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Antitumour principles from Nigella sativa seeds
Abstract
The active principle of Nigella sativa seeds containing certain fatty acids was studied for antitumour activities against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), Dalton's lymphonia ascites (DLA) and Sarcoma-180 (S-180) cells. In vitro cytotoxic studies showed 50% cytotoxicity to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, Dalton's lymphoma ascites and Sarcoma-180 cells at a concentration of 1.5 micrograms, 3 micrograms and 1.5 micrograms respectively with little activity against lymphocytes. The cell growth of KB cells in culture was inhibited by the active principle while K-562 cells resumed near control values on day 2 and day 3. Tritiated thymidine incorporation studies indicated the possible action of an active principle at DNA level. In vivo EAC tumour development was completely inhibited by the active principle at the dose of 2 mg/mouse per day x 10.
... Our blood results presented significant elevations of WBCs and lymphocytes counts in subgroup Biv as compared to subgroup Aiv or DMBA group (GII). Salomi et al. (1992) reported that TQ was cytotoxic against tumor cell lines with little effect against lymphocytes [52]. Furthermore, Mabrouk et al. (2002) found that oral NS had protected rats against methylnitrourea-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis by 80% and when NS was combined with honey, they showed 100% rat protection [53]. ...
... Our blood results presented significant elevations of WBCs and lymphocytes counts in subgroup Biv as compared to subgroup Aiv or DMBA group (GII). Salomi et al. (1992) reported that TQ was cytotoxic against tumor cell lines with little effect against lymphocytes [52]. Furthermore, Mabrouk et al. (2002) found that oral NS had protected rats against methylnitrourea-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis by 80% and when NS was combined with honey, they showed 100% rat protection [53]. ...
Objectives: Nigella sativa (NS), thymoquinone (TQ), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are phytochemicals that might have antioxidant protective potentials on the hamster cheek pouch epithelium (HCPE). We aimed at evaluating and comparing the potential therapeutic outcomes of these 3 phytochemicals by analysis of peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) counts. Materials and Methods: NS whole oil, TQ and EGCG were administered before, with or after 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene (DMBA) painting the hamster left cheek pouch. Before sacrificing each animal, 2 ml of blood was withdrawn into a fine heparin-containing tube to estimate the total WBCs, lymphocytes, MID cells, and granulocytes counts by an automatic count system. All cheek pouches were surgically excised and examined with light microscope. Results: Severe epithelial dysplasia was evident after 6 weeks of DMBA administration, and when NS was given for 2 weeks followed by DMBA for 6 weeks. When NS or EGCG were given for 2 weeks then continued with DMBA for 6 weeks, mild dysplasia was seen. When DMBA was given for 6 weeks followed by NS or TQ for 6 weeks, mild dysplasia was noted. Administration of DMBA for 6 weeks resulted in significant reduction in total WBCs and lymphocytes counts compared to healthy controls. Administration of NS or TQ for 2 weeks resulted in significant elevation in lymphocytes count compared to healthy controls. Significant elevation in total WBCS and lymphocytes counts was noted when EGCG was given for 2 weeks and continued with DMBA for other 6 weeks. Similar results were noted when DMBA was given for 6 weeks followed by TQ for 6 weeks when compared to NS, DMBA or healthy controls. Discussion: The three phytochemicals showed different levels of protection against DMBA carcinogenic activity, more specifically, TQ and NS had higher therapeutic potential and might be used for treatment and/or preventive management of oral cancer in the future. Conclusion: However, further investigations are required to address the mechanism of action and feasibility of clinical application of each phytochemical.
... A study has shown that crude methanol extract obtained from N. sativa seeds exhibits a strong cytotoxic action of Dalton's ascites lymphoma, Erlich ascites carcinoma, and sarcoma 180 cells, whereas showing minimal to no cytotoxic results on the normal lymphocytes (Salomi et al., 1992). The cytotoxic action of Nigella seed extract was shown in vivo, at the dosage of 2 mg extract/animal/ day in mouse model (Salomi et al., 1992). ...
... A study has shown that crude methanol extract obtained from N. sativa seeds exhibits a strong cytotoxic action of Dalton's ascites lymphoma, Erlich ascites carcinoma, and sarcoma 180 cells, whereas showing minimal to no cytotoxic results on the normal lymphocytes (Salomi et al., 1992). The cytotoxic action of Nigella seed extract was shown in vivo, at the dosage of 2 mg extract/animal/ day in mouse model (Salomi et al., 1992). It was also proven that the cellular expression of specific polypeptides presents in the cells of Jukart T lymphomaalters when exposed to non volatile oil of Nigella seed. ...
Nigella sativa is an Asian Middle Eastern native angiosperm belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Even before the advent of modern medicine, this miracle herb was being used in folkloric traditional medicine across the globe for treatments of all kinds of ailments and diseases. Ancient medicinal traditions, unlike modern allopathic medicine observed health of an individual in a holistic manner as a culmination of mind, body, soul, and nature. This plant has been mentioned in the written traditional medicinal texts of major civilizations like the Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Greek-Roman, Malay, Tibb-e-Nabwi, and Jewish texts. Black cumin and black seed are other alternate names of Nigella seeds and have been extensively used as medicines in all Abrahamic cultures. It has ample eminence that apart from death, black seed is deemed as the cure for all ailments. It has been extensively utilized for the treatment of liver, lung, kidney, gastric, and psychological disorders. Extensive research on N. sativa has revealed a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties comprising anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, analgesic, spasmolytic, reproprotection, hepatoprotection, bronchodilaton, nephroprotection, and contraception. Endowed with such miraculous healing power this black pearl has been placed among the top ranked evidence-based medicines by pharmacologists and medical practitioners. It has also been revealed that different fractions of Nigella extract exert different actions and can produce a wide array of pharmacological actions, if chosen properly, for the cure of specific diseases and maintenance of general health. The primary constituent of Nigella extract is thymoquinone. This chapter is an effort to embody the enormous ancient and modern medicinal literature into a clear concise script for researchers to understand the pharmacological characteristics, actions, and chemical conformation of N. sativa, “the miracle herb.”
... In the book it was reported that Nigella sativa seeds contain thymoquinone (TQ) and dithymoquinone (DIM), which were cytotoxic in vitro against MDR human tumor cell lines. It made the following research reference [10][11][12]. ...
... Anderson refers to studies to indicate the seeds' active ingredients, particularly thymoquinone, which may reduce the growth and size of tumors in rats [35]. Thymoquinone has also been reported to possess in-vitro cytotoxic activity [10][11][12]. ...
Like all other great Prophets (as) of Allah (God), statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him) of Islam are divinely inspired. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never spoke a single lie in his lifetime. Whatever he spoke was under divine inspiration. Concerning his statements and utterances Allah says in the Qur'an:
“He does not speak anything on his own. It is but a Revelation which is sent down to him” (An-Najm 53:3-4).
“And if Muhammad had made up about Us some [false] sayings, we would have seized him by the right hand; then We would have cut from him the aorta” (Al-Haqqah, 69: 44-46).
So, traditions of the Prophet (PBUH) on healing are also true, which modern science proves through research after 14 centuries. Although the Prophet’s mission was neither as a physician or pharmacist, he was inspired by God to make nearly 1000 statements on healing for the benefit of humankind because man needs to remain well free from sickness to fulfill his brief mission on earth. About Nigella sativa Abu Hurayrah (ra) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Hold on (use this seed regularly)! Because it is a remedy (cure) for every disease except death." (Bukhari, Muslim)
This amazing statement of the Prophet (PBUH) generated tremendous interest among the world scientific community, which finally led them to carry out extensive biological and phytochemical investigations on the plant seed. However, the researchers after carrying out hundreds of studies in various countries finally concluded that black seed can effectively cure 129 different types of ailments including 17 types of cancers. This large number of diseases curable by black seed demonstrates the authenticity of the Prophet’s statement.
In this paper the learned readers will be informed about the beneficial pharmacological effects of Nigella sativa in the treatment of most human ailments as well as the findings of modern scientific researches on how Prophetic chemo isolated from Nigella sativa can effectively cure numerous cancers without any side effects.
... The salutary value of many drugs is based not only on its clinical efficacy, but also on its lacking toxic sideeffects (Salomi et al., 1992). The literature supports the statement that thymoquinones and other category compounds dihydrothymoquinones and nano thymoquinones in N. sativa are the main constituents in efficacy against the acute and chronic disease (Randhawa and Alenazi, 2016). ...
