Nigella Seeds (Nigella sativa)

Premium quality black cumin/kalonji seeds from India's finest growing regions. Rich in thymoquinone (30-48%), pharmaceutical grade quality with complete export documentation and global shipping. Trusted by indian spice traders, bulk spice suppliers, and spice merchants worldwide for exceptional bulk spices.

Premium Medicinal Spice Export from India's Ancient Heritage - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

Nigella sativa, known as black cumin or kalonji, represents one of the world's most valuable medicinal spices with over 3,000 years of documented therapeutic use. As a leading indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we source these premium seeds from India's diverse agricultural regions. Our merchant export model ensures consistent quality for spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, making this bulk spice highly sought after by nutraceutical and food industries globally. Our trusted spice exporter network guarantees authentic kalonji seeds.

Our merchant export model ensures access to premium quality nigella seeds from certified suppliers across India, Egypt, and Turkey. Leading spice traders and bulk spice suppliers rely on our comprehensive testing for thymoquinone content, heavy metals, and microbiological parameters. As a trusted spice manufacturer and bulk indian spices supplier, we provide pharmaceutical-grade seeds meeting international standards including FDA GRAS status, EU regulations, and organic certifications. Our spice wholesaler network and merchant export capabilities serve global markets spanning North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions through reliable spice suppliers.

Why Choose Our Nigella Seeds

Trusted Spice Manufacturer

Leading indian spice trader with state-of-the-art processing facilities ensuring pharmaceutical-grade nigella seeds with consistent thymoquinone content (30-48%) for global markets.

Bulk Spice Supplier Excellence

Reliable bulk spice supplier offering competitive pricing on bulk nigella seeds with flexible packaging options from 25kg to 1000kg containers for spice wholesalers worldwide.

Quality Assured Bulk Spices

Premium bulk indian spices with comprehensive quality testing including heavy metals, microbiological parameters, and thymoquinone analysis meeting international pharmaceutical standards.

Global Spice Exporter

Experienced spice exporter with merchant export model serving spice manufacturers, spice traders, and bulk spice suppliers across 50+ countries with complete export documentation.

Basic Information
Common Name:Nigella Seeds, Black Cumin, Kalonji
Botanical Name:Nigella sativa L.
Family:Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
Origin:India, Egypt, Turkey, Syria
Harvest Season:May to July
Part Used:Mature dried seeds
Shelf Life:24 months from processing
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:कलौंजी (Kalonji)
Arabic:الحبة السوداء (Habbat al-Barakah)
Turkish:Çörek Otu
Persian:سیاه‌دانه (Siah Daneh)
Bengali:কালজিরা (Kalajira)
English:Black Cumin, Black Caraway
German:Schwarzkümmel

Available Varieties & Types

Premium Indian Kalonji

Highest quality seeds from Indian subcontinent with superior thymoquinone content and excellent storage stability.

Premium Grade High Thymoquinone 0.2cm Length
  • Size: 0.2cm length, 0.1cm width
  • Thymoquinone: 30-48% in essential oil
  • Color: Deep black, angular shape
  • Best For: Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical applications
Egyptian Black Cumin

Traditional Egyptian variety with ancient heritage, preferred for therapeutic applications and high oil content.

Traditional High Oil Content Therapeutic
  • Size: Similar to Indian variety
  • Oil Content: 35-40% fixed oil
  • Color: Jet black with distinctive aroma
  • Best For: Traditional medicine, oil extraction
Turkish Nigella

Mediterranean variety with balanced composition, excellent for culinary and medicinal applications.

Mediterranean Balanced Profile Culinary Grade
  • Size: Uniform angular seeds
  • Flavor: Slightly bitter, nutty-peppery
  • Color: Dark grey to black
  • Best For: Food applications, spice blends
Organic Certified Seeds

Certified organic nigella seeds meeting NPOP, EU, and USDA organic standards for premium markets.

Organic Certified Premium Market Multiple Certs
  • Certifications: NPOP, EU, USDA Organic
  • Pesticide: Residue-free
  • Color: Natural black without treatments
  • Best For: Health food, organic supplements

Form/Processing/Grade Options

Physical Forms

  • Whole Seeds: Natural dried angular seeds
  • Ground Powder: Fine mesh powder (40-100 mesh)
  • Crushed Seeds: Coarsely broken pieces
  • Steam Sterilized: Pathogen-free for direct use

Processing Options

  • Sun Dried: Traditional natural drying method
  • Machine Dried: Controlled temperature processing
  • Cold Pressed Oil: Mechanical oil extraction
  • Solvent Extracted: High yield oil extraction

