Black cumin seed, also known as black seed, is known for providing benefits for kidney health. With that in mind, Iranian scientists looked into whether black cumin, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, would also have benefits for patients with kidney stones.

Previous studies have shown that black cumin seed extract can be used to treat kidney-related issues. These studies have focused mostly on renal fibrosis, the scarring that kidneys sustain whenever they suffer disease or injury. (Related: Powerful natural medicine: Black cumin remedies kidney damage.)

Preclinical studies have also indicated that black cumin seed can help treat renal stones, more commonly known as kidney stones. Scientists from the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran conducted a clinical trial to find out whether black cumin seed had any effect on kidney stones.