... N. sativa seed and oils promote wound healing in farm animals . It has been found to possess the antineoplastic potential (Salomi et al., 1992). Thymoquinone, the active ingredient obtained from N. sativa has shown to exert potent bioactivity against squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. ...
Nigella sativa L. (Kalonji) has its place in family Ranunculaceae. It is an extensively utilized herbal medicinal plant throughout the world. It is a prevalent plant among all the ancient medicinal systems as Arabian, Chinese, Unani, Ayurveda, Sidha and Tibb. It has been considered by ancient herbalists as 'the Herb from Heaven'. It shows its consumption widely in Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor and Mediterranean region whereas at minor scale in Russia, Egypt, Turkey and France. It is considered imperative because of versatile physiognomies as diuretic, antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, appetite stimulant, galactagogue, antihypertensive, liver tonic, blood purifier, carminative, deodorant, digestive, purgative and against dermal problems. N. sativa has got its position among the top ranking herbal medicinal plants based upon its scientific evidences. Phytochemically it is very ironic and possesses a wide range of therapeutic agents i.e. p-cymene, carvacrol, transanethole, alcohols, apiole, astragole and other proteins, fats, fibres and most importantly thymoquinones. Thymoquinone is considered as the miraculous bioactive agent. In this review comprehensive effort has put to review and compile various research articles including origin, geography, cultivation record, traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology and therapeutics.
... Chemical composition of nigella seeds was detected previously by Gad et al. (1963), Salama (1973), Babayan et al. (1978) and El-Faham (1994). Salomi et al. (1992) studied the chemical composition, nutritive value and pharmacological activities of Nigella sativa seeds. ...
... Thymidine can inhibit DNA synthesis by 5fluorouracil, which is a standard medicine to treat colon and other cancers. The seeds of N. sativa have been mentioned to inhibit thymidine incorporation into these cell lines (Salomi et al., 1992).Similarly, thymoquinone inhibited the incorporation of thymidine in fibrosarcoma cells (Badary and Gamal El-Din, 2001).Cyclins play an important role in controlling cell cycle progression, the expression of these cell cycle proteins i.ethe cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks), their substrate proteins, the Cdk inhibitors (CKI) and the tumor progression gene products, p53 and pRb, can trigger non-cancer cells to proliferate and develop into cancer cells (Gali-Muhtasib and Bakkar, 2002). Thymoquinone was shown to produce the arrest of G1-phase of cell cycle in osteosarcoma cells (COS31) and human colon cancer cells (HCT-116). ...
The present study is a noteworthy attempt to investigate medicinal properties of Nigella sativa. This plant belongs to the family Ranunculaceae, is an annual flowering plant and a dicotyledon. Although it is widely used as a spice for its exceptional taste and aroma. In the ancient times it was also used to treat various ailments, till now it is quite popular for its traditional value in various systems of medicine. N. sativais one of the most top ranked medicinal herb, it was also suggested that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone and other bioactive componentssuch as terpenes, phenols, and flavonoids.Which arevery effective against cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, infammatory conditions,hypertension, respiratory disorder, cough, bronchitis, headache, eczema, fever, and infertility as well as numerous infectious diseases due to bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections.In Islamic literature, it is also regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine.Various pharmaceutical and biological properties have been assigned to the seeds of N. sativa.In brief, it can be used as a valuable plant for production of new drugs and treatment of many diseases.
... A crude methanolic extract of N. Sativa also induced around 50% cytotoxicity in Sarcoma180 cells (S-180 cells), Dalton's lymphoma ascites, and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, in an in vitro cytotoxic study (134). ...
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with almost 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020, so any investigation to prevent or cure this disease is very important. Spices have been studied widely in several countries to treat different diseases. However, studies that summarize the potential anticancer effect of spices used in Mediterranean diet are very limited. This review highlighted chemo-therapeutic and chemo-preventive effect of ginger, pepper, rosemary, turmeric, black cumin and clove. Moreover, the mechanisms of action for each one of them were figured out such as anti-angiogenesis, antioxidant, altering signaling pathways, induction of cell apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, for several types of cancer. The most widely used spice in Mediterranean diet is black pepper (Piper nigrum L). Ginger and black cumin have the highest anticancer activity by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks. Apoptosis induction is the most common pathway activated by different spices in Mediterranean diet to inhibit cancer. Studies discussed in this review may help researchers to design and test new anticancer diets enriched with selected spices that have high activities.
... Nigella sativa is native to southern Europe, North Africa, Southwest Asia, India, and Pakistan (R et al., 2015). It has been extensively in use as a traditional medicinal herb that has been known for anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative anticancer, anti-diabetic, and other pharmacological activities (Salomi et al., 1992). ...
Thymoquinone, a bioactive component of the black seed of Nigella sativa, has received great attention from researchers due to its wide spectrum of pharmacological potentials. The present review highlights the molecular and functional mechanisms of thymoquinone serving as a therapeutic molecule combating oral and lung cancer by following the most recent literature. This summarized the latest nanotechnological interventions enhancing the efficacy and availability of thymoquinone in the in-vitro and in-vivo cancer models. Thymoquinone exhibits a significantly promising anticancer effect against oral and lung cancer by prompting intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis through the activation of different caspases cascades, up and downregulation of apoptotic genes, antitumor cell proliferation, ROS regulation, etc. The accomplished insight into molecular and functional mechanisms of thymoquinone particularly combating oral and lung cancer will provide a better understanding and exploration of thymoquinone in an ethnopharmacological context.
... Cancer as a disease relies on multiple factors like modification in genetic pathways (266,267). Black seed preparation also helps to reduce the toxicity and side effects of anticancer synthetic drugs (268,269). TQ showed a protective role in oxidative stress conditions when administered orally by inducing free radical generation (270)(271)(272). Few researchers suggested that oral administration of TQ alleviates quinine reductase and glutathione transferase (273,274). ...
Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) comprises 80%–85% of lung cancer cases. EGFR is involved in several cancer developments, including NSCLC. The EGFR pathway regulates the Bax/Bcl-2 cascade in NSCLC. Increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fundamental tumor progression has guided the development of numerous antitumor drugs. The development and improvement of rationally planned inhibitors and agents targeting particular cellular and biological pathways in cancer have been signified as a most important paradigm shift in the strategy to treat and manage lung cancer. Newer approaches and novel chemotherapeutic agents are required to accompany present cancer therapies for improving efficiency. Using natural products as a drug with an effective delivery system may benefit therapeutics. Naturally originated compounds such as phytochemicals provide crucial sources for novel agents/drugs and resources for tumor therapy. Applying the small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs)/phytochemicals has led to potent preclinical discoveries in various human tumor preclinical models, including lung cancer. In this review, we summarize recent information on the molecular mechanisms of the Bax/Bcl-2 cascade and EGFR pathway in NSCLC and target them for therapeutic implications. We further described the therapeutic potential of Bax/Bcl-2/EGFR SMIs, mainly those with more potent and selectivity, including gefitinib, EGCG, ABT-737, thymoquinone, quercetin, and venetoclax. In addition, we explained the targeting EGFR pathway and ongoing in vitro and in vivo and clinical investigations in NSCLC. Exploration of such inhibitors facilitates the future treatment and management of NSCLC.
... The seed and its oils were found to exhibit several pharmacological properties among them, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic, galactagogue, carminative, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities (Abdelfadil et al., 2013;Darakhshan, Pour, et al., 2015;Darakhshan, Tahvilian, et al., 2015;Salem, 2005;Salomi et al., 1992). Most of these biological activities were mainly associated with thymoquinone, which is the major component of the oil, in addition to polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenols, quinone, carvacrol and 4-terpineol (A. ...
i>Nigella sativa L. seeds are widely used in Sudan as a spice, food preservative, and medicine. Sudan does not grow the plant. The study aimed to compare the chemical profile and antibacterial activity of fixed and essential oils of N. sativa from Ethiopian and Indian seeds and the oil offered by Attarin in the local market. A Soxhlet device extracted fixed oils and hydrodistillation to obtain essential oils and analysed their oil profile using GC-MS. Disk diffusion was used to test antimicrobial activity. The fixed oil of Ethiopian (EFO) and Indian (IFO) seeds contained ten components, with linoleic acid (50.12% in EFO and 57.69% in IFO) being the most abundant. Ethiopian seeds were used to extract the essential oil. 51.96% of the oil was hydrogenated monoterpenes. The main chemicals were p-cymene (36.76%) and thymoquinone (18.70%). There were fixed and essential oils in the Attarin oil sample. The main component was linoleic acid (14.61%), followed by p-cymene (13.85%). The maximum antibacterial activity (MIC 6.25 µg/disc) was seen in both fixed and liquid oil samples against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The best anti- P. aeruginosa action was attarin oil (MIC 12.5 µg/disc). Finally, the Sudanese market needs to standardise N. sativa seeds and oil.
