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Nigella sativa: The miraculous herb
Abstract
Nigella sativa is one of the most the most revered medicinal seeds in history. The objective of this review is to emphasize the effectiveness and uses in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases by this miraculous herb, whose importance has already been mentioned by the holy prophet. After literature survey, this review article has made an attempt to encompass its composition and some of its uses for mankind and the herb need to be further explored to reveal more of its potential uses. Nigellla Sativa, beneficial effects.
... sativa is a healing of all ailments" (Bukhari 5687). It is mentioned in the Bible's Old Testament and included in the book of Isaiah, referred to as "ketzah," a spice for bread and cake that can be utilized in various ways [5]. Additionally, it is mentioned in both Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. ...
... sativa is a healing o ments" (Bukhari 5687). It is mentioned in the Bible's Old Testament and include book of Isaiah, referred to as "ketzah," a spice for bread and cake that can be ut various ways [5]. Additionally, it is mentioned in both Indian and Chinese tra medicine. ...
In several cultures, black cumin, also known as Nigella sativa, has long been used medicinally. Recent research has revealed that this plant has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, making it a possible treatment for several medical conditions. Additionally, because of its capacity to detoxify the liver and protect it from harm, Nigella sativa has demonstrated positive results as an antidote for poisoning. Consumption of hazardous substances by accident or planned poisoning are two prevalent causes of poisoning. The liver is the primary organ in detoxification. According to studies, Nigella sativa can help the liver operate better and defend it from toxins' harmful effects. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that Nigella sativa protects against heavy metal toxicity. Thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone, the plant's active components, have been demonstrated to bond with heavy metals and stop the body from absorbing them. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa as an antidote for poisoning cases. Nigella sativa presents an interesting natural alternative for treating poisoning cases, potentially complementing traditional medical approaches. The main goal of this review is to explore the potential application of Nigella sativa as an antidote for poisoning cases. The article discusses the plant's strong ability to detoxify and protect the liver. The review highlights preclinical studies that have shown promising results but also emphasizes the need for further clinical trials to determine the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa as a natural alternative for treating poisoning cases.
... In the content of N. sativa essential oil, 12 components were found together with eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (48.28%) and α-pinene (14.78%), which are high in content. It has been reported that eucalyptol, the main component of N. sativa essential oil, completely inhibits the growth of various fungal species (Naz, 2011 In addition, essential oil of black cumin seed completely inhibits mycelial growth of F. verticillioides (Elgorban et al., 2015). Cumin with important medicinal properties is a well-known aromatic plant. ...
Yield losses are experienced in corn fields due to stalk and ear rot disease. The fungicides used against the disease can not show the desired effect and the problem of resistance arises over time. For this reason, it is necessary to develop new strategies in the control against the disease. In this study, it was aim to determine the inhibitory effects of essential oils of rosemary, black cumin, cumin and sandalwood, and ginger against Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium pseudograminearum under in vitro conditions. The essential oils were applied in doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 µl mL-1. PDA medium free of essential oils was used as negative control and PDA medium containing commercial fungicide (80 g l-1 Triticonazole, 40 g l-1 Pyraclostrobin-BASF company) was used as positive control. The experiment was carried out in a randomized plot design with three replications. In addition, chemical content analysis of essential oils was determined by GC-MS method. As a result of the study, as the dose of rosemary, black cumin, sandalwood and ginger essential oils increased, their inhibitory effects against both pathogens increased, and these effects were found close to each other. While the highest inhibitory effect against F. verticillioides and F. pseudograminearum