Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses

Abstract

The seed of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) has been used in different civilization around the world for centuries to treat various animal and human ailments. So far, numerous studies demonstrated the seed of Nigella sativa and its main active constituent, thymoquinone, to be medicinally very effective against various illnesses including different chronic illness: neurological and mental illness, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and infertility as well as various infectious diseases due to bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. In spite of limited studies conducted so far, the promising efficacy of N. sativa against HIV/AIDS can be explored as an alternative option for the treatment of this pandemic disease after substantiating its full therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the strong antioxidant property of this valued seed has recently gained increasing attention with regard to its potential role as dietary supplement with minimal side effects. Besides, when combined with different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, it synergizes their effects resulting in reducing the dosage of concomitantly used drugs with optimized efficacy and least and/or no toxicity. A number of pharmaceutical and biological properties have been ascribed to seeds of N. sativa. The present review focuses on the profile of high-value components along with traditional medicinal and biological principles of N. sativa seed and its oil so as to explore functional food and nutraceutical potential of this valued herb.

A Systematic Review of the Potential Effects of Nigella sativa on Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…It has been suggested that N. sativa can influence the main traits of RA via various procedures [57]. Even though some review papers have been published regarding the medicinal features of N. sativa [58][59][60], to the authorsʼ knowledge, there has not been any review conducted in the area of N. sativa and RA. Therefore, in this research, we aimed to conduct a systematic study on the available literature regarding the effects of N. sativa on RA in clinical, animal and cellular models and possible mechanisms responsible for such effects.…”

Black Edible Films from Protein-Containing Defatted Cake of Nigella sativa Seeds

“…Few bioactive compounds extracted from Nigella sativa seeds have been identified, the most important being the thymoquinones [19]. Other phytochemicals from different varieties of Nigella sativa include sterols, saponins, phenolic compounds, various alkaloids, some lipid constituents, and fatty acids, as well as volatile oils of different composition [20]. Furthermore, the most important compounds responsible for seed pigmentation are phytomelanins, high-molecular weight polymers formed by the oxidation of phenols [21][22][23].…”

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“…Recently, the commercial use of these seeds has increased in Southeast Asia due to the presence of important trace elements such as zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for improving immunity levels. They are therefore helpful in preventing asthma (Shomar, 2012;Yimer et al, 2019).Different extracts of Nigella Sativa have a bronchodilator effect due to different mechanisms of action. The aqueous and macerated extracts of Nigella Sativa show a bronchodilatory effect of this plant due to their calcium channel blocking properties (Boskabady et al, 2004b).…”