... Antioxidant [117 -119], Immunomodulant [117,120,121], Antiviral [122 -124], Anticancer [117,125,126], Hepatoprotective [117,127,128], Antidiabetic, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Spasmolytic, Bronchodilator, Anti-hypertensive, Renal protective [117]. ...
Background:
Modulation of non-specific immunity and other related activities of succulent parts of effective medicinal plants can prevent viral infections like COVID-19 through their dietary intake.
Objective:
The succulent parts of the medicinal plants with immunomodulation, anti-oxidation, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, etc . power can be used orally in the capsular form to prevent as well as to reduce the severity of symptoms of COVID-19.
Methods:
A proposal is displayed with a detailed description of related steps like the selection of medicinal plant parts consulting related reports, collection of biomedicines, validation of efficacy, dosing, encapsulation, storage, and transportation, etc .
Results:
The succulent bio-medicines against COVID-19 can be developed and marketed following only some adoptive research.
Conclusion:
Succulent bio-medicines can be prepared and marketed for the prevention and cure of different infectious and non-infectious diseases.
... Because of their richness in a large variety of secondary plant metabolites, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, etc. [10], the extracts are capable of possessing significant and numerous bioactivities which makes them useful in traditional medicine [11][12][13][14][15]. It is worth mentioning that despite the increasing usage of plant extracts for medical purposes, a majority of the medicinal plant extracts and their chemical constituents are yet to be identified and some of them have been evaluated for their biological activities only [16,17]. Medicinal plants and natural products have become an attraction for modern scientific research involving an intersection of phytochemistry and pharmacology due to the diversified health benefits they possess. ...
Phenolic extracts of Clinopodium nepeta were prepared and their preliminary phenolic profiles determined using HPLC-DAD with 26 phenolic standards. Apigenin (21.75 ± 0.41 µg/g), myri-cetin (72.58 ± 0.57 µg/g), and rosmarinic acid (88.51 ± 0.55 µg/g) were the most abundant compounds in DCM (dichloromethane), AcOEt (ethyl acetate), and BuOH (butanol) extracts, respectively. The DCM and AcOEt extracts inhibited quorum-sensing mediated violacein production by C. violaceum CV12472. Anti-quorum-sensing zones on C. violaceum CV026 at MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) were 10.3 ± 0.8 mm for DCM extract and 12.0 ± 0.5 mm for AcOEt extract. Extracts showed concentration-dependent inhibition of swarming motility on flagellated P. aeruginosa PA01 and at the highest test concentration of 100 µg/mL, AcOEt (35.42 ± 1.00%) extract displayed the best activity. FRAP assay indicated that the BuOH extract (A0.50 = 17.42 ± 0.25 µg/mL) was more active than standard α-tocopherol (A0.50 = 34.93 ± 2.38 µg/mL). BuOH extract was more active than other extracts except in the ABTS •+ , where the DCM extract was most active. This antioxidant activity could be attributed to the phenolic compounds detected. C. nepeta extracts showed moderate inhibition on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, and α-amylase. The results indicate that C. nepeta is a potent source of natural antioxidants that could be used in managing microbial resistance and Alzheimer′s disease. Citation: Beddiar, H.; Boudiba, S.; Benahmed, M.; Tamfu, A.N.; Ceylan, Ö.; Hanini, K.; Kucukaydin, S.; Elomari, A.; Bensouici, C.; Laouer, H.; et al. Chemical Composition, Anti-Quorum Sensing, Enzyme Inhibitory, and Antioxidant Properties of Phenolic Extracts of Clinopodium nepeta L. Kuntze. Plants 2021, 10, 1955. https://doi.
... Black seed (Nigella sativa) oil and its main constituents are extensively described to protect several organs against oxidative damage depending on its high antioxidant activity (4). The active principle fatty acids derived from N. sativa, completely inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites cells (5). Other important and interesting study showed that Nigella sativa and its constituents Thymoquinine (TQ) shows role in cancer prevention via inactivation and activation of molecular pathways (6). ...
The ameliorative effect and antitumor activity of basic curcumin nanoparticles modified with basic nano black seeds (Nigella sativa) and calcium ascorbate were evaluated. Eighty female mice were divided into 4 equal groups of 20 mice each. Group 1 : non-tumor bearing mice (NTBM). Group 2 : tumor bearing mice(TBM). Group 3 : NTBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt /day) , orally for 6 weeks. Group 4 : TBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt/day), orally for 6 weeks. Blood samples for serum seperation and liver tissues specimens were collected from all animal groups three times after 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the onset of treatment. All serum were directly used for determination of ALT and AST activities and urea and creatinine concentrations. Moreever, antioxidants enzymes (catalase , GPX , SOD), GSH and MDA were detected in liver tissue. The obtained results showed significant decrease in catalase, GPX and SOD activities and GSH concentration in liver tissue of tumor bearing mice. Meanwhile, liver MDA, serum transferases(ALT and AST) activities, urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly increased in tumor bearing mice. TBM treated with nanocomposite improve the adverse biochemical changes induced by tumor. So, this nanocomposite has potential benefits in cancer treatment.
... The antimutagenic and anti-cancer activity of Tinospora cordifolia (Heart-leaved moonseed) has been found in some studies [19,20]. The spicy Black cumin Nigella sativa has some potential as an anticancer agent [21,22]. Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is quite well-known as an anti-cancer herb [23][24][25]. ...
UNANI MEDICINE AND CANCER
Christer Sundqvist. Prepublished article, 2020
Petrafoundation, Helsinki, Finland https://www.petrafoundation.com/en/foundation
Unani medicine is an alternative medical system originating in ancient Greece almost 2500 years back. It is now practiced primarily in India. Herbal remedies, dietary practices and alternative therapies characterize Unani medicine. Let us study what it can offer for a cancer patient.
... In a study conducted, oral administration (6 g/kg/day) of the polyherbal mixture of N. sativa, H. indicus, and S. glabra led to a longterm protection against diethylnitrosamineinduced hepatocellular adenoma in Wistar rats 41 . In an in vivo study, topical application of N. sativa extract (100 mg/kg) inhibited the two-stage initiation/promotion of skin carcinogenesis and delayed the onset of skin papilloma in mice challenged with 7,12dimethylbenzanthracene/croton oil 42 . In a study the cytotoxic and proapoptotic potential of Nigella sativa seed oil or extract used together were checked with novel octahydropyrazino[2,1-a:5,4-a′]diisoquinoline derivative (OM-90). ...
Cancer is one of the fastest growing diseases, with an estimated worldwide incidence of 10 million new cases per year. Mortality is high, with >7 million deaths per year. In the last two decades, great advances have been made in cancer therapy; however, the success rates still remain unsatisfactory. Current conventional anticancer therapies are associated with adverse effects, drug resistance, and cancer recurrence. In Unani system of medicine, Cancer is known as Sartān, an Arabic word which means "crab". In the classical Unani literature, Sartān (Cancer) has been mentioned with great description, causes, origin, expansion, metastasis and all of clinical presentations. Renowned physicians like Buqrat, Jalinoos, Razi, Ibn Sina, Tabri and Jurjani gave the details of Sartān and its management. Through this paper, an attempt has been made to highlight the strength of Unani medicine in Sartān.
... The seeds are used for edible and medicinal purposes in many countries including India, Egypt and Syria. Recently, many medicinal properties have been attributed to the black cumin seeds and/or its oil, including antineoplastic (antitumor), antibacterial, antifungal and antihelmenthic properties [9][10][11]. More recently, a great deal of attention has been given to the black cumin seeds and their oil, and their consumption has thus increased, especially in Middle East countries. ...