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India, Egypt, Turkey Certificate of Origin Multiple sourcing regions
Harvest Period May to July Farmer Records Peak season quality
Processing Method Sun-dried, Steam sterilized Process Documentation Traditional + modern methods
Storage Conditions Cool, dry place, <60% RH Storage Guidelines Away from heat and light
Shelf Life 24 months (whole), 12 months (powder) Stability Studies Proper storage conditions
GMO Status Non-GMO Declaration Naturally grown
FDA Status GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) FDA Recognition Safe for food use
Physical Parameters by Grade
Parameter Premium Grade Standard Grade Commercial Grade Testing Method
Seed Size/Length 0.2-0.25cm length 0.15-0.2cm length 0.1-0.15cm length Physical measurement
Width 0.1-0.12cm width 0.08-0.1cm width 0.06-0.08cm width Caliper measurement
Color Deep black, angular Black to dark grey Grey to black Visual inspection
Moisture Content 6-8% max 7-9% max 8-10% max Oven drying method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 2% max Manual sorting
Broken/Damaged 1% max 2% max 3% max Visual grading
Bulk Density 650-700 kg/m³ 620-650 kg/m³ 600-620 kg/m³ Volume displacement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
Fixed Oil Content 35-43% Soxhlet Extraction AOAC Method
Essential Oil 0.4-2.5% Steam Distillation BP/USP Standard
Thymoquinone (in essential oil) 30-48% GC-MS Analysis Pharma Grade
Protein Content 26-31% Kjeldahl Method AOAC 984.13
Total Ash 4-5% AOAC 942.05 Pharmacopeia
Aflatoxin B1 <2 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS EU Regulation
Total Aflatoxins <4 ppb ELISA/LC-MS/MS FDA Limits
Heavy Metals (Lead) <2.0 ppm ICP-MS WHO Guidelines
Heavy Metals (Cadmium) <0.3 ppm ICP-MS EU Regulation
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS Global MRL Standards
Salmonella Absent in 25g USP Method USP <62>
E.coli <10 cfu/g Plate Count Method ISO 16649
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Container Load
Multiwall Paper Bags 25kg, 50kg Food grade kraft paper with PE liner 500 kg 18-20 MT (20ft FCL)
Polypropylene Bags 25kg, 50kg Virgin PP woven bags with PE liner 500 kg 20-22 MT (20ft FCL)
Vacuum Packed 1kg, 5kg, 10kg Multi-layer barrier films 250 kg Extended shelf life
Pharmaceutical Grade 1kg, 5kg, 25kg Pharma-grade containers 100 kg Clean room packed
Consumer Retail Packs 100g, 250g, 500g Stand-up pouches with zip lock 2500 pcs As per pack size
Private Label Bottles 100g, 250g, 500g HDPE bottles with tamper-proof caps 5000 pcs Custom branding
Bulk FIBC Bags 500kg, 1000kg Food grade FIBC with liner 2000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Whole Nigella Seeds 09093119 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Primary export classification
Ground Nigella Powder 09093119 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Various mesh sizes
Nigella Seed Oil (Fixed Oil) 15159000 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Cold pressed or solvent extracted
Nigella Essential Oil 33012990 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Steam distilled, high thymoquinone
Pharmaceutical Grade Seeds 12119099 Certificate of Origin, Pharma COA GMP facility processed
Organic Nigella Seeds 09093119 Organic Certificate, COO, Phyto NPOP/EU/USDA certified
Thymoquinone Extract 13021990 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Pharmaceutical/nutraceutical use
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine)
  • Quality Analysis Report (Lab Tested)
  • FSSAI License Copy
  • Fumigation Certificate (if required)
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA Prior Notice, GRAS status recognized
  • EU: Novel Food compliance, EFSA guidelines
  • Canada: Health Canada approval for therapeutic claims
  • Australia: TGA compliance for therapeutic goods
  • Middle East: Halal certification available
  • Japan: MOH notification for health products

Products Available (Made from Nigella Seeds)

Various value-added products derived from premium nigella seeds for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food applications.

Nigella Seed Powder

Fine ground powder (40-100 mesh) for capsules, tablets, and dietary supplements.

40-100 Mesh
Black Cumin Oil

Cold-pressed fixed oil rich in essential fatty acids for supplements and cosmetics.

35-43% Yield
Essential Oil

Steam distilled volatile oil with 30-48% thymoquinone for pharmaceutical applications.

High Thymoquinone
Thymoquinone Extract

Standardized extract with concentrated thymoquinone for nutraceutical industry.

Standardized
Softgel Capsules

Ready-to-market softgel capsules with nigella seed oil for health supplement brands.

