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Potential of Spices As Medicines and Immunity Boosters
Published in Amit Baran Sharangi, K. V. Peter, Medicinal Plants, 2023
Minoo Divakaran, K. Nirmal Babu, K. V. Peter
The seeds of Nigella have melanthin, a chemical similar to helleborin and, have diuretic, anthelmintic, and emmenagogue properties, like saponin, therefore used as a corrective of laxatives. Possessing actions as a galactagogue, they are given to lactating mothers, along with other medicines. Seeds mixed with powdered camphor, are used to protect wardrobes from insect damage all over India. The seeds possess antibilious property administered internally to arrest vomiting. Relief from cold and inflammation of mucous membranes in the airways of the nose are obtained by inhaling fried seeds tied in a muslin bag. A concoction with Nigella seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, raisins, tamarind pulp, pomegranate juice and sonchal salt with molasses syrup and honey is used to overcome loss of appetite and distaste for food. Application of seed powder in vinegar for skin infestations and baldness has been indicated by Weiss (2002). However, usage of Nigella seeds is to be done with caution, as its volatile oil yields melanthin, nigelline, damascene, and tannin, of which melanthin is toxic, when consumed in large dosages and nigelline is paralytic. The traditional use of Nigella seeds in curing dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and related abnormities, indicated a relative toxicity of this plant (Malhotra 2006). Nigella is also used in preservation as its alcoholic extract shows antibacterial activity.
Therapeutic Potential of Nigella sativa (Black Seed)
Published in Mehwish Iqbal, Complementary and Alternative Medicinal Approaches for Enhancing Immunity, 2023
Nigella sativa is typically recognised by the names of black cumin, kalonji, habbatus sauda and black seed; its countless nutritional and medicinal values commonly distinguish it from other herbs. Black seed has numerous nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and other phytoconstituents, especially thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinone, which has remarkable medicinal properties. The seed extract of Nigella sativa is stated to have a range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-infectious and immunity-boosting effects. The plant Nigella sativa belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is considered one of the substantial medicinal plants in history; it has been advised for thousands of years, and it also has religious importance because it is mentioned in the holy books of different religions. The latest various research and scientific studies have validated all the traditional claims about black cumin (Gilani et al., 2004; Tavakkoli et al., 2017).
Thymoquinone-Loaded Nanocarriers for Healthcare Applications
Published in Mahfoozur Rahman, Sarwar Beg, Mazin A. Zamzami, Hani Choudhry, Aftab Ahmad, Khalid S. Alharbi, Biomarkers as Targeted Herbal Drug Discovery, 2022
Ruqaiyah Khan, Himani Nautiyal, Shakir Saleem
Nigella sativa has been anciently used and is extensively reported as a folk medicine for numerous therapeutic applications like allergic rhinitis, eczema, HTN, diuretic, immunomodulation, analgesic, antioxidant, hepa-toprotective, and renal protective agent (Salem et al., 2005; Ahmad et al., 2013) (see Table 13.1).
Effects of resistance training and nigella sativa on type 2 diabetes: implications for metabolic markers, low-grade inflammation and liver enzyme production
Published in Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 2023
Soheila Jangjo-Borazjani, Maryam Dastgheib, Efat Kiyamarsi, Roghayeh Jamshidi, Saleh Rahmati-Ahmadabad, Masoumeh Helalizadeh, Roya Iraji, Stephen M Cornish, Shiva Mohammadi-Darestani, Zohreh Khojasteh, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani
Results of this study showed that resistance training with Nigella sativa lead to a significant decrease in ESR. ESR is a test that indirectly measures the degree of inflammation present in the body. As noted above, resistance training reduces inflammation through various mechanisms. Also Nigella sativa can reduce inflammation. Some studies have shown that Nigella sativa inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 (Shuid et al.2012). In another study, administration of aqueous extract of N. sativa inhibits production of 5-lipooxygenase (El-Dakhakhny et al.2002). Also the anti-inflammatory effects of N. sativa extract on LPS-induced inflammation in the mixed-glial cells and macrophages indicates a reduction in nitric oxide production by these cells (Salem 2005), which is probably due to the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by TQ (Mahmood et al.2003).
Thymoquinone improved redox homeostasis in the heart and aorta of hypothyroid rats
Published in Clinical and Experimental Hypertension, 2022
Yousef Baghcheghi, Farimah Beheshti, Fatemeh Seyedi, Mahmoud Hosseini, Mahdiyeh Hedayati-Moghadam
In recent years, the therapeutic potential of various plants and plant-derived compounds in cardiovascular diseases has gained a lot of attention (17,19,27,43–45) Scholars have assessed the potential health benefits of plants for their cardio-protective properties and the ability of these plants to improve heart disease plays an important role in folk medicine (44). As one of the promising medicinal plants, Nigella sativa has been used traditionally in treating a variety of ailments (46). It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family (47). This plant is commonly known as black seed and has been widely used by countries in the Middle East and Far East for centuries as a means of protecting health and overcoming diseases (48). TMQ is one of the main phytochemicals found in the Nigella sativa. It is nontoxic and can be used to treat a wide variety of human diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Nigella sativa and TMQ are reported to reduce the negative effects of asthma, inflammation, arthritis, and gastrointestinal, liver, and cardiovascular disorders (47,49). TMQ also has many pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects (50–52).
Thymoquinone protects DRG neurons from axotomy-induced cell death
Published in Neurological Research, 2018
Ramazan Üstün, Elif Kaval Oğuz, Ayşe Şeker, Hasan Korkaya
In clinical trial carried out on children with refractory epilepsy, thymoquinone with dose of 1 mg/kg/day was administered as an adjunctive therapy for a period of 8 weeks and its effects on frequency of seizures were evaluated compared to placebo. Seizure types of all patients were diagnosed according to the standard of the International Classification of Epilepsy. Children treated with TQ showed significantly lower frequency of seizures and ensured parental satisfaction [15]. In another clinical trial which tested the effects of Nigella sativa on anxiety, mood, and cognitive abilities of male healthy adolescents [45], showed improved functions compared to those treated with placebo. The improvement may be due to reduction in GABA and nitric oxide levels in the brain. TQ might also give anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase effects. These findings showed that Nigella sativa might be a potential source for developing new drugs for treating anxiety and stabilizing mood and improving cognitive functions in adolescents [45] .