Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa extract: phytochemical analysis and revealing antimicrobial and antioxidant marvels.

The growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance endangers both human and animal life, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel antimicrobial solutions. Medicinal plants hold promise as sources of potential antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and microbicidal capabilities of the ethanolic extract from Nigella sativa (black seed). Gas chromatography analysis (GC) identified 11 compounds, among them thymoquinone, and thymol, contributing to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated notable inhibition zones against broad spectra of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus subtilis, along with potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, and Candida albicans. Notably, when combined with antibiotics, the extract displayed exceptional synergistic antimicrobial efficacy. The black seed extract demonstrated membrane-damaging activity and disrupted virulence factors that protect microbes from antimicrobial agents, including the formation of bacterial biofilm and protease secretion. Thymoquinone, the primary active constituent of the extract, exhibited similar antimicrobial and ant virulence properties. In silico analysis targeting key regulators of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, such as RhlG, LasR, and PqsR, showed a remarkable affinity of thymol and thymoquinone for these targets. Moreover, the N. sativa extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against both the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica parasites, hinting at potential antiparasitic activity. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the extract displayed potential antioxidant activity at a concentration of 400 µg/mL.

Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Uses of Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) in Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome as defined by The National Cholesterol Education Panel-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP III), is the presence of obesity, dyslipidaemia, the elevation of arterial blood pressure, and glucose intolerance. It affects 25% to 40% of the adult population of Malaysia and is associated with other medical conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. In this systematic review, the objective is to assess the effects of Nigella Sativa on parameters that reflect metabolic syndromes, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, blood glucose, and anthropometry indices. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted by performing searches for relevant publications on two databases (PubMed and Scopus). The publication period was limited from January 2011 to December 2021. Cochrane collaboration tools were used for the risk of bias assessment of each trial. RESULT: Six out of 8 randomised controlled trials (n:776) demonstrated a significant improvement in lipid profile (p <0.05), 5 out of 7 trials (n:701) showed a significant reduction in glycaemic indices (p <0.05), 1 out of 5 trials (n:551) demonstrated significant improvements in blood pressure (p <0.05), and 2 out of 7 trials (n:705) showed a significant reduction in anthropometric measurements (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Nigella Sativa has proved to have a significant positive effect on lipid profile and glycaemic index. The results showed in the parameters of blood pressure and anthropometric indices are less convincing, as results were inconsistent across studies. Nigella Sativa can therefore be recommended as an adjunct therapy for metabolic syndrome.

CONTEXTE: Le syndrome métabolique, tel que défini par le National Cholesterol Education Panel-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), se caractérise par la présence d'obésité, de dyslipidémie, d'hypertension artérielle et d'intolérance au glucose. Il affecte 25% à 40% de la population adulte en Malaisie et est associé à d' autres affections médicales, notamment les maladies cardiovasculaires. L'objectif de cette revue systématique est d'évaluer les effets de Nigella Sativa sur des paramètres reflétant le syndrome métabolique, tels que le profil lipidique, la pression artérielle, la glycémie et les indices anthropométriques. MÉTHODES: Cette revue systématique a été réalisée en effectuant des recherches de publications pertinentes dans deux bases de données (PubMed et Scopus). La période de publication était limitée de janvier 2011 à décembre 2021. Les outils de la collaboration Cochrane ont été utilisés pour évaluer le risque de biais de chaque essai. RÉSULTATS: Six des huit essais contrôlés randomisés (n : 776) ont montré une amélioration significative du profil lipidique (p <0,05), cinq des sept essais (n : 701) ont montré une réduction significative des indices glycémiques (p <0,05), un des cinq essais (n : 551) a démontré des améliorations significatives de la pression artérielle (p<0,05), et deux des sept essais (n : 705) ont montré une réduction significative des mesures anthropométriques (p <0,05). CONCLUSION: Nigella Sativa a prouvé avoir un effet positif significatif sur le profil lipidique et les indices glycémiques. Les résultats concernant les paramètres de la pression artérielle et des indices anthropométriques sont moins convaincants, car les résultats étaient incohérents entre les études. Nigella Sativa peut donc être recommandée comme thérapie adjuvante pour le syndrome métabolique. MOTS CLÉS: Nigella Sativa, Graines de nigelle, Essai contrôlé randomisé, Syndrome métabolique.