Private Label
Cosmetic Grade Oil

Refined oil for skincare and haircare formulations with anti-inflammatory properties.

Cosmetic Grade
Food Grade Seeds

Culinary grade whole seeds for bakery, confectionery, and ethnic food preparations.

Food Grade
Organic Products

Complete range of certified organic nigella products for premium health markets.

Organic Certified

Usage & Applications

Dietary Supplements

Primary use in capsules, tablets, and softgels for immune support, antioxidant benefits, and general wellness. High thymoquinone content provides therapeutic value.

Form: Whole seeds, powder, oil, standardized extract | Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune support
Cardiovascular Health

Research-backed applications for blood pressure management, cholesterol regulation, and heart health support through thymoquinone's cardioprotective properties.

Active Compound: Thymoquinone 30-48% | Applications: Heart health supplements, functional foods
Immune System Support

Immunomodulatory effects supporting natural immune function, respiratory health, and seasonal wellness through multiple bioactive compounds.

Usage: Daily supplements, seasonal support products | Properties: Immunomodulatory, antimicrobial
Anti-Cancer Research

Extensive research on thymoquinone's anti-cancer properties, apoptosis induction, and potential as adjuvant therapy in oncology applications.

Research Focus: Thymoquinone mechanism | Applications: Research compounds, complementary therapy
Neuroprotective Applications

Cognitive health support, neuroprotection, and potential applications in neurodegenerative disease management through antioxidant mechanisms.

Benefits: Neuroprotection, cognitive support | Form: Standardized extracts, oil formulations
Metabolic Health

Blood sugar management, weight management support, and metabolic syndrome applications through multiple mechanisms of action.

Applications: Diabetic support, weight management | Mechanism: Glucose regulation, lipid metabolism
Bakery & Confectionery

Traditional use in Middle Eastern and Indian breads, especially naan varieties. Seeds provide distinctive nutty-peppery flavor and visual appeal.

Products: Naan bread, Turkish bread, specialty baked goods | Usage: Whole seeds as topping
Spice Blends

Key component in Bengali panch phoron (five-spice blend) and other traditional spice mixtures for authentic ethnic cuisine preparations.

Blends: Panch phoron, za'atar variants | Form: Whole seeds, coarsely ground
Cheese & Dairy Products

Traditional use in Middle Eastern tresse cheese, braided string cheese (majdouleh), and specialty dairy products for flavor enhancement.

Products: String cheese, specialty cheeses | Function: Flavor enhancement, preservation
Functional Foods

Growing use in health-focused food products, functional beverages, and wellness foods leveraging therapeutic properties.

Applications: Health bars, functional teas, wellness foods | Benefits: Antioxidant, nutritional enhancement
Ethnic Cuisine

Essential ingredient in Middle Eastern, Indian, and North African cuisines for authentic flavor profiles in traditional dishes.

Cuisines: Middle Eastern, Indian, North African | Uses: Seasoning, garnish, flavor base
Beverages & Liquors

Traditional use in herbal teas, medicinal beverages, and specialty liquor preparations for unique flavor and therapeutic benefits.

Products: Herbal teas, specialty liquors | Properties: Aromatic, therapeutic
Skincare Products

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make nigella oil valuable in premium skincare formulations for sensitive and problematic skin.

Products: Anti-aging creams, sensitive skin care | Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Hair Care Products

Traditional use for hair growth promotion, scalp health, and hair strengthening in premium hair care formulations and treatments.

Applications: Hair oils, scalp treatments, strengthening shampoos | Benefits: Hair growth, scalp health
Therapeutic Balms

Anti-inflammatory properties utilized in therapeutic balms, muscle rubs, and topical preparations for pain management and skin conditions.

Products: Pain relief balms, therapeutic creams | Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Natural Cosmetics

Growing demand in organic and natural cosmetic formulations leveraging traditional beauty benefits with modern scientific validation.

Market: Natural/organic cosmetics | Positioning: Traditional beauty, scientifically backed
Ayurvedic Medicine

Traditional use in Ayurvedic formulations for respiratory health, digestive support, and overall wellness as per ancient texts and modern practice.

Systems: Ayurveda, Unani medicine | Applications: Respiratory support, digestive health
Islamic Traditional Medicine

Prophetic medicine applications with historical significance, used for various health conditions as mentioned in Islamic traditional texts.

Heritage: 3000+ years of use | Applications: General wellness, immune support
Respiratory Health

Traditional applications for asthma, bronchitis, cough, and respiratory conditions through anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects.

Conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infections | Usage: Inhalation, oral consumption
Digestive Health

Traditional use for digestive disorders, gastric problems, and intestinal health through carminative and digestive properties.

