Fact Check: Can Basil Flower ( Tulsi Manjari) and Nigella Seeds (Kalongi) Help Lose 5–7 kg in just 8 Days?

An Instagram post claims that drinking a mixture of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari), nigella seeds (kalonji), and water reduces 5–7 kilograms of weight in just 8 days. The claim is False.

Claim

The Instagram user arti.kesarwani86 posted a reel claiming that drinking a mixture of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari), nigella seeds (kalonji), and water reduces 5–7 kilograms of weight in just 8 days. The reel states, "For those whose body is gaining weight excessively, and whose weight has increased significantly, we guarantee a weight loss of 7 kilograms in 8 days. Within 8 days, you will lose 5 to 7 kilograms of weight." then explain the remedy by saying, "Take basil (Tulsi) flower clusters (manjari). Extract the seeds from the basil flower clusters (Manjari). These clusters contain seeds. Remove the seeds and soak one teaspoon of seeds in a glass of water. Add half a teaspoon or three-fourths of a teaspoon of nigella seeds (kalonji) to it. Leave this mixture overnight. In the morning, drink it on an empty stomach. Then, prepare another glass during the day and drink it in the evening. Take note: Pregnant women or those planning to conceive should not consume this remedy. After following this, your body will detoxify completely, and all toxins will be expelled. The effect of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari) is so powerful that it will leave your body entirely clean and rejuvenated."

The post has 7,682 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Drastic weight loss of 5-7 kilograms in just 8 days is neither practical nor healthy. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight takes time, consistency, and mindful lifestyle changes. While some of these ingredients may help with the process of weight loss, the claim with such unrealsitic target of 5-7 kg is 8 days is unsupported by any scientific evidence and hence the claim is false

Understanding Body Weight

Obesity and overweight are major global health problems affecting people in almost every country. The best way to address these issues is by reducing body weight, which can lead to significant health improvements. Losing weight helps with conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol problems, and sleep apnea. It also reduces the risk of diseases like fatty liver, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and type 2 diabetes, improving overall health and well-being.

Metabolism is the process by which food is converted into energy (ATP) to keep the body functioning, even during rest. This energy powers activities like breathing, blood circulation, brain function, cell repair, and hormonal changes. The energy required during rest is called the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which slightly increases as body weight decreases.

Healthy body weight is calculated by the measurement of body mass index (BMI). It assesses the body weight of an individual relative to their height and hence provides a more distinctive account of body fat content than just the weight. Though it doesn’t measure body fat directly, BMI is a simple, affordable way to screen for weight-related health risks.

• BMI below 18.5 = underweight (insufficient body fat)
• BMI 18.5–24.9 = healthy
• BMI 25–29.9 = overweight (excessive body fat)
• BMI 30+ = obese

BMI for an individual is calculated by any of the following equations:

BMI = [weight (kg)/height (m)]

BMI = [weight (lb)/height (in)] x 703

BMI within the normal range (18.5–24.9) is associated with better overall health compared to having a BMI that falls into the underweight (below 18.5) or overweight/obese (25 and above) ranges.

Strategy to Loose Excess Body Fat

The most important component of effective weight management is the prevention of unwanted weight gain from excess body fat. This can be achieved by staying active and eating fewer calories through healthier food choices. Tracking what you eat and your physical activity helps you stay accountable and focused on your goals. Nutrition counselling addresses emotional and motivational factors to encourage healthy habits, while nutrition education teaches the basics of food, portion sizes, cooking, and eating out. Together, these strategies empower people to make better choices and successfully manage their weight.

It is important to understand what amount of weight loss is considered healthy over the course of a week or a month. On this, Ms. Leena Martin, Chief Dietitian at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai, shared with Medical Dialogues, "A healthy weight loss is typically 0.5 to 1 kilogram (1 to 2 pounds) per week, which equates to 2 to 4 kilograms (4 to 8 pounds) per month. This gradual approach is sustainable and minimizes health risks."

