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality black seed oil (2-3% TQ content). Therapeutic: 60-90 mg TQ daily for acute needs. Take with fat for optimal absorption.
Innate Stores
Forms
oil, capsule
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the primary bioactive compound in black seed oil (Nigella sativa), functioning as a potent cellular protector with multifaceted benefits. It acts as both an antioxidant powerhouse and anti-inflammatory agent, making it particularly valuable in our modern environment filled with oxidative stressors.
While not technically a nutrient with a classic deficiency pattern, thymoquinone represents a "lost ancestral edge" absent in modern diets. Its unique molecular structure allows it to modulate immune function, support neurological health, and enhance metabolic processes simultaneously.
Key Benefits
- Scavenges free radicals and boosts endogenous antioxidants
- Inhibits NF-kB and pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Modulates immune function (upregulates defenses while calming overactive responses)
- Provides neuroprotection via GABA enhancement and glutamate reduction
- Improves insulin sensitivity and supports testosterone production
- Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
Thymoquinone is primarily obtained through black seed oil (Nigella sativa oil), with quality and sourcing being critical factors for effectiveness.
High-Quality Black Seed Oil
The most effective source of thymoquinone is cold-pressed black seed oil with verified high TQ content (2-3%).
- Ethiopian or high-grade Israeli seed oils typically contain higher TQ percentages
- Look for oils standardized to contain 2-3% thymoquinone (e.g., ThymoQuin)
- Avoid mass-market oils with only 0.3-1% TQ content
- Cold-pressed, organic, and glass-bottled products preserve potency
Raw Seeds
- Whole Nigella sativa seeds (chewed or freshly ground)
- Lower and less consistent TQ content (0.1-0.5% by weight)
- Can be added to foods or brewed as tea
- Traditional method but requires larger quantities for therapeutic effects
Isolated TQ Supplements
Not generally recommended as they lack the synergistic compounds found in whole black seed oil.
- Missing the beneficial matrix of thymol, carvacrol, and fatty acids
- Often synthetic or highly processed
- Consider only for experimental or specific therapeutic protocols
Quality Verification
Due to wide variation in TQ content across products, seek black seed oil with lab-verified potency. The color should be deep amber to dark brown, with a strong aromatic scent. Reputable brands will provide third-party testing for both TQ content and contaminants.
Thymoquinone is best obtained through high-quality black seed oil rather than as an isolated compound. The dosage recommendations below focus on TQ content within black seed oil for optimal benefits.
Supplementation Guidelines
- Maintenance: 15-50 mg TQ daily (1-2 teaspoons of 2-3% TQ black seed oil)
- Therapeutic: 60-90 mg TQ daily for acute needs (4-6 teaspoons of high-TQ oil)
- Upper limit: Exercise caution above 100 mg TQ daily
- Take with fat-containing meals or pair with olive oil/ghee for enhanced absorption
Note: These dosages refer to thymoquinone content, not total black seed oil volume. Quality matters significantly—seek oils with 2-3% TQ content.
Note: Optimal dosage may vary based on individual factors like age, weight, health conditions, and goals. It's always best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed.
These compounds enhance, balance, or otherwise support thymoquinone's effectiveness in the body.
Compounds
- Magnesium: Enhances detoxification pathways and complements TQ's cellular protection
- Zinc: Amplifies immune-modulating effects and antioxidant capacity
- Vitamin E: Synergistic antioxidant protection with TQ
- Vitamin D: Complements TQ's immune-modulating and hormonal benefits
- Olive Oil: Enhances absorption and provides complementary polyphenols
- Selenium: Supports glutathione production alongside TQ's antioxidant effects
- Thymol & Carvacrol: Natural co-factors in black seed oil that enhance TQ's effects
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