... Nigellone at low concentrations is very effective in inhibiting histamine release from mast cells (Chakravarty 1993). N. sativa seeds contain fatty acids which completely inhibited development of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in-vivo (Salomi et al., 1992). Similar work in our lab on treating mice with N. sativa extract prior to being immunized with a mammalian expression construct encoding the HCV envelop proteins increased both the humoral and the cellular responses compared to mice which received the DNA construct alone or PBS-treated mice (Shawky et al., 2015). ...
ABSTRACT: The aim of this chapter is to review the immunoregulatory
responses of natural plants, vitamins, camel milk, propolis and their potential
use as adjuvants in combination with vaccines or as therapeutics. A literature
search was carried out on PubMed database using the keywords propolis,
Rosmarinus officinalis, vitamins, camel milk, Echinacea purpurea, Nigella
sativa and Pulicaria crispia which resulted in sixty two (62) published papers
over the period 1982–2018. Propolis acted as adjuvant in combination
with vaccines against Gram-negative bacteria and has anti-parasitic effect.
Vitamins A, E and a catechin could protect against intra-nasal challenge with
live influenza virus as demonstrated by lung pathology scores, lung viral loads,
and serum hemagglutination inhibition titers. R. officinalis powder and
vitamin E can modulate the humoral immunity of broiler chickens.
Echinacea purpurea and N. sativa combined with killed reasserted H5N1
avian influenza virus stimulated the humoral immune responses in
comparison with the extract-free vaccine. N. sativa oil and its active ingredients
showed Immunomodulatory activity by augmenting both natural
killer cells- and T cells-mediated responses. The volatile oil of N. sativa seeds
considered as a potential immunosuppressive agent. N. sativa seed oil showed
potent anti-inflammatory effects on several inflammation-based models as
experimental encephalomyelitis, colitis, peritonitis, oedama, and arthritis
through suppressing prostaglandins and leukotriens. Methanolic extract of P.
crispa reduced Schistosoma mansoni worm burden and stimulated significant
IL2 as well as IgG responses that recognized bilharzial, Escherichia coli and
cancer bladder antigens in S. mansoni infected mice. The beneficial effects
of camel milk emanate come from their nanoparticles, especiallyexosomes,
which were reported as anticancer agents. Some natural products have an
immuno-stimulatory or suppressive response or both as propolis. The natural
products can be acted as immunoadjuvants in combination with vaccines or
as therapeutics to evaluate the efficacy of vaccine or drug.
Keywords: Immunomodulatory, Adjuvants, Plant extracts, Vitamins,
Propolis, and Camel Milk.
... Nigellone at low concentrations is very effective in inhibiting histamine release from mast cells (Chakravarty 1993). N. sativa seeds contain fatty acids which completely inhibited development of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in-vivo (Salomi et al., 1992). Similar work in our lab on treating mice with N. sativa extract prior to being immunized with a mammalian expression construct encoding the HCV envelop proteins increased both the humoral and the cellular responses compared to mice which received the DNA construct alone or PBS-treated mice (Shawky et al., 2015). ...
... Due to the high antioxidant content, considerable attention is being paid to the black seed in the traditional medicine, medical profession and food industry [10,11]. Till now, many properties have been reported for black seed such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antifungal and so on [11][12][13]. The seeds of this plant contain non-volatile oil, essence oil, alkaloids and saponin. ...
In the present study, the edible and biodegradable Zein microfiber is prepared using the glacial acetic acid solvent and electrospinning approach. It is possible to produce uniform nanofibers without bead by changing several parameters such as the concentrations of Zein and drug, gap between the needle tip and collector, electrospinning voltage and solution’s flow rate. Here, the solution of Zein and black seed (Nigella sativa) oil has been produced and electrospun at three different oil concentrations of 5, 10 and 15% w/v. The electrospinning voltage, gap between the needle tip and collector and flow rate were kept fixed for these three concentration levels as 20 kV, 15 cm and 4 mL/h, respectively. According to the obtained results, the concentration variation of the black seed oil has a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on the fiber diameter in such a way that fiber diameter increases with an increment in the oil concentration. Further aim of the present study is to prepare as well as evaluate the membrane properties of Zein nanofibers containing black seed oil using the electrospinning method for modern drug delivery uses.
... These therapeutic properties are attributed to its prominent phytochemicals e.g thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, nigellicine and its derivatives, myristic acid, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and various trace elements and minerals. [6] The blood examination includes evaluation of hematological factors such as white cell count (WBC), differential count and platelet count, red blood cell (RBC) count, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin (Hb) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH). A complete blood count gives important information about types and numbers of cells in the blood especially RBCs. ...
The present work aimed to investigate the protective effect of Nigella sativa methonelic extraction against gamma radiation effect on the hematological parameters in male rats. Method: Sixty Male rats divided into 12 groups, 5 each, were used in this work. Average weighing 200-250 g were used. The rats were kept in in special designed cages and maintained under constant air flow and illumination during the experimental periods. Group 1 served as vehicle control, Group 2 served as NS group. Five Groups were injected intravenously with Tc-99m, while other five groups were orally administrated with Nigella sativa (400 mg/kg) then injected intravenously with Tc-99m. All these groups were decapitated after 1, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days respectively. Some hematological parameters were determined for all groups, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets (PLT), Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). RESULTS: The findings results showed a disturbance in the levels of the estimated hematological parameters for all groups (P< 0.05) compared to the control group. The results of UV spectrum show partial photo dissociation. showed a decrease in intensity, all irradiated serum sample intensity was less than control sample; this result indicates that there is photo degradation happened to the blood components, this causes changes in the structure and conformational changes. Also Results revealed that administration of Nigella sativa methonelic extraction has protective effects against radiation-induced damage. CONCLUTION: The present study clarified that oral administration of Nigella sativa methonelic extraction is beneficial to prevent alterations induced by gamma radiation.European Journal of Biomedical
AND Pharmaceuatical sciences
... Black seed (nigella sativa) oil and its main constituents are extensively described to protect several organs against oxidative damage depending on its high antioxidant activity (Mansour, et al.,2002). The active principle fatty acids derived from N. sativa, completely inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites cells (Salomi, et al.,1992). Other important and interesting study showed that nigella sativa and its constituents Thymoquinine (TQ) shows role in cancer prevention via inactivation and activation of molecular pathways (Rahmani, et al.,2014). ...
The ameliorative effect and antitumor activity of basic curcumin nanoparticles modified with basic nano black seeds (nigella sativa) and calcium ascorbate were evaluated. eighty female mice were divided into 4 equal groups of 20 mice each. Group 1: non-tumor bearing mice (NTBM). Group 2: tumor bearing mice(TBM). Group 3: NTBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt /day) , orally for 6 weeks. Group 4: TBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt/day), orally for 6 weeks. Blood samples for serum separation and liver tissues specimens were collected from all animal groups three times after 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the onset of treatment. All serum was directly used for determination of ALT and AST activities and urea and creatinine concentrations. Moreover, antioxidants enzymes (catalase, GPX, SOD), GSH and MDA were detected in liver tissue. The obtained results showed significant decrease in catalase, GPX and SOD activities and GSH concentration in liver tissue of tumor bearing mice. Meanwhile, liver MDA, serum transferases(ALT and AST) activities, urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly increased in tumor bearing mice. TBM treated with nanocomposite improve the adverse biochemical changes induced by tumor. So, this nanocomposite has potential benefits in cancer treatment.
... Black seed (Nigella sativa) oil and its main constituents are extensively described to protect several organs against oxidative damage depending on its high antioxidant activity (4). The active principle fatty acids derived from N. sativa, completely inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites cells (5). Other important and interesting study showed that Nigella sativa and its constituents Thymoquinine (TQ) shows role in cancer prevention via inactivation and activation of molecular pathways (6). ...
The ameliorative effect and antitumor activity of basic curcumin nanoparticles modified with basic nano black seeds (Nigella sativa) and calcium ascorbate were evaluated. Eighty female mice were divided into 4 equal groups of 20 mice each. Group 1 : non-tumor bearing mice (NTBM). Group 2 : tumor bearing mice(TBM). Group 3 : NTBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt /day) , orally for 6 weeks. Group 4 : TBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt/day), orally for 6 weeks. Blood samples for serum seperation and liver tissues specimens were collected from all animal groups three times after 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the onset of treatment. All serum were directly used for determination of ALT and AST activities and urea and creatinine concentrations. Moreever, antioxidants enzymes (catalase , GPX , SOD), GSH and MDA were detected in liver tissue. The obtained results showed significant decrease in catalase, GPX and SOD activities and GSH concentration in liver tissue of tumor bearing mice. Meanwhile, liver MDA, serum transferases(ALT and AST) activities, urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly increased in tumor bearing mice. TBM treated with nanocomposite improve the adverse biochemical changes induced by tumor. So, this nanocomposite has potential benefits in cancer treatment.