was detected in the positive control treatment of cumin essential oil, 82.1% and 78.9%, respectively, this effect was found to be 74.6% and 68.3% in 4 µl mL-1 dose, respectively. However, more detailed studies should be carried out with these essential oils under field conditions. Öz: Mısır ekim alanlarında sap ve koçan çürüklüğü hastalığı sebebiyle verim kayıpları yaşanmaktadır. Hastalığa karşı kullanılan fungisitler istenilen etkiyi gösterememekte ve zamanla dayanıklılık sorunu ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu sebeple hastalığa karşı mücadelede yeni stratejilerin geliştirilmesi gerekmektedir. ,Çalışmada in vitro koşullarda biberiye, çörekotu, kimyon, sandal ağacı ve zencefi uçucu yağlarının mısırda Fusarium verticillioides ve Fusarium pseudograminearum'a karşı engelleyici etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Uçucu yağlar 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 ve 4 µl mL-1 'lik dozlarda uygulanmıştır. Uçucu yağlardan ari PDA besiyeri negatif kontrol, ticari fungisit (80 g l-1 Triticonazole, 40 g l-1 Pyraclostrobin-BASF company) içeren PDA besiyeri ise pozitif kontrol olarak kullanılmıştır. Deneme, tesadüf parselleri deneme deseninde 3 tekerrürlü olarak yürütülmüştür. Ayrıca uçucu yağların kimyasal içerik analizi GC-MS metodu ile belirlenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, biberiye, çörek otu, sandal ağacı ve zencefil uçucu yağlarının dozu arttıkça her iki patojene karşı engelleyici etkileri artmış ve bu etkiler birbirlerine yakın bulunmuştur. F. verticillioides ve F. pseudograminearum'a karşı en yüksek engelleyici etki kimyon uçucu yağının pozitif kontrol uygulamasında sırasıyla %82.1 ve %78.9 oranında saptanırken, bu etki 4 µl mL-1 dozunda sırasıyla %74.6 ve %68.3 olarak saptanmıştır. Bununla birlikte, bu uçucu yağlar ile tarla şartlarında daha detaylı çalışmaların yürütülmesi gerekmektedir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Bitki uçucu yağları, fungal koloni, Fusarium pseudograminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, mısır Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi,
... Black seeds are employed in pharmaceutical derivatives because of the high absorption through the stomach, high solubility, and favorable drug-likeness profle of DTQ. However, it needs to be subjected to in vitro and in vivo validation to confrm the inhibitory potency [133,134]. In a study, it has proven that the level of infammatory cytokine IL-8 increased after treatment by N. sativa extract in HeLa cells as well as downregulation of transient receptor potentials (TRP) genes such as TRPA1, TRPC4, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPM8, and TRPV4 genes, causing decreasing viral load of coronavirus in infected cells [135,136]. ...
Background:
A global pandemic has recently been observed due to the new coronavirus disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Since there are currently no antiviral medicines to combat the highly contagious and lethal COVID-19 infection, identifying natural sources that can either be viricidal or boost the immune system and aid in the fight against the disease can be an essential therapeutic support.
Methods:
This review was conducted based on published papers related to the herbal therapy of COVID-19 by search on databases including PubMed and Scopus with herbal, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and therapy keywords.
Results:
To combat this condition, people may benefit from the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants, such as increasing their immune system or providing an antiviral impact. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 infection death rates can be reduced. Various traditional medicinal plants and their bioactive components, such as COVID-19, are summarized in this article to assist in gathering and debating techniques for combating microbial diseases in general and boosting our immune system in particular.
Conclusion:
The immune system benefits from natural products and many of these play a role in activating antibody creation, maturation of immune cells, and stimulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The lack of particular antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 means that apitherapy might be a viable option for reducing the hazards associated with COVID-19 in the absence of specific antivirals.
... Nigella sativa is an important and most revered therapeutic seed in the history 13 . Its oil and seeds both have extensively been utilized to manage various diseases and considered a significant medicine in conventional medical system in the Middle East and Asian countries (Arabic, Unani, Chinese and Ayurveda medicines) and recommended for frequent usage in the Tibb-e-Nabwi as well 9,14 . ...
