The efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa in the management of osteoarthritis: A systematic review.

Background and Aims: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common debilitating diseases among the aging population. Nigella sativa is one potential treatment for OA. Here, we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa for treating patients with OA. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to October 20, 2022. The primary outcome was changes in the pain score after receiving Nigella sativa or control agents based on the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The secondary outcome was set as the frequency of adverse events reported during the follow-up period. Results: Six RCTs involving a total of 370 patients with knee OA were included in the present systematic review. Among the four screened studies, the topical administration of Nigella sativa oil was found to be more effective than the placebo in relieving pain in three trials. Additionally, the oral use of Nigella sativa oil was assessed in two trials, and an improvement in pain score relative to placebo was documented in only one of the studies. Also, the trial that evaluated the effectiveness of Nigella sativa oral capsules did not demonstrate any difference in pain reduction between the intervention and placebo groups. Overall, either topical or oral administration of Nigella sativa was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Nigella sativa is generally safe, but conflicting findings from low-quality studies hinder the ability to make clinical recommendations for or against treating OA. Robust trials are needed for informed decisions.

Renoprotective effect of thymoquinone against rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury in the rat model.

Objectives: Rhabdomyolysis leads to the release of myoglobin, sarcoplasmic proteins, and electrolytes into the blood circulation causing acute kidney injury (AKI). Thymoquinone, a natural compound found in Nigella sativa seeds, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This investigation assessed the renoprotective effect of thymoquinone on rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were categorized into six groups (n = 6): 1. Control: (normal saline), 2. Glycerol (50 ml/kg, single dose, IM), 3-5: Glycerol + thymoquinone (1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, 4 days, IP), 6. Thymoquinone (5 mg/kg). On day 5, serum and kidney tissue were isolated and the amounts of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH.), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and pathological changes were evaluated. Results: Glycerol increased creatinine, BUN, MDA, TNF-α, and NGAL levels. It decreased GSH amounts and caused renal tubular necrosis, glomerular atrophy, and myoglobin cast in kidney tissue. Co-administration of glycerol and thymoquinone reduced creatinine, BUN, histopathological alterations, and MDA levels, and enhanced GSH amounts. Administration of glycerol and thymoquinone (5 mg/kg) had no significant effect on TNF-α amount but decreased NGAL protein levels. The administration of thymoquinone (5 mg/kg) alone did not display a significant difference from the control group. Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis from glycerol injection in rats can cause kidney damage. Thymoquinone may attenuate renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, the TNF-α level was not significantly affected. Further studies are needed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of thymoquinone in managing AKI.

Evaluation of the effect of Nigella sativa oil on the outcome of missed abortion in women: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Background and Aim: Due to the concern about the side effects of chemical drugs and their ineffectiveness, the use of natural compounds as alternatives or complementary therapies has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil on the outcome of missed abortion. Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 70 nulliparous pregnant women referred to Hajar Hospital and Imam Ali clinics of Shahrekord and had missed abortion before the 12-week gestational age were selected and randomly divided into two interventions and control groups. The intervention group received 5 g of Nigella sativa oil alone daily for up to 3 days and the control group received a placebo. In case of nonresponse, 3 days after the last dose of medication or placebo, 800 µg of misoprostol (vaginal) were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test and paired t-test were used for analytical statistics. Results: According to the results, 18 cases (51.4%) in the intervention group and seven cases (20%) in the control group showed complete evacuation of uterine contents which had a significant difference (p < 0.05). The frequency of vagina physical examination and type of hemorrhage did not show any significant difference between the two groups before and after the intervention. After the intervention, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was significantly decreased in the intervention group but did not change in the control group (p < 0.05). The frequency of adverse events in the intervention group was three (8.6%) and in the control group was one (2.9%) which had no significant difference. Conclusion: Nigella sativa improves the outcome of missed abortion by reducing HCG and facilitating cervix dilatation and delivery of uterine contents.

Will Nigella sativa oil protect parotid glands of rats against cranium gamma irradiation? Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Radiation plays an essential role in treating malignancies. Radiation exposure of salivary glands often results in permanent loss of their functions; therefore, their protection against radiation is crucial. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is a useful antioxidant against free radicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radio-protective effect of NSO on oxidative injury of parotid glands of gamma-irradiated rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight male albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): Group 1: Neither NSO nor radiation, Group 2: Rats received NSO 400 mg/kg, Group 3: Rats received 15 Gy cranium gamma irradiation & Group 4: Rats received gamma irradiation and NSO. Rats were sacrificed two weeks after the last NSO dose. Histological sections of parotid glands were stained with H&E, Masson's trichrome and anti-TGF-ß antibodies. Area percentage of Masson's trichrome and TGF-ß expression was morphometrically examined. RESULTS: Parotid glands of control and NSO groups revealed normal morphology. Gamma-irradiated glands showed loss of normal acinar architecture and slight acinar shrinkage. NSO treatment of gamma-irradiated glands preserved acinar outline and architecture. Masson's trichrome stained samples revealed trace amounts of collagen fibers in control and NSO groups, and excessive amounts of collagen fibers in gamma-irradiated group, in addition to few collagen fibers for gamma-irradiated glands treated with NSO. Additionally, control and NSO groups showed negative TGF-ß expression. Gamma-irradiated group showed high TGF-ß expression, while NSO treated gamma-irradiated group showed moderate TGF-ß expression. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma-irradiation adversely affected parotid glands, and in contrast, NSO seemed to positively counteract this adverse effect.