Health Benefits of Basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari) and Nigella seeds (kalonji)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is widely used in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Basil seeds are highly nutritious, containing protein (with essential amino acids), dietary fiber, and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They offer several health benefits, including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Basil seeds have stronger antioxidant potential than sesame or red seeds and can be used as natural antioxidants in food preservation. They also have antimicrobial, pain-relieving, anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, and cholesterol-lowering (antihyperlipidemic) properties, making them valuable for overall health.

Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black seed, is a plant from the Ranunculaceae family and is often referred to as a miracle herb due to its rich history and therapeutic benefits. Black seed has been extensively studied and is known for its wide range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-cough, gastroprotective, anti-anxiety, anti-ulcer, anti-asthmatic, immuno-modulatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its most powerful component is thymoquinone (TQ), which has anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-carcinogen properties.

Can drinking a mixture of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari), nigella seeds (kalonji), and water reduce 5–7 kilograms of weight in just 8 days?

Basil seeds and nigella seeds offer numerous health benefits, including antimicrobial, pain-relieving, anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. While some studies have explored their role in weight reduction, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that drinking a mixture of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari), nigella seeds (kalonji), and water can lead to a weight loss of 5–7 kilograms in just 8 days.

Exploring the role of basil flower seeds in A review article published in the International Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews mentioned that basil seeds may support fat reduction indirectly by increasing satiety, reducing hunger, and improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as observed in experimental studies. However, the review does not explicitly state that basil seeds directly burn fat.

Another review article published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlights that basil seed extract exhibits anti-obesity potential. However, the review does not support claims of excessive weight reduction, such as losing 5-7 kilograms in 8 days.

Further research on the role of nigella seeds (black seeds) in weight loss, as highlighted in a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Functional Foods, found that Nigella sativa supplementation in adults resulted in a significant reduction in body weight. It is suggested that N. sativa can be recommended as a supportive intervention for managing obesity. At the same time, the study does not confirm claims of drastic weight loss, such as shedding 5-7 kilograms in 8 days.

Similarly, a systematic review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that Nigella sativa supplements can help moderately reduce body weight, BMI, and waist size. However, due to varying results and limited high-quality studies, the findings are not guaranteed.

Losing 5-7 kilograms in a week is nearly impossible without extreme measures like complete starvation, which is neither safe nor sustainable. Even in severe medical conditions like anorexia nervosa or cancer, such rapid weight loss in 8 days is highly unlikely. While studies have highlighted the role of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari) and nigella seeds (kalonji) in weight reduction and their anti-obesity potential, they do not explicitly state that these ingredients alone can cause excessive weight loss or directly burn body fat. Furthermore, no research supports their combined use for rapid weight reduction of 5-7 kilograms in just 8 days. There is also no consensus within the medical community supporting the claim that drinking a mixture of these ingredients can achieve such drastic results.

Dr Uppalapati Harika, Consultant General Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, told Medical Dialogues, "Basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari) and nigella seeds (Kalonji), rich in fibre, may support weight loss by keeping you full, reducing caloric intake, and aiding metabolism and blood sugar control. Packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, and omega-3s, they help reduce cravings and promote fat-burning. However, excessive consumption can cause digestive issues, and these seeds alone are not a solution to weight loss. Also, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that these seeds can cause drastic weight loss, such as losing 5–7 kilograms in just 8 days.

Ms. Leena Martin, Chief Dietitian at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai, added "While basil flower seeds and nigella seeds have various health benefits, there is no proven evidence that they can cause significant weight loss, such as 5–7 kilograms in just 8 days. Rapid weight loss is generally not recommended as it can be unhealthy and difficult to maintain. Sustainable weight loss typically requires a balanced diet and regular exercise."

Health Dialogues Final Take

Losing 5-7 kilograms in 8 days is highly unrealistic and unsafe without extreme measures that can harm your health. While natural ingredients like basil flower seeds and nigella seeds may support overall health and weight management, there is no reliable basis to believe they can cause such drastic weight loss in just 8 days. Sustainable weight loss requires balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

Hence the claim that drinking a mixture of basil flower seeds (Tulsi Manjari), nigella seeds (kalonji), and water reduces 5–7 kilograms of weight in just 8 days is False.