... Black seed (nigella sativa) oil and its main constituents are extensively described to protect several organs against oxidative damage depending on its high antioxidant activity (Mansour, et al.,2002). The active principle fatty acids derived from N. sativa, completely inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites cells (Salomi, et al.,1992). Other important and interesting study showed that nigella sativa and its constituents Thymoquinine (TQ) shows role in cancer prevention via inactivation and activation of molecular pathways (Rahmani, et al.,2014). ...
The ameliorative effect and antitumor activity of basic curcumin nanoparticles modified with basic nano black seeds (nigella sativa) and calcium ascorbate were evaluated. eighty female mice were divided into 4 equal groups of 20 mice each. Group 1: non-tumor bearing mice (NTBM). Group 2: tumor bearing mice(TBM). Group 3: NTBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt /day) , orally for 6 weeks. Group 4: TBM + nanocomposite (4.750gm / kg. b.wt/day), orally for 6 weeks. Blood samples for serum separation and liver tissues specimens were collected from all animal groups three times after 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the onset of treatment. All serum was directly used for determination of ALT and AST activities and urea and creatinine concentrations. Moreover, antioxidants enzymes (catalase, GPX, SOD), GSH and MDA were detected in liver tissue. The obtained results showed significant decrease in catalase, GPX and SOD activities and GSH concentration in liver tissue of tumor bearing mice. Meanwhile, liver MDA, serum transferases(ALT and AST) activities, urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly increased in tumor bearing mice. TBM treated with nanocomposite improve the adverse biochemical changes induced by tumor. So, this nanocomposite has potential benefits in cancer treatment.
... In folk medicine, seeds were meant to be the treatment for and prevention option for dyslipidemia, asthma, and eczema [30]. The seeds and the main component of the volatile oil, thymoquinone, were also widely explored in numerous scientific studies, also for its cytotoxic characteristics [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. ...
Alpha-hederin (α-HN), a pentacyclic triterpene saponin, has recently been identified as one of the active compounds of Nigella sativa, as a potential anticancer agent. However, no extensive studies on α-HN have been done as yet, as it was in the case of thymoquinone—the main ingredient of the N. sativa essential oil. To our knowledge, there are also no data available on how α-HN acts on the human cancer ovarian cell line SKOV-3. In this study we attempt to present the cytotoxic influence of α-HN on the SKOV-3 cell line by means of two methods: Real-Time xCELLigence and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The obtained IC50 values are 2.62 ± 0.04 μg/mL and 2.48 ± 0.32 μg/mL, respectively. An induction of apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells was confirmed by staining cellular nuclei with Hoechst 33342 dye and by flow cytometry analysis by binding annexin V to the cell membranes. We found that α-HN induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In the first stages of apoptosis, the mitochondrial membrane potential was found to decrease. Also, inactivation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was observed, as well as the caspase-9 and then caspase-3/7 activation. In addition, the treatment of SKOV-3 cells with α-HN induced the cell cycle arrest of cancer cells in G0/G1 phase. The results of our investigations indicate that α-HN induces apoptosis in the SKOV-3 cell line and that the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway is involved in the programmed cancer cell death.
... Black seed (nigella sativa) oil and its main constituents are extensively described to protect several organs against oxidative damage depending on its high antioxidant activity (Mansour, et al.,2002). The active principle fatty acids derived from N. sativa, completely inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton's lymphoma ascites cells (Salomi, et al.,1992). Other important and interesting study showed that nigella sativa and its constituents Thymoquinine (TQ) shows role in cancer prevention via inactivation and activation of molecular pathways (Rahmani, et al.,2014). ...
... The seeds of Nigella sativa have been used traditionally for centuries in the Middle East, Northern Africa, Far East and Asia for the treatment of asthma (Al-Tahir et al., 1993) and as an anti-tumor agent (Nair et al., 1991;Salomi et al., 1992;El-Daly, 1998;Worthen et al., 1998;Vickers, 2002), anti-cestode and antinematode (Mahmoud et al., 2002), anti-inflammatory (Houghton et al., 1995;Mutabagani and El-Mahdy, 1997), analgesic (Khanna et al., 1993), antidiabetic (Al-Hader et al., 1993;El-Shabarawy and Nada, 1996), anti-ulcerogenic (Akhtar et al., 1996;El-Dakhakhny et al., 2000) and diuretic (Zaoui et al., 2000), lactogogue and vermifuge. Uses for cough, bronchitis, headache, fever, influenza and eczema, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and related abnormalities have been conducted (Zaoui et al., 2002). ...
Abstract
The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the antimicrobial
effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa seeds as root canal
irigants in an in vitro and in vivo, and to make a sort of comparison with the
currently used root canal irrigants (5.25 % sodium hypochlorite, 0.2 %
chlorhexidine and normal saline).
The antimicrobial effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of
Nigella sativa seeds dilutions (0.1 %, 0.01 %, 0.001, 0.2 % and 0.4 %), 5.25
% sodium hypochlorite, 0.2 % chlorhexidine and normal saline were
determined in vitro by using a broth microdilution method. The results were
measured using a spectrophotometer at (590 nm) wavelength.
Results showed that all concentrations of Nigella sativa extracts,
sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) had a significant
antimicrobial effect against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria recovered from
teeth with necrotic pulps, while normal saline had no significant
antimicrobial effect. As for Nigella sativa extracts, the best antimicrobial
effect was noticed at 0.4 % ethanolic extract, which showed significant
difference from other concentrations of Nigella sativa seeds and normal
saline, and significantly not different from sodium hypochlorite and
chlorhexidine.
The contact test was used to determine the time required for 0.4 %
aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds, 0.4 % ethanolic extract of Nigella
sativa, 0.2 % CHX and 5.25 % NaOCl to start their antimicrobial effect on
the selected microorganisms.
The results of this test showed that 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite had an
immediate effect on all selected microorganisms. 0.2 % chlorhexidine
Abstract
IV
started its effect after 5 minutes on Klebseilla, Streptococcus faecalis,
Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while it took 10 minutes to
eliminate Candida albicans.
The results also showed that 0.4 % aqueous extract of Nigella sativa
seeds did not eliminate any of the selected microorganisms at any time
interval, while 0.4 % ethanolic extract started its effect after 5 minutes on
Klebseilla and after 10 minutes on Candida albicans, Streptococcus faecalis
and Escherichia coli while it did not eliminate Staphylococcus aureus at any
time interval.
In the in vivo study, 27 uniradicular teeth with necrotic pulps were
chosen; the patients were divided randomly in to 3 groups, 7 patients for
group I and group II and 13 patients for group III:
Group I: normal saline as a negative control.
Group II: 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite as a positive control.
Group III: with 0.4 % ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds.
Bacteriological samples were obtained from the canal at the beginning
of the first appointment; at the beginning of the second appointment; at the
end of the second appointment and at the beginning of the third appointment
using wet sterile paper points.
The results revealed that (0.4 %) ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa
seeds has a significant antimicrobial effect when used clinically as an
endodontic irrigant, and was significantly not different from 5.25 % sodium
hypochlorite and significantly different from normal saline.
... On the basis of traditional use of N. sativa in the treatment of many illnesses, the effects of N. sativa extract on the development of cancer were evaluated in many researches. [67][68][69] TQ is the main chemical component of the seed oil extract. It is reported to exhibit good antitumor activities in different types of cancer, which can be used as an anticancer remedy in chemotherapeutics. ...
... Administration of seed extract in vivo in DBA2/P815 mouse model showed that it inhibits the solid tumor formation and development (Mbarek et al. 2007). Active ingredient of Nigella sativa showed 50% cytotoxicity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells, Dalton's lymphoma ascites, and sarcoma 180 cells at IC50 of 1.5 μg, 3 μg, and 1.5 μg, respectively (Salomi et al. 1992). Effects of extract of Nigella sativa in hepatoma HepG2 cells induced in mice showed that after 24 h of exposure to Nigella sativa extract, apoptosis gets initiated in HepG2 cells (Thabrew et al. 2005). ...