SLN and chitosan nano-delivery systems for antibacterial effect of black seed (Nigella sativa) oil against S. aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus with current universal importance represents a main carrier of emerging antimicrobial resistance determinatives of global health concerns that have developed drug resistance mechanisms to the various available antibiotics. On the other hand, due to the antimicrobial potential of Nigella Sativa oil (NSO), it was hypothesized that incorporation of nano-carriers (NS-SLN and NS-chitosan (CH) nanoparticles) can enhance its antibacterial effects. This study evaluated the physico-chemical and antibacterial characteristics of NS-SLN and NS-CH. TEM images revealed a round shape with clear edges for both nanoparticles, and the average sizes were reported to be 196.4 and 446.6 nm for NS-SLN and NS-CH, respectively. The zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were -28.9 and 59.4 mV and 73.22% and 88% for NS-SLN and NS-CH, respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations for NSO, NS-SLN, and NS-CH against S. aureus were 480, 200, and 80 µg/mL, respectively. The results confirm significantly stronger antibacterial influences of NSO when loaded into chitosan nanoparticles as a potential candidate for nano-delivery of antimicrobial agents.

Manuka combinations with nigella sativa and hydroxyurea in treating iron overload of pediatric ß-thalassemia major, randomized clinical trial.

Background: ß-thalassemia major is microcytic hypochromic anemia disorder inherited from parents, resulting from a mutation in the ß-globin locus. As a result, a quantitative defective hemoglobin synthesis and relative excess in α-globin is occurred. As such, frequent blood transfusion is required, that leads to iron overload. Iron overload results in several pathological complications, including cell death, tissue injury, organ dysfunction, and liver fibrosis. The present study examined the effectiveness of nigella Sativa and manuka honey combination or manuka honey alone to the conventional therapy (Deferasirox + blood transfusion) used for preventing and managing iron overload in pediatric ß-thalassemia major patients. Methods: One hundred sixty-five patients participated in this randomized, double-blind, standard therapy-controlled, parallel-design multisite trial. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups, receiving either 500 mg nigella sativa oil combined with manuka honey lozenge (344 mg) daily or manuka honey alone plus the conventional therapy for ten treatment months. Ferritin level, serum iron, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase were determined at baseline and month 10. Results: Eventually, serum ferritin and iron were decreased significantly in the nigella sativa + manuka honey group as compared with the control group. Other clinical parameters were significantly impacted. The level of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were significantly decreased in the nigella sativa plus manuka honey group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Results showed that nigella sativa plus manuka honey was more effective than manuka alone or the conventional treatment alone in managing iron overload of ß-thalassemia major patients.

Effect of feeding a blackseed meal-sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellet on gastrointestinal nematode and coccidia infection and animal performance in young goats.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection poses the most significant obstacle to the sustainable development of small ruminant (sheep and goat) farming globally. Resistance of GINs to synthetic anthelmintic drugs has led to rising interest in exploring alternative methods for parasite control, such as the utilization of bioactive plants with anti-parasitic properties. In this investigation, black seed (Nigella sativa), a shrub high in secondary antioxidant compounds, and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), a perennial legume high in tannins with anti-parasitic properties were combined to determine if two bioactive plants containing different types of secondary compounds can provide a stronger anti-parasitic effect than sericea lespedeza alone. In a 49-day trial, naturally parasitized 6-7-month-old intact male Spanish goats (n = 15/treatment) were fed pelletized feeds encompassing sericea lespedeza leaf meal (SL), a combination of black seed meal (BS) and sericea lespedeza leaf meal (BS-SL - 75 % SL, 25 % BS), or alfalfa (Medicago sativa, control parasitized; CONP), with an additional group of dewormed kids given the alfalfa pellets (Control treated; CONT). Weekly measurements of animal weights and samples of blood and feces were collected to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), GIN fecal egg counts (FEC), and coccidia fecal oocyte counts (FOC), respectively. All animals were processed at the end of the trial (60 total), with adult Haemonchus contortus worms recovered from the abomasum of each goat for counting and sex determination. Carcass weights were recorded after processing. Goats given the SL and BS-SL treatments had lower FEC (P<0.05) than the parasitized alfalfa (CONP) goats. At the end of the study, the SL and BS-SL groups' FOC values were lower (P < 0.05) than the CONT and CONP groups. A rise in PCV values was seen over time for all groups; SL, BS-SL, and CONT animals exhibited higher PCV values (P < 0.05) in comparison to the CONP goats. The parasitized goats fed SL-only pellets showed greater feed intake and animal body weights (P < 0.05) compared to goats fed BS-SL or alfalfa pellets. However, the treatments had no effect on the weight of the goats' carcasses. Although the H. contortus adult worm counts in the CONT goats (alfalfa-dewormed) were lower (P < 0.05) than in the CONP goats (alfalfa-parasitized), they did not differ from the SL or BS-SL animals. This study indicates that sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellet diet, either by itself or in combination with black seed meal, showed promising results as an anthelmintic and may prove to be an effective alternative to exclusive use of conventional deworming drugs. The addition of black seed did not appear to enhance the effectiveness of sericea lespedeza in this study.

Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury after consumption of black seed oil.

PURPOSE: Medicines derived from natural sources have been used for thousands of years throughout the world. Because natural compounds are thought to have less toxic effects and fewer side effects, these products are becoming more popular by the day. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we presented a case of acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, and hepatotoxicity after ingestion of black seed oil. Although black seed oil is widely used around the world, there is currently limited knowledge on its adverse effects. CONCLUSION: It is important to keep in mind that rhabdomyolysis, acute renal damage, and hepatotoxicity might occur following the use of black seed oil. Black seed oil ingestion should be considered when making a differential diagnosis for these conditions in patients suspected of taking herbal products.

The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.

Quality by design-aided acid-free synthesis of self P, N, S-doped black seed-derived carbon quantum dots for application as a nanosensor for eltrombopag environmental and bioanalysis and pharmacokinetic assay.

Herein, we developed a rapid, one-step, and cost-effective methodology based on the fabrication of water-soluble self-nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus co-doped black seed carbon quantum dots (BSQDs) via microwaveirradiation in six minutes. Our synthesis approach is superior to those in the literature as they involved long-time heating (12 h) with sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide and/or high temperatures (200 °C). A full factorial design was applied to obtain the most efficient synthesis conditions.BSQDs displayed excitation-independent emissions, demonstrating the purity of the synthesized BSQDs, with a maximum fluorescence at 425 nm after excitation at 310 nm. Eltrombopag olamine is an anti-thrombocytopenia drug that is also reported to cause toxicity in river water based on its Persistence, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity (PBT). The synthesized BSQDs were employed as the first fluorometric sensor for environmental and bioanalysis of eltrombopag. The fluorescence of BSQDs decreased with increasing concentrations of eltrombopag, with excellent selectivity and sensitivity down to 30 ppb. BSQDs were successfully applied as sensing probes for the detection of eltrombopag in medical tablets, spiked and real human plasma samples, and river water samples, with an overall recovery of at least 97 %. The good tolerance to high levels of foreign components and co-administered drugs indicates good selectivity and versatility of the proposed methodology. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters such as t1/2, Cmax, and t max of eltrombopag were evaluated to be 9.91 h, 16.0 µg mL-1, and 5 h, respectively. Moreover, the green character of the BSQDs as a sensor was proved by various analytical greenness scales.

Nutraceutically-enhanced oral delivery of vitamin D3 via Bio-SNEDDS: Demonstrating in vivo superiority over pediatric formulations.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency among children in Saudi Arabia remains a pressing concern due to its poor bioavailability and the limitations of current pediatric formulations. To address this challenge, we developed a groundbreaking pediatric self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (Bio-SNEDDS) for VD3, fortified with black seed oil and moringa seed oil for dual therapeutic benefits. Through meticulous formulation optimization using ternary phase diagrams and comprehensive testing, our Bio-SNEDDS demonstrated exceptional performance. METHODS: Bio-SNEDDS were manufactured by incorporating Black seed oil and moringa seed oil as bioactive nutraceutical excipients along with various cosurfactant and surfactants. Bio-SNEDDS were systematically optimized through ternary phase diagrams, visual tests, droplet size analysis, drug solubilization studies, dispersion assessments, and pharmacokinetic testing in rats compared to Vi-De 3®. RESULTS: Pseudoternary phase diagrams identified oil blends producing large nanoemulsion regions optimal for SNEDDS formation. The optimized F1 Bio-SNEDDS showed a mean droplet diameter of 33.7 nm, solubilized 154.46 mg/g VD3 with no metabolite formation, and maintained >88% VD3 in solution during 24 h dispersion testing. Notably, in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation at a high VD3 dose demonstrated an approximately two-fold greater relative bioavailability over Vi-De 3®, validating the superb oral delivery performance of Bio-SNEDDS even under challenging high-dose conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The Bio-SNEDDS provides an effective VD3 delivery strategy with established in vivo superiority over marketed products, along with offering additional health benefits from the natural oils.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Root Canal Sealers Modified with Various Herbal Extracts against Candida Albicans and E Faecalis.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of ZOE-based, calcium hydroxide, and epoxy resin-based sealers on modification with three herbal extracts. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extracts of selected herbs were combined with ZOE-based, calcium hydroxide, and epoxy resin-based sealers. Cultures were prepared from E. faecalis and C. albicans and agar plates prepared. Prepared mixtures were inoculated in punched holes, and inhibitory zones were measured. Results: No statistical significance was obtained on comparing mean scores of test groups. Conclusion: None of the combinations used was found to be significantly better than others.

