A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs frequently among women of reproductive age and is a polygenic, multifactorial, endocrine, and metabolic disorder. PCOS is becoming more common as a result of risk factors such as current lifestyle, overnutrition, and stress. The use of traditional herbal medicine is higher among the global population. Hence, this review article focuses on the potential of Nigella sativa to manage women with PCOS. Methods: A literature search was carried out using databases including Medline, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Embase, and Science Direct, as well as reference lists, to identify relevant publications that support the use of N. sativa in the management of women with PCOS. Results: Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the major bioactive constituent of black seed (N. sativa), thymoquinone, has potential for managing women with PCOS. Moreover, N. sativa may help to manage oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in women with PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Conclusion: N. sativa has potential for use as a herbal medicine for managing women with PCOS as an integrative medicine along with traditional and modern medicine in conjunction with calorie restriction and regular exercise.

Thymoquinone: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

“…In clinical studies, Nigella sativa and its constituents, including TQ, have demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-diabetic properties, as well as therapeutic effects on metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal, neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and reproductive disorders [54]. Recent clinical trial reports suggest the potential use of Nigella sativa in complementary treatment and prevention of conditions such as coronary artery disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Helicobacter pylori infection and polycystic ovary syndrome [60][61][62][63]. The safety of thymoquinone-rich black cumin oil was evaluated in a phase I clinical trial and provided satisfactory results [64].…”

‘’Brown adipose tissue in the form of innovative approach for polycystic ovary syndrome treatment-still long time to reach clinical arena: a narrative review’’

“…PCOS women with hyperandrogenism along with IR have the predilection for visceral fat hypertrophy apart from early initiation of dysfunctional glucose tolerance test exists in 30-40%, T2D in 10%, borderline or escalated lipid quantities in 70% in addition to metabolic syndrome [MetS] in 50% [64]. Thereby PCOS is intricately associated with metabolic abnormalities along with is believed to be a metabolic condition [65]. Moreover, PCOS is correlated with dysfunctional AT physiology as well as possesses greater risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) generation [66,67].…”