Background: Hypertension (HTN) is an important public health problem. Antihypertensive drugs lead to side effects, possibly leading to non-compliance, thus uncontrolled hypertension as well as cardiovascular morbidity enhanced risk and death. Aim: To determine the effect of nigella sativa seeds in patients with hypertension at 0, 6 and 12 weeks; and to compare these effects with control patients on standard hypertension therapy. Study Design: Experimental study. Methodology: Present study enrolled 200 patients with hypertension (100 cases and 100 controls) visiting Services Hospital Lahore. Nigella sativa seeds were administered to 100 hypertensive patients who were on standard therapy in a dose of 1.5gms (once daily) orally for 12 weeks. Their blood pressure was recorded and compared to the 100 patients in control group taking standard therapy only at 0, 6, 12 weeks. Data was collected through questionnaire which was entered in computer using SPSS Results: Among cases, mean age was 45.16±10.544 years while in controls was 41.61±10.971 years. In case group, at 0 week, 6 weeks and 12 weeks, the mean systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was 139.49±6.337, 137.87±5.829 and 132.66±5.887 while mean diastolic blood pressure was 102.32±6.135, 100.58+6.081 and 95.26±6.594, respectively. In control group at 0 week, 6 weeks and 12 weeks, the mean systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was 139.07±6.307, 138.93±6.961 and 133.37±5.836 while mean diastolic blood pressure was 102.85±5.844, 102.75±5.518 and 95.64±6.850, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that Nigella Sativa seeds have anti-hypertensive effect and significantly reduce the blood pressure among patients with hypertension. Keywords: Nigella Sativa, Seed, Effect, Patients and Hypertension
... In the content of N. sativa essential oil, 12 components were found together with eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (48.28%) and α-pinene (14.78%), which are high in content. It has been reported that eucalyptol, the main component of N. sativa essential oil, completely inhibits the growth of various fungal species (Naz, 2011 In addition, essential oil of black cumin seed completely inhibits mycelial growth of F. verticillioides (Elgorban et al., 2015). Cumin with important medicinal properties is a well-known aromatic plant. ...
Yield losses are experienced in corn fields due to stalk and ear rot disease. The fungicides used against the disease can not show the desired effect and the problem of resistance arises over time. For this reason, it is necessary to develop new strategies in the control against the disease. In this study, it was aim to determine the inhibitory effects of essential oils of rosemary, black cumin, cumin and sandalwood, and ginger against Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium pseudograminearum under in vitro conditions. The essential oils were applied in doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 μl mL-1. PDA medium free of essential oils was used as negative control and PDA medium containing commercial fungicide (80 g l-1 Triticonazole, 40 g l-1 Pyraclostrobin-BASF company) was used as positive control. The experiment was carried out in a randomized plot design with three replications. In addition, chemical content analysis of essential oils was determined by GC-MS method. As a result of the study, as the dose of rosemary, black cumin, sandalwood and ginger essential oils increased, their inhibitory effects against both pathogens increased, and these effects were found close to each other. While the highest inhibitory effect against F. verticillioides and F. pseudograminearum was detected in the positive control treatment of cumin essential oil, 82.1% and 78.9%, respectively, this effect was found to be 74.6% and 68.3% in 4 μl mL-1 dose, respectively. However, more detailed studies should be carried out with these essential oils under field conditions.
... In the content of N. sativa essential oil, 12 components were found together with eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (48.28%) and α-pinene (14.78%), which are high in content. It has been reported that eucalyptol, the main component of N. sativa essential oil, completely inhibits the growth of various fungal species (Naz, 2011 In addition, essential oil of black cumin seed completely inhibits mycelial growth of F. verticillioides (Elgorban et al., 2015). Cumin with important medicinal properties is a well-known aromatic plant. ...
Yield losses are experienced in corn fields due to stalk and ear rot disease. The fungicides used against the disease cannot show the desired effect and the problem of resistance arises over time. For this reason, it is necessary to develop new strategies in the control against the disease. In this study, it was aim to determine the inhibitory effects of essential oils of rosemary, black cumin, cumin and sandalwood, and ginger against Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium pseudograminearum under in vitro conditions. The essential oils were applied in doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 µl mL-1. PDA medium free of essential oils was used as negative control and PDA medium containing commercial fungicide (80 g l-1 Triticonazole, 40 g l-1 Pyraclostrobin-BASF company) was used as positive control. The experiment was carried out in a randomized plot design with three replications. In addition, chemical content analysis of essential oils was determined by GC-MS method. As a result of the study, as the dose of rosemary, black cumin, sandalwood and ginger essential oils increased, their inhibitory effects against both pathogens increased, and these effects were found close to each other. While the highest inhibitory effect against F. verticillioides and F. pseudograminearum was detected in the positive control treatment of cumin essential oil, 82.1% and 78.9%, respectively, this effect was found to be 74.6% and 68.3% in 4 µl mL-1 dose, respectively. However, more detailed studies should be carried out with these essential oils under field conditions.