Medicinal plants possess chemical constituents and produce secondary metabolites having countless benefits regarding various ailments. The extract of these plants can act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-allergic, anti-cancerous, analgesic, and antidiabetic. Due to these medicinal properties, these plants have been used since centuries for the cure and prevention of different kind of diseases. Derivatives from the medicinal plants and their extracts are effective in small amounts, economical, and safe to use, with negligible side effects. Moreover, medicinal plants are easily accessible and have better compatibility. Review of the literature proves that countless medicinal plants have been exploited for their antitumor as well as anticancer potential. This chapter intends to focus on these plants showing medicinal effects against cancer and tumor. The chapter digs into the detail methodologies through which daily usage plants can be explored for medicinal purposes, the preparation of extracts, and the physiological responses of body towards these extracts.
... It has cytotoxic activity, as the ethyl acetate column chromatographic fraction of the ethanolic extract of N. sativa showed a cytotoxic effect against diverse cell lines such as Molt4, Hep G2 and LL/2 [179]. Another in vitro studies showed about 50% cytotoxicity of a crude methanolic extract of N. sativa against Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA), Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Sarcoma- 180 cells (S-180 cells) [180]. Its anti-cancer activity is due to its ability to exhibit powerful pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-mutagenic, anti-metastatic and anti-oxidant effects. ...
... Beside the presence of active compounds in extracts and their preventive action, anti-carcinogenic effect may be mediated by the following mechanisms: (a) by improving detoxifying enzyme activities, (b) by stimulating anti-oxidant enzyme activities that appear during cellular stress situations or cellular damage conditions, and (c) by facilitating programmed cell death at target receptor site/s. Other lines of research suggested that the compounds of plant extracts can also be cytotoxic to several cell lines of cancers [31,32]. Further inclusive research is, however, required before making a comment about the molecular mechanism of extract action in demonstrating anti-carcinogenic effect. ...
The plant extracts of Catharanthus roseus L. (G). Don has been used in alternate medicine for years, but the curing mechanism of these extracts is still not scientifically elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of in vitro and ex vitro cultivated plant extracts in protecting the model rat against diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Leaf (field and in vitro cultivated) and callus extract were administered to rats that were divided into 6 groups (G1-G6) of 6 each. The animals in each group except G1 were injected with a single dose of DEN (200 mg/kg body weight) to initiate hepatocarcinoma. Six different treatments were created; T1 (normal control), T2 (induced control); and the treated groups, T3 to T6, which received field grown or in vitro raised plant extract at various doses (300 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day). The treatments were continued for eight weeks. Biochemical variables like glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and comparative hematology and histopathological differences were investigated. The alkaloid levels of extracts were also quantified. In carcinogenic animals, the GSH (12.80 μg/g), GST (0.38 μmol/min/mg protein), ALP (19.88 IU/L), and AST (43.61 IU/L) levels were high compared to normal. The in vitro harvested leaf extract at 100 mg/kg was the most effective treatment that reduced the levels markedly. Histological analysis confirmed the anticarcinogenic protective role of the plant extracts as treated animals showed recovery in micro fatty changes, and had reduced dilated sinusoids and localized focal degeneration. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified maximum accumulation of vinblastine in in vitro developed leaf extract (13.25 μg/g) compared to field grown leaf (10.72 μg/g). Vincristine content was also high (3.27 μg/g) in in vitro cultivated leaf extract. This extra accumulation of phytocompounds in extracts may be responsible for recovery from DEN caused carcinogenic damages. The protocol has advantages as preparation of extracts is easy compared to pure alkaloids, which often have toxic side effects.
... Medicinal plants are used to treat diabetes all around the world (25). Nigella sativa has been reported to exhibit antitumour, anti-cancer (26,27), anti-fungal (28), anti-microbial (29) and anti-diabetic effects (23,30). The biological activities of N. sativa seeds are due to thymoquinone, which is the main component of its essential oil (31). ...
... The seeds have claimed to have several traditional medicinal properties 5 . Recently, the seeds have been reported to exhibit many pharmacological effects including immunomodulator 6 , anticancer 7 , anti-diabetic 8 , anti hypertensive 9 , hepatoprotective 10 , anti-oxidant 11 , anti-bacterial activity 12 , anti- helminthic 12 and anti-inflammatory 13 . This study is designed to evaluate the anti stress activity of Nigella sativa seeds. ...
The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa (EENS) on swimming endurance and anoxia tolerance
test in mice, cold induced stress and Immobilization in albino rats. The effect was assessed by swimming survival time and anoxia tolerance time,
estimation of various biochemical parameters in cold, Immobilization stress like glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood urea nitrogen (BUN),
and by determining the weight of organ such as, liver, spleen, testes, adrenal gland, blood cell count (WBC) and also the differential count at a dose
of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight per oral. It was found that EENS significantly (p<0.001) increases swimming time and anoxia tolerance
time. EENS showed significant (p<0.001) decrease in blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and BUN and also decreased the weight of organs. It
also showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in weight of adrenal gland. A significant (p<0.01) decrease in WBC count, polymorphs and monocytes
and decrease in lymphocytes (p<0.05) and eosinophils was observed, compared to control group. Thus the obtained results revealed that the nigella
sativa has got a significant anti stress activity.
Keywords: Swimming, Anoxia, Cold stress, EENS, WBC, BUN
Progression of chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma is not uncommon in India. Approximately 22,000 new cases of primary liver cancer are reported annually in the country. HCC is very complex and unique when compared with other cancer types. Treatment such as surgical resection, ablation, and chemo-embolization is useful only to selected patients. Over all very low (4%) survival rate of HCC underlines the limitations in treatment options and marks it as cause of major health burden. At present, liver transplantation remains the only curative option for the patients of cirrhosis and end stage liver diseases. The etiology and pathology of HCC is not clearly defined in detail in the Indian system of medicines. But tumors are discussed under the names various ASU terminology to designate basic common neoplasms, which can appear in any tissue or organ of the body. Both allopathic and ASU systems generally refer to neoplasms as the uncoordinated abnormal cell growth found within particular organs or body tissues. The Indian systems of medicine are the oldest traditional medicinal systems offering treatments for chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis for centuries. A large number of single and compound drug formulations are documented to have benefit over chronic liver conditions as hepatic tonic. The therapeutic benefits offered by various ASU formulations in treatment of chronic liver diseases have however not much explored in treatment of HCC. Experiments on animals and cell cultures have shown that some potential plants can alleviate and prevent pathological changes in the liver. The present paper is an attempt to list the plants with hepatoprotective and related beneficial effects which are used in Indian system of medicines. An attempt has been made to provide details on validation of certain potential plant drugs for anticancer and anti-metastatic properties against hepatocellular carcinoma.
Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) is one of the most widely used traditional therapeutic plants. It possesses important classes of bioactive compounds among which thymoquinone as the major bioactive component of the essential oil has attracted noteworthy attention due to its active role in treating a various range of disorders. N. sativa can induce a wide range of pharmacological functions including anti-oxidative stress responses, antidiabetic, anticancer, cell apoptosis and increase membrane permeability, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilatory, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, and antioxidant properties. The seeds of N. sativa , commonly known as black seed or black cumin, show many potential pharmacological roles and are utilized in folk (herbal) medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of a various range of diseases and conditions including asthma, cancers, inflammatory situations, type 2 diabetes mellitus disorders, bacterial and viral infections, and dyslipidemia. This review outlines the main pharmacological properties of N. sativa and its components due to their potential wide applications for a large variety of human diseases. The seeds constitute both fixed and essential oils, proteins, alkaloids and saponin. Much of the biological function of the seeds has been demonstrated to be due to thymoquinone. Beneficial influences of the seeds application and thymoquinone might be contributed to their cytoprotective and antioxidant functions, and to their effect on immune response and some inflammatory mediators.
Compilation of Review papers
The present investigation was aimed to study the effect of thymol, an active compound of Nigella sativa, on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (i) Normal control, (ii) Diabetic control, (iii) Diabetic treated with insulin (iv) Diabetic treated with thymol and (v) Normal rats treated with thymol. The rats were injected with STZ at a dose of 55 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Thymol was given orally at a dose of 40mg/kg body weight for 28 days. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were drawn by cardiac puncture to determine the levels of Blood glucose, Plasma Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Urea, Creatinine, Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content, Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), Sialic acid (SA). Markers of antioxidants as Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and erythrocyte Reduced Glutathione (GSH) were also measured. Radical scavenging activity in terms of percent 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Blood glucose level, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, Urea, Creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, MDA, AOPP, SA levels which were found elevated due to diabetes reduced significantly to near normal. However, HDL level, % DPPH, FRAP content and erythrocyte GSH levels elevated after supplementation. We observe that administration of thymol afforded remarkable protection against diabetes and its related complications.