Variation in the Composition and Quality of Nigella sativa L. Seed Oils-The Underestimated Impact on Possible Health-Promoting Properties.

Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) is one of the most investigated medicinal plants in recent years. Volatile compounds like thymoquinone and unsaponifiable lipid compounds are crucial functional components of this oil. Unfortunately, the composition of oils and their quality indicators are ambiguous both in terms of identified compounds and value ranges. Thirteen oils were extracted with hexane from black cumin seeds grown in India, Syria, Egypt, and Poland and analyzed for their fatty acid composition, unsaponifiable compound content and volatile compounds. Oils were also subjected to quality tests according to standard methods. The fatty acid composition and sterol content/composition were relatively stable among the tested oils. Tocol content varied in the range of 140-631 mg/kg, and among them, ß-tocotrienol and γ-tocopherol prevailed. Oils' volatile compounds were dominated by seven terpenes (p-cymene, α-thujene, α-pinene, ß-pinene, thymoquinone, γ-terpinene, and sabinene). The highest contents of these volatiles were determined in samples from Poland and in two of six samples from India. High acid and peroxide values were typical features of N. sativa L. oils. To sum up, future research on the medicinal properties of black cumin oil should always be combined with the analysis of its chemical composition.

Characterization of chitosan/Persian gum nanoparticles for encapsulation of Nigella sativa extract as an antiviral agent against avian coronavirus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles formed by the ionic gelation method between chitosan and water-soluble fraction of Persian gum (WPG) for encapsulation of Nigella sativa extract (NSE) as an antiviral agent. Our findings revealed that the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of the particles were in the range of 316.7-476.6 nm, 0.259-0.466, and 37.0-58.1 mV, respectively. The amounts of chitosan and WPG as the wall material and the NSE as the core had a considerable impact on the nanoparticle properties. The proper samples were detected at 1:1 chitosan:WPG mixing ratio (MR) and NSE concentration of 6.25 mg/mL. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy proved the interactions between the two biopolymers. The effect of NSE on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) known as avian coronavirus, was performed by the in-ovo method determining remarkable antiviral activity of NSE (25 mg/mL) and its enhancement through encapsulation in the nanoparticles. These nanoparticles containing NSE could have a promising capability for application in both poultry industry and human medicine as an antiviral product.

Soy protein isolate film activated by black seed oil nanoemulsion as a novel packaging for shelf-life extension of bulk bread.

This paper investigates the addition of lecithin-emulsified black seed oil (BSO) nanoemulsions (LNEO) and whey protein isolate-stabilized Pickering emulsions (WPEO) to soy protein isolate (SPI)-based films and their effect on improving the shelf life of bread slices. The half-life of antioxidant activity, water vapor permeability, biodegradability, density, color difference, and film thickness significantly increased (p < .05) when BSO was added. However, the incorporation of BSO significantly reduced the solubility, tensile strength, strain to break (except for WPEO), and transparency (p < .05) of the samples. The interaction between SPI film and BSO-loaded nanocarriers, as well as the morphological properties of films, was evaluated using FT-IR and FE-SEM. SPI-based films containing LNEO-5% and WPEO-5% were selected based on their mechanical and barrier properties. The effect of films on the shelf life of bread slices was investigated for 17 days of storage. LNEO samples obtained the most acceptable results in the bread in terms of sensory evaluation and color properties. According to the results, bread slices packed in SPI film containing LNEO-5% showed no signs of mold growth until the 17th day of storage, whereas the sample packed in a low-density polyethylene bag began to corrupt on the 6th day. This study highlights the potential of BSO-loaded SPI films as a novel active packaging for the bakery industry.

Nigella sativa for the treatment of COVID-19 patients: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Nigella sativa is an herbal therapy for various afflictions. It has some potential to be a promising option as an efficacious treatment for COVID-19 patients that can contribute to global healthcare as a relatively cheap therapy but evidence of its use from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is limited. Therefore, to explore the effect of N. sativa in combating COVID-19, we undertook this meta-analysis. We searched several databases to retrieve all RCTs investigating N. sativa for the treatment of COVID-19 as compared to placebo or standard care. We used RevMan 5.4 for all analyses with risk ratio (RR) or odds ratio (OR) as the effect measures. We included a total of seven RCTs in this review. N. sativa significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19 compared to the control group (RR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.72; I 2 = 0%). N. sativa significantly reduced the rate of viral PCR positivity (RR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.97; I 2 = 0%). We did not find any significant difference in the risk of hospitalization (RR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.54; I 2 = 0%) and the rate of no recovery (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.15; I 2 = 84%) between the two groups. N. sativa is an easily available herbal medicine that may decrease the risk of mortality and improve virological clearance in COVID-19 patients. However, our results are limited by the small number of RCTs available. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to better understand the anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of N. sativa in COVID-19 patients.