IntroductionLong used in traditional medicine, Nigella sativa (NS; Ranunculaceae) has shown significant efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM) management by improving glucose tolerance, decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis, normalizing blood sugar and lipid imbalance, and stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells. In this review, the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of NS as a herbal diabetes medication are examined in depth, demonstrating how it counteracts oxidative stress and the onset and progression of DM.Methods
This literature review drew on databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed and various gray literature sources using search terms like the etiology of diabetes, conventional versus herbal therapy, subclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, physiology, behavior, and clinical outcomes.ResultsThe efficiency and safety of NS in diabetes, notably its thymoquinone (TQ) rich volatile oil, have drawn great attention from researchers in recent years; the specific therapeutic dose has eluded determination so far. TQ has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties but has not proved druggable. DM’s intimate link with oxidative stress, makes NS therapy relevant since it is a potent antioxidant that energizes the cell’s endogenous arsenal of antioxidant enzymes. NS attenuates insulin resistance, enhances insulin signaling, suppresses cyclooxygenase-2, upregulates insulin-like growth factor-1, and prevents endothelial dysfunction in DM.Conclusion
The interaction of NS with mainstream drugs, gut microbiota, and probiotics opens new possibilities for innovative therapies. Despite its strong potential to treat DM, NS and TQ must be examined in more inclusive clinical studies targeting underrepresented patient populations.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease of central nervous system which is degenerative in nature usually appears between 20 - 40 years of age. The exact cause of MS is still not clearly known. Loss of myelin sheath and axonal damage are the main features of MS that causes induction of inflammatory process and blocks free conduction of impulses. Till date FDA has approved 18 drugs to treat or modify MS symptoms. These medicines are disease modifying in nature directed to prevent relapses or slow down the progression of disease. The use of the synthetic drug over an extended period causes undesirable effects that prompt us to look at Mother Nature. Complementary and alternative medicine involves the use of medicinal plants as an alternative to the existing modern medical treatment. However, modern drugs cannot be replaced completely with medicinal plants, but the two types of drugs can be used harmoniously with later one can be added as an adjuvant to the existing treatment. These medicinal plants have the potential to prevent progression and improve the symptoms of MS. Various plants such like Nigella sativa, ginger, saffron, pomegranate, curcumin, resveratrol, ginsenoside have been tested as therapeutics for many neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this write-up is to make information available about medicinal plants in their potential to treat or modify the symptoms of MS. Chronically ill patients tend to seek medicinal plants as they are easily available and there is a general perception about these medicines of having fewer undesirable effects.
Cancer is a growing health problem around the world and is second leading cause of death after heart disease. Although in the last century there has been effort to control the disease using various synthetic as well as herbal drugs but still not been controlled satisfactorily. Nigella sativa is one such herb which has very high potential in preventing cancer. There are various categories of phytochemicals that have been isolated from the plant and mainly terpene category of phytochemicals in the likes of Thymoquinone, carvone, germacrene, sabinene, alphahederin are prevalent. Some other phytochemicals that has been isolated are nigellone, nigellidone (alkaloids) cycloartenol, tirucallol, some fatty acids as well. Mainly two compounds have been concentrated upon for cancer, they are thymoquinone and alpha hederin N. sativa has been known to shown high efficacy in cancer and mainly works by promoting Caspase 8,9,3, suppressing Akt and NF-kB. Even some semisynthetic derivative like poloxin, kalapanaxosaponin I and also combination therapy has been found to be effective against cancer.
The chemical composition of the extracted fixed oil (total fatty acid composition) and volatile oil of Nigella sativa L. seeds grown in Iran were determined by GC and GC/MS. Eight fatty acids (99.5%) and thirty-two compounds (86.7%) have been identified in the fixed and volatile oils, respectively. The main fatty acids of the fixed oil were linoleic acid (55.6%), oleic acid (23.4%), and palmitic acid (12.5%). The major compounds of the volatile oil were trans-anethole (38.3%), p-cymene (14.8%), limonene (4.3%), and carvone (4.0%).