Black seed (Nigella sativa) plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family native to the Middle East, India, and Pakistan and also the neighboring countries. It is an annual flowering plant. Several medicinal uses have been reported. This plant has a historical and religious background that emerges as a miracle. The holy books Quran and Bible mention this plant that it can cure most of the diseases. This medicinal plant is rich in bioactive compounds and is globally used for food purposes or traditional medicine. A database collection from like Science Direct, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and SID. Numerous therapeutic effects were reported like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, rheumatoid, anti-arthritic, digestive disease, cardiac disease, anti-cancer, reproductive disease, CNS diseases, and others. Several constituents are present in the plant, but among these thymoquinone (TQ) is the most important; several types of research in vivo and in vitro confirmed the various pharmacological activities. This valuable plant is used for the development of a new formulation to cure several diseases.Keywords
Nigella sativa
ThymoquinoneBioactiveIn vivo and in vitroPharmacological activities
Nigella sativa is a well-known and widely used food supplement and medicinal plant in
various civilization from ancient times. N. sativa hold numerous active compounds in
the form of fixed oil, essential oil, saponins, and alkaloids and are used to treat several
ailments in animal and human beings. So far, numerous studies revealed that N. sativa,
also called black cumin, exhibited many pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-viral and also has positive effect on
immune-stimulatory activities.
Due to its amazing power of healing, black cumin has got the place among the top ranked
evidence based herbal medicines. In the current pandemic situation, many studies have
also explored the anti-Covid and immunostimulatory activity of N. sativa. The objective
of this review is to provide comprehensive analysis of the published scientific literature
on the traditional uses, biological principle, composition and pharmacological activities
of N. sativa. In this review, we are also emphasizing on the studies supporting the N
sativa’s potential for hitting SARS-CoV-2 targets.
Une étude ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales utilisées traditionnellement dans le traitement du cancer du sein a été menée en 2018–2019 auprès des patients du service de radiothérapie, « centre anticancer, CAC », Annaba, Algérie. Cette étude a permis de réunir toutes les informations concernant l’usage des plantes médicinales pratiqué par les malades. L’analyse des résultats, obtenus à partir de fiches questionnaires, a permis de recenser 35 espèces végétales réparties dans 27 familles botaniques, avec une représentation importante des espèces suivantes : Nigella sativa L. (12 citations), Curcuma longa L., Allium sativum L., Berberis vulgaris L., Annona muricata L., Ephedra sp (neuf citations), suivies par le Zingiber officinale Roscoe (huit citations), le reste des espèces ont une fréquence de citation comprise entre une et sept. Nous avons noté aussi que parmi les organes des plantes, le feuillage constitue la partie la plus utilisée, avec un pourcentage de 20 %. Toutes ces informations constituent une ébauche importante pour réaliser des recherches expérimentales ultérieures dans le but de déterminer les principes actifs et leurs mécanismes d’action sur le cancer.
Nigella sativa also called prophetic medicine. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon on Him) recommended and used it to maintain health. Although the seeds of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) are widely used as a spice for their distinctive aroma, they are also commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. The literature presents ample evidence for the biomedical activities of cumin, which have generally been ascribed to its bioactive constituents such as terpenes, phenols, and flavonoids. Those health effects of cumin seeds that are experimentally validated are discussed in this review. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical trials have investigated its efficacy using the seed oil, essential oil, and its main constituent thymoquinone (TQ). These investigations support its use either independently or as an adjunct along with conventional drugs in respiratory problems, allergic rhinitis, dyspepsia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory diseases, and different types of human cancer. Multiple studies made in the last decades validate its health beneficial effects particularly in diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, respiratory disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Nigella sativa seeds also possess immune stimulatory, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective activities. TQ is the most abundant constituent of volatile oil of N. sativa seeds, and most of the medicinal properties of N. sativa are attributed mainly to TQ. All the available evidence suggests that TQ should be developed as a novel drug in clinical trials.
Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant and one of the most significant seeds in the history of medicinal importance. It is popularly used in the bakery industry and medicinal products. It is an annual spicy herb indigenously belonging to Mediterranean regions. The seeds are extracted using a screw press machine to yield oil (32–40%) leaving behind residue meal which is an abundant source of macro as well as micro-nutrients. Macronutrients include protein and fibres, whereas micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. Even after extraction of the oil from the seed, the defatted black cumin seed cake still contains some residual oil rich in bioactive components apart from the main constituents of the meal. The defatted cake is utilized as an animal feed owing to ample protein content and can also act as a high source of phenolic compounds and carbohydrates that could aid in strengthening the immune system. The meal contains most essential amino acids along with crude protein. The production of black cumin defatted seeds is expected to increase shortly due to its extended use as a medical seed. It has been also reported to replace protein in the diets of growing Japanese quail. Despite nutritional as well as economic importance, there is a dearth of literature about the black cumin seed cake. Some of the pivotal works have reported about the rich amino acid profile of the seeds. The meal obtained could be a good alternative for feed for animals. Apart from high crude protein, the defatted cake has been also reported to contain high crude fibres. It has been also reported to be a good replacement for soybean meal. Studies have reported also the utilization of seed cake as a rabbit feed without hampering liver or kidney function. The application of black cumin seeds also finds its prevalence in protective cosmetics owing to its high antioxidative properties.
The most common tumor linked with elevated death rates is considered the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sometimes called the malignant hepatoma. The initiation and progression of HCC are triggered by multiple factors like long term alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C infection, age, and oxidative stress. Sorafenib is the merely US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat HCC. Several treatment methods are available for HCC therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy but they often lead to several side effects. Yet these treatment methods are not entirely adequate due to the increasing resistance to the drug and their toxicity. Many natural products help to prevent and treat HCC. A variety of pathways are associated with the prevention and treatment of HCC with herbal products and their active components. Accumulating research shows that certain natural dietary compounds are possible source of hepatic cancer prevention and treatments, such as black currant, strawberries, plum, grapes, pomegranate, cruciferous crops, tomatoes, French beans, turmeric, garlic, ginger, asparagus, and many more. Such a dietary natural products and their active constituents may prevent the production and advancement of liver cancer in many ways such as guarding against liver carcinogens, improving the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic medications, inhibiting the growth, metastasis of tumor cells, reducing oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. The present review article represents hepatic carcinoma etiology, role of herbal products, their active constituents, and dietary natural products for the prevention and treatment of HCC along with their possible mechanisms of action.
Aims:
This essay explores the anti-cancer activity of specific Chinese herbal medicines to clarify how effective Chinese herbal medicine is used for handling hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods:
Literature form publica domain were studied and an analysis of anti-cancer activity of specific Chinese herbal medicines is presented in this review.
Results:
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most dangerous malignant tumors in the world. The operative diagnosis of liver cancer remains a significant challenge. Although surgery tissue resection is encouraging, a high risk of recurrence and metastasis, illustrating disease-related mortality is desperately required to enhance postoperative preventive and therapeutic clinical procedures. The almost only effective clinical intervention seems to be developing advanced targeted therapies such as sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma patients, but there is little research in this field. Because their preventative/therapeutic properties strengthen Chinese herbal medicinal compounds, they are deemed relevant to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Chinese herbal medicine derivates provide multifaceted, orientated and orchestrated therapy, making it an ideal candidate for inhibiting hepatocellular tumor production and metastasis.
The Himalayan region harbors a rich diversity of medicinal plants and fruits which are used as traditional medicines for a variety of diseases and complications. The Himalayas has rich biodiversity of plants and the majority of these plants have medicinal properties, especially anticancer potential, that have been used in traditional health care systems for thousands of years. These have been used since the ancient past in traditional health care systems and diverse cultures around the world still depend on medicinal plants for their primary health care. With the recent advancements and technological developments in plant sciences, the people of the Himalayan region have learned and practiced the medicinal use of plants for centuries. Through the ages, this ancient prized wisdom has been transmitted from generation to generation as part of oral traditions. So the current study throws light on medicinal plant diversity and the plant parts used, and an emphasis was laid preferably on the anticancer potential of different medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables that are found in the Himalayan regions.
