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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.
... As per Islamic teachings, black seed holds significant healing properties. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) indicated that it can heal all diseases except death (Hajra, 2011). Iqbal et al., (2010) asserted that Pakistan possesses significant potential for the cultivation, expansion, and harvesting of black cumin seeds. ...
Improper nutrient management cause yield reduction in black seed yield and quality. Therefore, a field trial was executed in the growing season 2022-23 at The University of Agriculture Peshawar to inspect the effects of different phosphorus (P) and boron (B) levels on black seed (Nigella sativa L.). The experiment used a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, replicated thrice. The study examined four P levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg/ha) and four B levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/L) on various growth and yield parameters of black seed. Plots treated with 45 kg/ha of P exhibited the taller plants (37.00 cm), more branches (16.60), larger leaf area (128.30 cm²), longest roots (10.00 cm), highest levels of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (1.80, 1.30 and 1.10 mg/g) compared to control. 45 kg/ha P also produced maximum flowers/plant (23.10), capsules/plant (22.80), seeds/plant (1325.50), thousand-seed weight (2.80 g), and the maximum seed yield (255.30 kg/ha). Similarly, plants treated with 3 mg/L of B had the tallest plants (33.60 cm), more branches (15.90), leaf area (128.20 cm²), longest roots (8.70 cm), chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (1.40, 1.20 and 1.00 mg/g), more flowers/plant (21.30), capsules/plant (20.70), seeds/capsule (58.70), seeds/plant (1193.60), the heaviest thousand-seed weight (2.70 g) and the maximum seed yield (255.30 kg/ha). Moreover, significant association was prominent between growth and yield components with seed yield of black seed under different treatments. Therefore, it was concluded that the best growth and yield for black seed were observed with fertilization of 45 kg/ha of P and 3 mg/L of B.
... It is found mainly in Pakistan and India. This species is grown in Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Southern Europe, and Bangladesh (Naz, 2011;Paarakh, 2010). It has been reported that India produces 300-500 kg ha −1 of crops (Giridhar et al., 2015). ...
... Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) is the main chemical compound of C. atlantica EO. The inhibitory effect of Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) against pathogenic fungi has been proved previously (Naz, 2011). The present findings show that Z. officinale EO has an inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of A. solani and A. alternata. ...
The use of natural products in the control of fungal diseases in plants is considered an alternative to synthetic fungicides due to their less negative effects on the environment. In this study, in vitro inhibitory effect of plant essential oils (PEOs) of black cumin, cumin, chamomile, cedarwood, and ginger were investigated for controlling two species of Alternaria, including Alternari solani and Alternaria alternata on tomato and cabbage under in vitro conditions, respectively. Aiming to evaluate the mycelial growth of the pathogen, mycelial discs were placed in Petri plates with 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 μL/L of PEOs. The experiment was carried out in a randomized plot design with three replications. Chemical analysis of PEO components were determined by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry methods. A total of 69 chemical compounds were determined in five different PEOs. As the main chemical compounds, Cuminaldehyde was detected in cumin PEO, Sesquithujene was found in ginger PEO, and Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) was determined in black cumin, chamomile, and cedarwood PEOs. All five PEOs were found to inhibit the growth of Alternaria species in a dose-dependent manner, whereas cumin EO was determined more inhibitory effect against A. solani and A. alternata. Cumin PEO showed the highest effect against Alternaria species because it contains a Cuminaldehyde chemical compound. The lowest inhibition percentage was found in chamomile PEO compared to other PEOs. This study suggested that cumin PEO has the potential as an antifungal agent for controlling of Alternaria diseases.
... It is found mainly in Pakistan and India. This species is grown in Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Southern Europe, and Bangladesh (Naz, 2011;Paarakh, 2010). It has been reported that India produces 300-500 kg ha −1 of crops (Giridhar et al., 2015). ...
