Effect of Black Cumin Seed Oil Supplementation on Cortisol, Stress and Mood

The primary objective of this study will be to collect data to support the role of black cumin seed oil, also known as black seed oil (BSO), in moderating the stress response, including objective markers of stress (cortisol/DHEA) as well as subjective measures (mood/stress/sleep/beauty). The primary outcomes will be salivary cortisol, subjective stress, and psychological vigor. Subjects will be recruited from among the clients of the Certified Mental Wellness Coaches (CMWCs) that have passed the digital badge course via Marietta College (https://www.credly.com/org/marietta-college/badge/certified-mental-wellness-coach-cmwc-online). If volunteers meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria, they will review/sign the Informed Consent Form (ICF - attached) before any Baseline measurements are collected. Because BSO is already known to deliver a wide range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and immune-modulating effects - we expect to observe improvements on both subjective psychological and objective biochemical measures. Our primary outcome measures will be salivary cortisol and psychological mood state (POMS, including tension, mood, irritability, focus, fatigue, vigor and well-being).