Evaluating the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone on Methamphetamine-induced Toxicity in an In Vitro Model Based on Differentiated PC12 Cells.

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive stimulant. Its potential neurotoxic effects are mediated through various mechanisms, including oxidative stress and the initiation of the apoptotic process. Thymoquinone (TQ), obtained from Nigella sativa seed oil, has extensive antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of TQ against Meth-induced toxicity by using an in vitro model based on nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells. Cell differentiation was assessed by detecting the presence of a neuronal marker with flow cytometry. The effects of Meth exposure were evaluated in the in vitro neuronal cell-based model via the determination of cell viability (in an MTT assay) and apoptosis (by annexin/propidium iodide staining). The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH) and dopamine, were also determined. The model was used to determine the protective effects of 0.5, 1 and 2 µM TQ against Meth-induced toxicity (at 1 mM). The results showed that TQ reduced Meth-induced neurotoxicity, possibly through the inhibition of ROS generation and apoptosis, and by helping to maintain GSH and dopamine levels. Thus, the impact of TQ treatment on Meth-induced neurotoxicity could warrant further investigation.

Black seed oil reverses chronic antibiotic-mediated depression and social behaviour deficits via modulation of hypothalamic mitochondrial-dependent markers and insulin expression.

Chronic antibiotic use has been reported to impair mitochondrial indices, hypothalamus-mediated metabolic function, and amygdala-regulated emotional processes. Natural substances such as black seed (Nigella sativa) oil could be beneficial in mitigating these impairments. This study aimed to assess the impact of black seed oil (NSO) on depression and sociability indices, redox imbalance, mitochondrial-dependent markers, and insulin expression in mice subjected to chronic ampicillin exposure. Forty adult male BALB/c mice (30 ± 2 g) were divided into five groups: the CTRL group received normal saline, the ABT group received ampicillin, the NSO group received black seed oil, the ABT/NSO group concurrently received ampicillin and black seed oil, and the ABT+NSO group experienced pre-exposure to ampicillin followed by subsequent treatment with black seed oil. The ampicillin-exposed group exhibited depressive-like behaviours, impaired social interactive behaviours, and disruptions in mitochondrial-dependent markers in plasma and hypothalamic tissues, accompanied by an imbalance in antioxidant levels. Moreover, chronic antibiotic exposure downregulated insulin expression in the hypothalamus. However, these impairments were significantly ameliorated in the ABT/NSO, and ABT+NSO groups compared to the untreated antibiotic-exposed group. Overall, findings from this study suggest the beneficial role of NSO as an adjuvant therapy in preventing and abrogating mood behavioural and neural-metabolic impairments of chronic antibiotic exposure.

A Study on Thymoquinone: Antioxidant Capacity and Anticancer Activities in LoVo Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Thymoquinone has antioxidant and anticancer effects. This study investigates the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects of black seed and its active ingredient, thymoquinone on colorectal cancer cells. The antioxidant content of Black seed methanolic extracts (BSME) with different concentrations (50, 500 and 1000 µg/mL) were determined by the photometric methods. The reactive oxygen production (iROS) of BSME and thymoquinone on colorectal cancer cells (LoVo) and normal epithelial cells (CCD18Co) were analyzed by the fluorometric methods. A luminometric glutathione kit was employed to observe the changes in intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Cytotoxicity was determined by the ATP method, genotoxicity was determined by Comet Assay, and the apoptosis was identified by the Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) double dye method. The cytotoxicity was increased by BSME and thymoquinone in LoVo cells in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001). BSME and thymoquinone also increased iROS, and induced apoptosis and DNA damage (p<0.001). High doses of BSME and thymoquinone on cancer and healthy cells have cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects with pro-oxidant effects. Colorectal cancer cells are more sensitive than healthy cells.

Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disorder and genetics, lifestyle, and aging play important roles in its prevalence. Nigella sativa has several pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic effects. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assesses the effect of N. sativa consumption on lipid profile and glycemic indices in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We systematically researched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The literature research identified 171 studies with duplication. Of those, 73 articles were screened for titles and abstracts, and 7 studies were finally selected for the meta-analysis. Because of the high degree of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analyses based on the dose of N. sativa (<=500 mg/day or >500 mg/day). RESULTS: The results revealed that N. sativa intake significantly decreased total cholesterol (SMD: -0.71; 95% CI, -1.44 to -0.38; P = 0.00), LDL-C (SMD: -1.06; 95% CI, -1.45 to -0.66; P = 0.00) and HDL-C (SMD: -0.31; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.53; P = 0.01) concentrations. In addition, N. sativa significantly decreased FBS (SMD: -0.8; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.39; P = 0.00) and HbA1c (SMD: -0.37; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.09; P = 0.01) concentrations. No publication bias was observed, and sensitivity analysis showed stable results. CONCLUSION: The current systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that N. sativa could improve lipid profile and glycemic index in patients with metabolic syndrome.

In vivo assessment of black seed oil single dose on prednisolone pharmacokinetics.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of blackseed oil (BSO) single dose on prednisolone pharmacokinetics via p-gp inhibition. METHODS: Three groups of rats (n = 5) were orally administered the vehicle, verapamil (50 mg/kg) or BSO (5 ml/kg) 15 min prior to prednisolone (5 mg/kg) administration. Blood samples were collected over 24 h and quantified. Non-compartmental analysis was employed to calculate maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC0-last), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), apparent clearance (CL/F), and half-life (t1/2). Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. RESULTS: Prednisolone Cmax and AUC0-last decreased by 65% and 25% in the BSO group compared to the negative control (P < .0001, .0029, respectively) while they increased by 1.75-folds and 8-folds in verapamil group (P < .0001). Tmax was achieved at 0.16, 0.5, and 0.25 h in the negative control, verapamil, and BSO-treated groups, respectively. CL/F in the treatment group was 1.3-fold and 10-fold higher compared to the negative and positive control, respectively, whereas the t1/2 remained comparable. CONCLUSION: Administration of BSO decreased prednisolone Cmax and AUC0-last in rats indicating that there is a herb-drug interaction; however, p-gp inhibition cannot be concluded. Patients relying on folk medicine in chronic illnesses treatment might need to avoid combining BSO with prednisolone.

Immunomodulatory Protective Effects of Nigella sativa and Lactuca sativa Oils on Liver Intoxication in Experimental Animals.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The liver plays an important role in transforming and clearing chemicals in human body. Hepatic injury is usually caused by numerous toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, thioacetamide, galactosamine and drugs including paracetamol as overdoses consumption. This investigation aimed to study the immunomodulatory protective effects of black seed (<i>Nigella sativa</i> L.) oil and lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i> L.) oil against paracetamol liver intoxication in rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty-four male albino rats weighing 150±10 g each, were randomly divided into 4 equal groups (6 rats each) as follows: Control negative; control positive as paracetamol hepatotoxicity; <i>Nigella sativa</i> oil and <i>Lactuca sativa</i> oil at a dose of 1 mL kg¹ b.wt., as protective from hepatotoxicity, then serum analysis for all rats were conducted and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version-22. <b>Results:</b> All rats orally preventable injected with <i>Nigella sativa</i> and <i>Lactuca sativa</i> oils caused significant decrease in Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC), creatine kinase (CK), Creatine Kinase-MB (CKMB), magnesium (Mg), phosphor (Phos.), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), amylase (Amyl), tri-glycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine (Creat), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) as compared to liver intoxicated rats. <b>Conclusion:</b> Black seed oils and <i>Lactuca sativa</i> oils could be used as natural immunomodulatory agents against paracetamol liver intoxication and enhance the body's immune functions with improving the health status of the liver.

Development of a Multifunctional Oral Dosage Form via Integration of Solid Dispersion Technology with a Black Seed Oil-Based Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System.