Cumin is one of the commonly used spices in food preparations. It is also used in traditional medicine as a stimulant, a carminative and an astringent. In this study, we characterized the antioxidant activity of three commercially available cumin varieties, viz., cumin (Cuminum cyminum), black cumin (Nigella sativa) and bitter cumin (C. nigrum). The antioxidant capacity of cumin varieties was tested on Fe2+ ascorbate induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation, soybean lipoxygenase dependent lipid peroxidation and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging methods. The total phenolic content of methanolic extracts of cumin varieties ranged from 4.1 to 53.6mgg–1 dry weight. Methanolic extracts of all the three varieties of cumin showed higher antioxidant activity compared with that of the aqueous extract. Among the cumin varieties, bitter cumin showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by cumin and black cumin in different antioxidant systems. IC50 values of the methanolic extract of bitter cumin were found to be 0.32, 0.1 and 0.07mg dry weight of cumin seeds on the lipoxygenase dependent lipid peroxidation system, the DPPH radical scavenging system and the rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation system, respectively. The data also show that cumin is a potent antioxidant capable of scavenging hydroxy, peroxy and DPPH free radicals and thus inhibits radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. The high antioxidant activity of bitter cumin can be correlated to the high phenolic content among the three cumin varieties. Thus, bitter cumin with a high phenolic content and good antioxidant activity can be supplemented for both nutritional purposes and preservation of foods.
Background
A decoction comprised of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus root and Smilax glabra rhizome is used to treat cancer patients in Sri Lanka. However, the anti-carcinogenic properties of this decoction have not been experimentally confirmed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the above decoction could protect against chemically induce hepatocarcinogenesis.
Methods
The effects of this decoction on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis were examined in male Wistar rats using the medium term bioassay system of Ito, based on a 2-step model of hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 each. Groups 1 to 4 were injected with DEN (200 mg/kg) to initiate carcinogenesis. Twenty-four hours later groups 1 and 2 were administered the decoction at 4 g/kg body weight/day (dose 1) and 6 g/kg body weight/day (dose 2), respectively. Group 3 and group 4 were given distilled water instead of the decoction and a suspension of garlic powder (20 g/kg body weight/day) in distilled water (positive control), respectively. Group 5 and 6 were injected with normal saline and twenty-four hours later group 5 was given distilled water (normal control) while group 6 was given decoction dose 2 (decoction control). Oral feeding continued for two weeks after which all rats were subjected to 2/3 partial hepatectomy to promote carcinogenesis. Oral feeding continued for eight more weeks. At the end of the 10th week, rats were sacrificed and samples of livers taken for immunohistochemical studies.
Carcinogenic potential was scored by comparing the number, area and staining intensity of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci and the number of cells/cm2 of the positive foci in the livers of the six groups of rats.
Results
The number and area of DEN-mediated GST-P positive foci, number of cells/cm2 of foci and staining intensity of the foci were significantly (P > 0.001) reduced by the decoction and garlic in the order dose 2 = garlic >dose 1.
Conclusion
Overall results indicate that the decoction comprised of N. sativa, S. glabra and H. indicus has the potential to protect rat liver against DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis
Nigella sativa oil (NSO), a herbaceous plant, has been used for thousands of years for culinary and medical purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities of NSO on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling seizures in mice. Nigella sativa oil was tested for its ability (i) to suppress the convulsive and lethal effects of PTZ in kindled mice (anti-epileptogenic effect), (ii) to attenuate the PTZ-induced oxidative injury in the brain tissue (antioxidant effect) when given as a pretreatment prior to each PTZ injection during kindling acquisition. Valproate, a major antiepileptic drug, was also tested for comparison. Both substances studied significantly decreased oxidative injury in the mouse brain tissue in comparison with the PTZ-kindling group. Nigella sativa oil was found to be the most effective in preventing PTZ-induced seizures relative to valproate. Nigella sativa oil showed anti-epileptogenic properties as it reduced the sensitivity of kindled mice to the convulsive and lethal effects of PTZ; valproate was ineffective in preventing development of any of these effects. The data obtained support the hypothesis that neuroprotective action of NSO may correlate with its ability to inhibit not only excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation but also seizure generation.
A simple, precise and accurate high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method has been established for the determination
of rutin in the whole plant powder of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. Rutin has been reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activity. A
methanol extract of the whole plant powder was used for the experimental work. The concentration of rutin in the whole plant
powder was found to be 0.15%. Separation was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with ethyl acetate:formic acid:methanol:distilled water in the proportion 10:0.9:1.1:1.7 (v/v), as mobile phase. The determination was carried out using the densitometric absorbance mode at 363nm. Rutin response was
linear over the range 10–60μg mL−1. The HPTLC method was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility.
Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen in the United States. Effective methods for reducing L. monocytogenes in foods would reduce the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks of listeriosis, and decrease economic losses to the food industry. Nigella sativa is a herbaceous plant, whose seeds (black seed) have been used as a spice and condiment in foods in the Middle East. The objective of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of black seed oil on twenty strains of L. monocytogenes by disc diffusion method. A population of 7.0 log CFU of each strain of L. monocytogenes was inoculated on duplicate plates containing antibiotic medium one agar. The plates were allowed to dry at room temperature for 15 min. Three discs (6 mm diameter), each impregnated with 10 μl of black seed oil, vegetable oil (oil control), or gentamicin (positive control) were placed on each inoculated plate. The plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h, and were observed for zones of L. monocytogenes growth inhibition. Black seed oil exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against all the strains of L. monocytogenes, yielding a significantly (P<0.01) larger inhibition zone than that of gentamicin. The mean zones of inhibition produced by black seed oil and gentamicin were 31.50 ± 1.0 and 14.80 ± 0.50, respectively. The vegetable oil had no inhibitory effect on L. monocytogenes. Results indicate that black seed oil could potentially be used to inhibit L. monocytogenes, but appropriate applications in foods need to be validated.
The seeds of Nigella sativa are used commonly in the Middle East as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. This paper examines the levels of selenium, dl-α-tocopherol, dl-γ-tocopherol, all-trans-retinol, thymoquinone and thymol in different brands of N. sativa seeds purchased from local markets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Selenium was determined by the inductively coupled plasma spectrometry coupled with the hydride system. dl-α-tocopherol, dl-γ-tocopherol, all-trans-retinol, thymoquinone and thymol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The average mean concentrations (mg/kg fresh weight) of selenium, dl-α-tocopherol, dl-γ-tocopherol, all-trans-retinol, thymoquinone and thymol in all tested seeds were 0.17±0.10, 9.02±4.84, 5.42±3.96, 0.27±0.27, 2224.49±1629.50 and 169.35±100.12, respectively. The concentrations of these analytes were significantly affected by the country of origin of the N. sativa. It is concluded that N. sativa provides an important source of antioxidants.
Proximate analysis of black cumin seeds showed a composition of 20.85% protein, 38.20% fat, 4.64% moisture, 4.37% ash, 7.94% crude fibre and 31.94% total carbohydrates. Potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron were the predominant elements present. Zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper were found at lower levels. However, lead, cadmium and arsenic were not detected in the seeds. Linoleic and oleic acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids while palmitic acid was the main saturated one. Glutamic acid, arginine and aspartic acid were the main amino acids present while cystine and methionine were the minor amino acids. These results indicate the high nutritional potential of Saudi black cumin seeds especially as a source of protein and fat. The total aerobic bacterial count was 7 × 107 cfu/g and the yeast and mould counts were 4 × 102 cfu/g. The low numbers observed for Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus make black cumin seeds acceptable, without any associated health hazard.
Nigella sativa and Nigella damascena are two annual species of the family Ranunculaceae, investigated recently for the oil, essential oil and other biologically active constituents of their seeds. They are presently used in traditional medicine and for culinary preparations in many countries, as ornamentals, and are also considered for their abundant nectar secretion. One accession of N. sativa and two of N. damascena were compared on three spring sowing dates in northern Italy. Seed yield, yield components, essential oil content and composition were evaluated. Oil content was also measured in N. sativa. Total and seed biomass decreased with delayed sowing, because of a reduction in both seed number per plant and mean seed weight. Seed number per plant was the more important yield component for both species. Actual seed yield was lower for N. sativa, whereas yield potential seemed to be similar for the two species. The main constraint to yield potential of N. sativa seemed to be connected to its short vegetative phase, with consequently low number of seeds per unit area. The essential oil composition differed markedly in the two species. Monoterpenes were dominant in N. sativa, with p-cymene and thymol as the main components. The amount of pharmacologically active thymoquinone was lower than reported in the literature. N. damascena essential oil was almost completely composed of sesquiterpenes. Essential oil composition was very stable in N. damascena, but markedly affected by sowing date in N. sativa. Oil yield of N. sativa decreased with delayed sowing. As a whole, the two species had positive agronomic traits, such as short growing cycle, low seed shattering and low susceptibility to diseases. This, together with different possible options for direct utilisation or industrial processing, may determine an interest in further considering the two species as potential new multi-purpose crops.