Benefits: Digestive stimulant, carminative | Applications: Digestive teas, traditional preparations
Women's Health

Traditional applications for menstrual regulation, lactation support, and reproductive health in various traditional medicine systems.

Uses: Menstrual support, lactation | Systems: Traditional Arabic, Indian medicine
General Wellness

Broad-spectrum traditional use as a general tonic, immune booster, and vitality enhancer across multiple traditional medicine systems.

Benefits: General tonic, vitality enhancer | Usage: Daily wellness, preventive health

Scientifically Validated Health Benefits

Extensive research demonstrates nigella seeds' therapeutic potential through thymoquinone and other bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant Properties
  • • Strong free radical scavenging activity
  • • Lipid peroxidation inhibition
  • • Cellular protection against oxidative stress
  • • DNA damage prevention
Active Compounds: Thymoquinone, phenolic compounds, tocopherols
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • • COX-2 enzyme inhibition
  • • NF-κB pathway modulation
  • • Cytokine production regulation
  • • Inflammatory marker reduction
Mechanism: Multiple anti-inflammatory pathways targeted
Antimicrobial Activity
  • • Broad-spectrum antibacterial effects
  • • Antifungal properties
  • • Antiviral activity demonstrated
  • • Antiparasitic effects
Applications: Natural preservation, infection prevention
Respiratory Support
  • • Bronchodilatory effects
  • • Asthma symptom improvement
  • • Cough suppression
  • • Respiratory inflammation reduction
Research: Clinical trials showing respiratory benefits
Cardiovascular Health
  • • Blood pressure reduction
  • • Cholesterol level improvement
  • • Cardioprotective effects
  • • Vascular function enhancement
Studies: Multiple clinical trials confirm benefits
Metabolic Support
  • • Blood glucose regulation
  • • Insulin sensitivity improvement
  • • Weight management support
  • • Lipid profile optimization
Mechanism: Multiple metabolic pathways influenced

Frequently Asked Questions

Indian nigella seeds, particularly the kalonji variety, contain consistently high levels of thymoquinone (30-48% in essential oil) due to optimal growing conditions and traditional cultivation methods. The seeds undergo rigorous quality testing for pharmaceutical parameters including heavy metals, microbiology, and active compound content, making them suitable for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications with proper documentation for global regulatory compliance.
Thymoquinone is the primary bioactive compound in nigella seed essential oil, comprising 30-48% of the volatile oil content. It's responsible for most therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential anti-cancer effects. Our seeds are tested for thymoquinone content to ensure consistent therapeutic potency, making them valuable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications where standardized active compounds are required.
We maintain strict quality protocols through pre-qualified supplier networks, standardized harvesting and processing guidelines, comprehensive testing for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters, and regular supplier audits. All batches undergo thymoquinone content analysis, heavy metal testing, and microbiological screening. Our merchant export model allows us to select the best quality from multiple sources while maintaining consistent specifications across all shipments.
Minimum orders: 500kg for whole seeds, 250kg for powder, 100kg for pharmaceutical grade. We provide complete regulatory documentation including FDA GRAS status confirmation, EU Novel Food compliance, organic certificates (NPOP/EU/USDA), quality analysis reports with thymoquinone content, heavy metals testing, and microbiological reports. All shipments include certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and market-specific documentation required for import clearance.
Yes, we supply pharmaceutical-grade nigella seeds processed in GMP-certified facilities with comprehensive testing including thymoquinone quantification, heavy metals analysis (Lead <2ppm, Cadmium <0.3ppm), microbiological testing (Salmonella absent, E.coli <10 cfu/g), and pesticide residue screening. Certifications include FSSAI, ISO 22000, HACCP, and organic certifications. Each batch comes with detailed Certificate of Analysis suitable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Nigella seeds (Nigella sativa) and black cumin are the same product with different common names. However, there's often confusion with "true" cumin (Cuminum cyminum) which is a different species. Genuine nigella seeds are small, angular, deep black seeds from the Ranunculaceae family with distinctive therapeutic properties due to thymoquinone content. We ensure proper botanical identification and provide certificates confirming Nigella sativa species for all our shipments.
Whole nigella seeds have a shelf life of 24 months when stored properly, while ground powder maintains quality for 12 months. Optimal storage requires cool, dry conditions (temperature <25°C, humidity <60%), protection from light and heat, and pest-free environment. We recommend airtight containers and first-in-first-out inventory rotation. Our vacuum-packed options extend shelf life by preventing oxidation of volatile compounds including thymoquinone.