Lansoprazole (LZP) is used to treat acid-related gastrointestinal disorders; however, its low aqueous solubility limits its oral absorption. Black seed oil (BSO) has gastroprotective effects, making it a promising addition to gastric treatment regimens. The present study aims to develop a stable multifunctional formulation integrating solid dispersion (SD) technology with a bioactive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) based on BSO to synergistically enhance LZP delivery and therapeutic effects. The LZP-loaded SNEDDS was prepared using BSO, Transcutol P, and Kolliphor EL. SDs were produced by microwave irradiation and lyophilization using different polymers. The formulations were characterized by particle apparent hydrodynamic radius analysis, zeta potential, SEM, DSC, PXRD, and in vitro dissolution testing. Their chemical and physical stability under accelerated conditions was also examined. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the dispersed systems were in the nanosize range (<500 nm). DSC and PXRD studies revealed that lyophilization more potently disrupted LZP crystallinity versus microwave heating. The SNEDDS effectively solubilized LZP but degraded completely within 1 day. Lyophilized SDs with Pluronic F-127 demonstrated the highest LZP dissolution efficiency (3.5-fold vs. drug) and maintained chemical stability (>97%) for 1 month. SDs combined with the SNEDDS had variable effects suggesting that the synergistic benefits were dependent on the formulation and preparation method. Lyophilized LZP-Pluronic F127 SD enabled effective and stable LZP delivery alongside the bioactive effects of the BSO-based SNEDDS. This multifunctional system is a promising candidate with the potential for optimized gastrointestinal delivery of LZP and bioactive components.

Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) Medical Application and Pharmaceutical Perspectives.

Among the various medicinal plants, the black seed is emerging as a miracle herb with a rich historical background, as much research has revealed its wide spectrum of pharmacological potential. In this collection of literature, we have encountered and presented the preclinical treatment, as alternative medicine of Nigella sativa in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, as well as those that continue to be discovered by contemporary actual scientific data. Research to date has confirmed the pharmacological potential of the seed of Nigella sativa, its oil and extracts of some of its bioactive constituents, which possess remarkable pharmacological activity, in vitro and in vivo against a large spectrum of diseases, and it has been found that the use of black seed is relatively safe. Black Seed has been extensively studied for its biological activity and therapeutic potential and has been found to possess a broad spectrum of activities. Clinical trial investigations into the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa affect the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and bronchodilator effects and have passed clinical trials and received the green light to allow the next stage of clinical trials toward therapeutic drug design. However, there is still room and multidimensional research needed for prospective clinical trials in certain groups of animals before they can be applied to humans as pharmaceutical therapies.

A mechanistic insight into the potential anti-cancerous property of Nigella sativa on breast cancer through micro-RNA regulation: An in vitro & in vivo study.

Cancer continues to threat mortal alongside scientific community with burgeoning grasp. Most efforts directed to tame Cancer such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, all came at a cost of severe side effects. The plant derived bioactive compounds on the other hand carries an inevitable advantage of being safer, bioavailable & less toxic compared to contemporary chemotherapeutics. Our strategic approach employed solvent extraction of Black Seed Oil (BSO) to highlight the orchestrated use of its oil soluble phytochemicals - Thymoquinone, Carvacrol & Trans-Anethole when used in cohort. These anti-cancer agents in unbelievably modest amounts present in BSO shows better potential to delineate migratory properties in breast cancer cells as compared to when treated individually. BSO was also observed to have apoptotic calibre when investigated in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines. We performed chemical characterization of the individual phytochemical as well as the oil in-whole to demonstrate the bioactive oil-soluble entities present in whole extract. BSO was observed to have significant anti-cancerous properties in cumulative proportion that is reportedly higher than the individual three components. Besides, this study also reports micro-RNA regulation on BSO administration, thereby playing a pivotal role in breast cancer alleviation. Thus, synergistic action of the integrants serves better combat force against breast cancer in the form of whole extract, hence aiming at a more lucrative paradigm while significantly regulating microRNAs associated with breast cancer migration and apoptosis.

Determination of Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Date-Based Sports Energy Gel.

Applying energy supplements in gel form may circumvent gastric discomfort and thus it is a practical alternative. The main objective of this investigation was to develop date-based sports energy gels consisting of highly nutritious ingredients such as black seed (Nigella sativa L.) extract and honey. Three date cultivars (Sukkary, Medjool, and Safawi) were used and characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. The sports energy gels were prepared with addition of xanthan gum (0.5% w/w) as the gelling agent. The newly developed date-based sports energy gels were then analysed for proximate composition, pH level, colour, viscosity, and texture profile analysis (TPA). A sensory test was also conducted with 10 panellists who analysed the appearance, texture, odour, sweetness, and overall acceptability of the gel using a hedonic scale. The results showed that different types of date cultivars affect the physical and mechanical properties of the new developed gels. The outputs of the sensory evaluation revealed that the date-based sports energy gel prepared from Medjool received the highest mean score, followed closely by those prepared from Safawi and Sukkary, indicating that, overall, all three cultivars are acceptable to consumers, but the date-based sports energy gel prepared from Medjool is the most preferred one.