Nigella sativa L. is an aromatic spice, utilized as an original and peculiar flavoring ingredient in a variety of culinary applications and pharmaceuticals. Black seed ( Nigella sativa L.) belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is an undercultivated crop in Pakistan. The present study was planned keeping in mind sustainable development goals SDG 3 (good health and well‐being) and SDG 15 (life on land). The effects of several rhizospheric bacterial strains and synthetic fertilizers on the development of N. sativa and nutrition were studied using a completely randomized experimental design. For this purpose, plant growth‐promoting effects of different strains ( Azospirillum brasilense, Azospirillum lipoferum , and Pantoea agglomerans) and synthetic fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus) were assembled to check their effects individually and in combination form . Azospirillum lipoferum and Pantoea agglomerans inoculation significantly enhanced the morphological characteristics of N. sativa , whether applied individually or in combination, with positive effects on seedlings, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of flowers, stamens numbers, follicles number, number of tentacles and seed production. N. sativa plants that were simultaneously inoculated with Azospirillum lipoferum and Pantoea agglomerans showed the highest potential for antioxidant activity, particularly in petroleum ether extracts. In the methanolic extract, a higher amount of radical scavenging was observed as compared to positive and negative control. There was also increase in fat, moisture and carbohydrate contents of the combination inoculated plant. So, from the present study, in Pakistan, the technique is recommended to enhance the yield and nutritional value of N. sativa .
... N. sativa is grown in Syria, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and in South East Asia. The best circumstances for cultivating this plant are found in Egypt, which is known for generating high-quality seeds (Naz, 2011). ...
İçerdikleri yağ asitleri, fenolik maddeler ve uçucu bileşenler başta olmak üzere birçok özelliklerinden ötürü yemeklik yağlar lezzet ve sağlık açısından oldukça önemlidir. Bunlar arasında doymamış yağ asidi oranı yüksek bitkisel yağlar ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada doymuş yağ oranı düşük, doymamış yağ oranı yüksek, antioksidan özellikteki aspir ve çörek otu tohumları soğuk sıkım yağlarının kalite parametreleri, antioksidan özellikleri, yağ asidi kompozisyonu ve uçucu bileşenleri literatüre uygun yöntemlerle analiz edilerek karşılaştırılmıştır. Yağların peroksit değerleri 7.230.46-6.450.51 meq O2/kg yağ, serbest yağ asidi değerleri %3.750.11-7.110.50 oleik asit aralıklarında tespit edilmiştir. Aspir ve çörek otu tohumu yağlarının toplam fenolik bileşimleri sırasıyla 149.503.47-274.4715.04 mg gallik asit/kg yağ ve toplam antioksidan kapasiteleri sırasıyla 28.570.62-68.350.39 mg troloks/kg yağ olarak tespit edilmiştir. Linoleik asit (70.4580.70-56.3131.13) ve oleik asit (16.9720.17-24.7800.50) yüzdeleri toplamı 80’in üzerinde ölçülmüştür. Aspir tohumu yağında 11 aldehit, 4 terpen, 2 alkol, 1 keton, 5 asit-ester bulunan 27 uçucu bileşen; çörek otu tohumu yağında 6 aldehit, 14 terpen, 3 alkol, 1 keton, 5 asit-ester bulunan 38 uçucu bileşen tespit edilmiştir. Çörek otu tohumu yağının serbest asitlik değeri, karakteri dahilinde olmakla beraber, biraz yüksek bir değerde bulunmuştur. Buna karşılık daha iyi antioksidan özelliğe sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Her iki yağın yapısında, özelliklerini olumlu etkileyecek, kendine özgü uçucu bileşenleri yanında istenmeyecek duyusal etkilere sahip bazı asitler de bulunmaktadır. Elde edilen sonuçlar, her iki yağın da içeriğindeki doymamış yağ asidi kompozisyonu ve antioksidan özellikleri için tüketici tarafından tercih edilebilecek olduğunu göstermiştir. Bunun yanında, tüketiciye ulaşıncaya kadarki aşamaların iyileştirilmesiyle bu özelliklere çok daha olumlu nitelik kazandırılabilir.
This study was aimed to synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Nigella sativa (N.sativa) plant extracts as bio-reductant. The fabricated nanoparticles were characterized by UVvisible, FTIR, and XRD. The extracts and AgNPs were then evaluated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and agar well
diffusion assay correspondingly. The color change from pale yellow to tan brownish confirmed the fabrication of nanoparticles. The broad peak from 420 to 430 in the UV-Visible spectrum also
confirmed AgNPs formation. In XRD spectrum the peaks indices (111), (200), (220), and (311) belonging to 2Ɵ values of 38.101, 44.370, 64.179, and 77.549 indicated the presence of silver
crystals (JCPDS file no. 00-001-1167). The presence of organic functional groups in the FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of plant phytochemicals in fabrication of nanoparticles.