Nigella sativa seeds have wide therapeutic effects and have been reported to have significant effects against many ailments such as skin diseases, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, anorexia, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension, intrinsic hemorrhage, paralysis, amenorrhea, anorexia, asthma, cough, bronchitis, headache, fever, influenza and eczema. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the most active constituent and has different beneficial properties. Focus on antimicrobial effects, different extracts of N. sativa as well as TQ, have a broad antimicrobial spectrum, including Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, parasites, schist soma and fungi. The effectiveness of N. sativa seeds and TQ is variable and depends on species of target microorganisms. The present review paper tries to describe some antiviral activities of N. sativa. Such as murine cytomegalo virus infection, avian influenza (H9N2), Chistosoma Mansoni Infection, PPR virus, Broad bean mosaic virus, HIV virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus, and Papaya Ring Spot Virus.
We investigated the effects of Nigella sativa oil on ovary volume, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in diabetic rats. We divided 21 adult female rats into three groups: controls, diabetics and diabetics + N. sativa oil. The diabetics + N. sativa oil group was given 0.2 mg/kg/day N. sativa oil 6 days/week for 4 weeks. NF-κB and XIAP expression was assessed in ovarian sections using immunohistochemistry. The right and left ovary volumes were calculated using stereology. We also measured serum MDA, SOD, TAS and TOS levels. We found that N. sativa oil reduced hyperglycemia, but not to control levels. N. sativa oil also exhibited antioxidant properties as demonstrated by reduced serum TOS and MDA levels, and increased SOD and TAS levels compared to controls. We found no significant difference in total ovarian volume, XIAP or NF-κB expression among the groups, which may be due to the short study period. Our findings suggest that N. sativa oil may be useful for reducing blood glucose levels and elevated oxidant activity in diabetic patients.
Abstract: Liver plays a central role in the metabolism and excretion of xenobiotic which makes it highly susceptible to their adverse effects. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the possible protective effect of Curcuma longa powdered rhizome and /or Nigella sativa powdered seeds against hepatotoxicity of Rifampicin, Isoniazid and Acetaminophen combination in rats. Rats were randomly allocated into 10 groups, all groups were administered the drugs orally for 21 days and the treatments started one hour before drugs administration according to the following scheme:Group (1): Normal group received 2% tween 80.Group (2): Received Curcuma longa (200 mg/kg) .Group (3): Received Nigella sativa (250 mg/Kg) Group (4): Received Curcuma longa + Nigella sativa Group (5): Received Acetaminophen (1000 mg/kg). .Group (6): Received Rifampicin (100 mg/kg) + Isoniazid (50mg/kg). Group (7): Received Rifampicin +Isoniazid +Acetaminophen .Group (8): Received Curcuma longa before Rifampicin +Isoniazid +Acetaminophen. Group (9): Received Nigella sativa before Rifampicin +Isoniazid + Acetaminophen.Group (10): Received Curcuma longa +Nigella sativa before Rifampicin +Isoniazid +Acetaminophen. Biomarker of liver functions (serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP, albumin, total protein and total bilirubin) and liver homogenate contents of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GSH reduced GSH peroxidase and SOD) and inflammatory and apoptotic necrosis markers (TNF-α and Caspase-3) were measured, and Liver histopathological changes were examined. Administration of Acetaminophen- Rifampicin and INH resulted in significant increase in the levels of hepatic TNF-α &Casp-3, hepatic MDA and biomarker of liver functions and significantly decrease in reduced GSH, GSH peroxidase, SOD, serum albumin and total protein compared to normal control group. Curcuma longa significantly decreased AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin levels by (72.8%, 79.8%, 68.2%, 37.7%) respectively and significantly increased albumin and total protein levels by (61.5%, 56.1%) respectively. Nigella sativa significantly decreased AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin levels by (70.5%, 78.1%, 67.1%, 30.4%) respectively and significantly increased albumin and total protein levels by (51.9%,39.7%) respectively. Pretreatment of the animals with Curcuma longa and or Nigella sativa resulted in significant decrease in the level of hepatic TNF-α & Casp-3 and hepatic MDA and significant increase in serum reduced GSH, GSH peroxidase and SOD when compared to Rifampicin, INH and Acetaminophen treated group. It is concluded that Rifampicin and INH induce hepatotoxicity confirmed by changes in liver function and the oxidative stress parameters and using Curcuma longa and Nigella sativa modulate the hepatotoxic effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs and Acetaminophen.
Key words: Curcuma longa, Nigella sativa, Rifampicin, Isoniazid and Acetaminophen, Casp-3 , TNF-α hepatotoxicity.
Background: Chemoprevention is an effective approach towards cancer regulation. For
that, it is important nowadays to investigate more active and influential natural
products ,which have a powerful capability to fight cancer cells. Thymoquinone was the
selected natural product for the current study to investigate its probable anticancer
property in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) inoculated mice within both cases of preand
post-treatment. Objective: The present research was assumed to evaluate both the
protective and therapeutic anti-cancer influence of Thymoquinone (TQ) against Ehrlich
ascites carcinoma (EAC) inoculated mice. Experimental mice were split into five sets:
1) control group, 2) TQ group: mice were orally injected with (10mg/kg) for four
weeks. 3)EAC group: mice were intramuscularly inoculated with EAC (2.5x106) cells
once, 4) TQ+EAC group: mice were previously orally injected with TQ two weeks
before experiment, then were intramuscularly inoculated with EAC, 5) EAC+TQ group:
mice were injected with EAC and TQ at the same time till last day of experiment. All
animals’ liver and tumors were collected and examined histologically (H&E),
histochemical (Feulgen stain reaction), ultra structurally (transmission electron
microscope) and immunohistochemically (PCNA antigen & Ki-67 antigen). Results:
All results demonstrated that treatment with TQ showed alike features like normal and
TQ groups through varying degrees. In addition, there was a great superiority of TQ
pre-treated group than post-treated one. Conclusion: this study evidently illustrated that
Thymoquinone could perfectly prevent and/or protect cancer incidence, effectively
retarding tumor progress and so, it is significantly recommended to be considered as a
part of our daily diet. Overall, extra evaluation of Thymoquinone is strongly
recommended in clinical fields to outline its possible value to be utilized as an
innovative complementary remedy for cancer diseases.
In mice, an extract of Crocus sativus stigmas partially prevented the decreases in body weight, hemoglobin levels and leucocyte counts caused by 2 mg/kg of cisplatin i.p. for 5 days. Treatment with the C. sativus extract also significantly prolonged the life span of cisplatin-treated mice almost three-fold. In contrast, an extract of Nigella sativa seed only tended to protect from cisplatin-induced falls in hemoglobin levels and leucocyte counts.
The antitumour agent from Ixora javanica flowers shows broad activity against transplantable solid tumours (DLA) in mice by inhibiting the growth of tumour and arresting the growth of already formed tumours; with lesser activity against Ascites tumours. In vitro cytotoxic studies showed 50% cytotoxicity to Dalton's lymphoma (DLA) and Ehrlich Ascites tumour cells at a concentration of 12 micrograms and 65 micrograms, respectively, with no activity against normal lymphocytes but preferential activity for lymphocytes derived from leukemia patients (ALL) (CML), and K 562 suspension cell culture. Tritiated thymidine incorporation studies indicated the mechanism of action of the agent at the site of DNA synthesis. The purified fractions contained Ferulic acid, Pyrocatacheuic acid and caffeic acid.
The active principle of Jawaharene (JF1), a mixture of fatty acids, was studied for antitumor properties against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) and Sarcoma-180 (S-180). Using a Warburg respirometer, respiratory O2-uptake by EAC and S-180 cells was completely inhibited by JF1 at the dose of 100 micrograms ml-1. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed that 100% of JF1-treated tumor cells were killed within 60 min incubation. In vivo, EAC and S-180 ascites tumor development was completely inhibited by JF1 at the dose of 5 mg mouse-1 day-1 X 8.
SUMMARY The potent antiestrogen, Parke-Davis CI628, was evalu ated for its ability to effect regression of 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Chronic administration of this anties trogen resulted in regression of the majority of the tumors; about one-fourth of the tumors disappeared. The desired inhibition of subsequent tumor recurrence, or regrowth, was not effected even with such chronic treatment. The tumors most responsive to the antiestrogen were the early tumors treated soon after their initial appearance.