Comparatively strong antioxidant potential was recorded for silver nanoparticles in comparison to parental extract. The lowest IC50 recorded was in the case flower based AgNPs was 70 µl where it corresponding crude extract resulted in IC50 of 910 µl. Highest IC50 was recorded for stem extract based NPs (100 µl). The antifungal potential of AgNPs from flower was high (24 mm) and that of the stem extract-based NPs was low (19 mm) whereas the antibacterial potential of the stem and seed extract-based extract was comparable however, the leaf and flower-based extract-based NPs were also, substantial. It was concluded from the results that all the whole Nigella sativa plant
contained the reductant phytochemicals which be effectively used to fabricate NPs of the desired sizes. The fabricated NPs also exhibited good antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and can be considered as alternative drugs subjected to further verifications of the results in animal model.
Cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, vascular disease, and heart failure are made more likely to occur by hypertension. Hypertension doesn't typically present with symptoms until it has progressed, but it can cause serious, lifelong health problems. The cost of and potential side effects from antihypertensive drugs are concerns. As a result, in the current environment, it is essential to investigate the therapeutic potential of herbal medications with minimal side effects. It is well known that Nigella sativa and its active components, including thymoquinone, thymol, and nigericin, are potential phytomedicines with anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, calcium channel blocker, and diuretic properties that significantly lower blood pressure.In this review, the chemical makeup, pharmacological effects, and antihypertensive properties of N. sativa are reviewed with particular focus on thimoquinone, and its nanoformulations & health benefits.This review highlighted the health benefits of N. sativa, which exhibits less toxicity at higher doses in animals, and L-blood NAME's pressure-raising effect is attenuated by its essential oil at a dose. Also, many nanotechnological formulaions are being used for the encapsulation of thymoquinone. Nano-TQ significantly enhances the anticancer effects of doxorubicin and increases the effects of paclitaxel by upregulating P53 and downregulating Bcl2. This review further provided the effectiveness of nanoparticles in lowering blood pressure and suggests combining them with N. sativa or thymoquinone to increase their antihypertensive effects.This study concluded the potential ofN. sativa as a antihypertensive agent. Thimoquinone, a major component in N. sativa is extensively studied and nanofromulated bioactive compound that can be used in many agri-food-pharma industries.
Herbal plants have been valued for their medicinal, flavoring, and aromatic
properties for centuries. The global market for medicinal and aromatic plants is
estimated to be 5 trillion by 2050.
Aromatic plants and herbs have been widely cultivated and used for medical
purposes not only for humans but for animals as well. According to the World
Health Organization, herbal medicines are characterized as substances or products
derived from plants that possess therapeutic or other beneficial effects for
human health. These herbal remedies can be sourced from one or more plants and
may include both raw and processed ingredients (WHO, 2001). This chapter
describes the curative values, botanical characteristics, and climatic and cultural
requirements of medicinal plants. These include psyllium husk, black cumin or
black seed, stevia, fennel, bishop’s weed/carom seeds, sweet basil, holy basil,
linseed, and turmeric, all medical plants that are grown worldwide. Despite
having a higher market value than major field crops, medicinal plants are not
cultivated on the same scale as significant as other crops. One of the major
reasons for the globally low production of medicinal plants is the lack of
information regarding their suitable cultivable climate and their poor adaptability
to growing environments. It is imperative to give careful consideration to the
selection of soil and cropping strategies to achieve satisfactory yields of highquality
products while ensuring the preservation of their safety and nutritional
value. Physiological ecology is also discussed in this chapter in relation to
medicinal plant therapeutic potential and medicinal qualities. It is still necessary
to explore and understand the cultural practices necessary to cultivate medicinal plants successfully. This chapter aims to address these gaps by discussing the
input requirements, therapeutic value, and suitable cultivation areas for medicinal
plants. This chapter aims to fill these knowledge gaps by disseminating insights
into cultivation practices and addressing these knowledge gaps. By addressing
these gaps and disseminating insights into cultivation techniques, it hopes to
develop sustainable and optimized cultivation techniques for medicinal plants. As
a result of such advancements, medicinal plants will be available for future
generations and will meet the growing demand for them.
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.