Protective Effect of Black Seed and Lettuce Oils Against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The liver is one of the organs that play an essential role in the human body, including supporting metabolism, immune functions, digestive system, detoxification, storage of vitamins and other functions. This investigation aimed to study the protective effects of black seed and lettuce oil against hepatotoxicity as induced by paracetamol in experimental rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty male Sprague-Dawley albino rats weighing 150±5 g were divided randomly into four groups (5 rats each) and distributed as follows; 1st group was controlled negative (C -ve group), 2nd group controlled positive (orally administered with 500 mg/kg b.wt., paracetamol), 3rd and 4th groups were orally administered with black seed oil and lettuce oil at a dose of 1 mL/kg b.wt., each) as a preventive dose. All rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for biochemical analysis and then statistically analyzed. <b>Results:</b> The rat administered with black seed and lettuce oils enhanced body weight gain, food intake and feed efficiency ratio. Moreover, exhibited a significant reduction in the liver enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and TBIL. Meanwhile, black seed and lettuce oils significantly improved kidney functions, lipid profiles and some immune biomarkers including creatine kinase (CK), Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). <b>Conclusion:</b> This study revealed that the oils of black seed (<i>Nigella sativa</i>) and lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i>) have a protective role in improving body weight gain, food intake, feed efficiency ratio, liver enzymes, kidney functions, lipid profiles and some immune biomarkers against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats.

Immune stimulatory effect of Nigella sativa in healthy animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The immune-modulatory effects of black seeds (Nigella sativa seeds, NSS) are well documented, but the overall in vivo impact of this important natural medicinal product on immune system function has yet to be established. Here we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the effects of NSS on humoral [serum titers of immunoglobulins including IgG, IgM, anti-Newcastle virus disease (anti-NDV), and sheep red blood cell antigen (anti-SRBC)] and cellular immunity [total white blood cell (WBC) count and percentages of monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils] in healthy animals. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched according to predefined eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the final effect size using RevMan software. Seventeen animal studies were eligible for analysis. For humoral immunity, the overall pooled effect size (ES) of NSS on serum titers of IgM and anti-NVD antibodies was not significantly different [mean difference (MD) 75.27, 95% CI: -44.76 to 195.30, p = 0.22 (I2 = 89%, p = 0.003), and -0.01, 95% CI: -0.27 to 0.25, p = 0.94 (I2 = 74%, p = 0.02), respectively]. However, NSS significantly increased serum titers of IgG and anti-SRBC antibodies [MD 3.30, 95% CI: 2.27 to 4.32, p = 0.00001 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.97), and 1.15, 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.56, p = 0.00001 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.43), respectively]. For cellular immunity, the ES of NSS on WBCs, monocytes, and lymphocytes were not significantly different [MD 0.29, 95% CI: -0.55 to 1.13, p = 0.50, (I2 = 14%, p = 0.32), - 0.01, 95% CI: -0.45 to 0.44, p = 0.97 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.77), and 4.73, 95% CI: -7.13 to 16.59, p = 0.43, (I2 = 99%, p = 0.00001), respectively]. In conclusion, black seeds enhance humoral immunity in healthy animals but do not affect cellular immunity.

Nigella sativa, Anthemis hyaline and Citrus sinensis extracts reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication by fluctuating Rho GTPase, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK/ERK pathways in HeLa-CEACAM1a cells.

Traditional remedies have long utilized Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, and Citrus sinensis peel extracts as treatments for microbial infections. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, and Citrus sinensis extracts on coronavirus replication and apoptosis-related pathways. HeLa-CEACAM1a cells were exposed to mouse hepatitis virus-A59. After viral inoculation, the mRNA levels of 36 genes were quantified using a Fluidigm Dynamic Array nanofluidic chip. IL-8 level and intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured, and viral titer was assessed by the TCID50/ml assay to detect the extent of infection. Treatment with Nigella sativa extract surged the inflammatory cytokine IL-8 level at both 24 and 48-hour. Changes in gene expression were notable for RHOA, VAV3, ROCK2, CFL1, RASA1, and MPRIP genes following treatment with any of the extracts. The addition of Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, or Citrus sinensis extracts to coronavirus-infected cells reduced viral presence, with Anthemis hyaline extract leading to a virtually undetectable viral load at 6- and 8-hours after infection. While all treatments influenced IL-8 production and viral levels, Anthemis hyaline extract displayed the most pronounced reduction in viral load. Consequently, Anthemis hyaline extract emerges as the most promising agent, harboring potential therapeutic compounds.

Testing the detoxification power of black cumin oil (Nigella sativa) over cypermethrin insecticide effects in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at multiple scales.

This study investigated the curative effect of black cumin oil (Nigella sativa, NS), which is a phytotherapeutic agent against to cypermethrin (CYP), which is known to have adverse effects on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)'s behavioral changes, oxidative stress-mediated neurotoxicity, hematotoxicity and hepatotoxicity parameters.At the end of the trial period; (i) evaluation of critical swimming speed (Ucrit) (ii) hematology indices [white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin) (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] (iii) Elucidation of the mechanism of functional damage in brain tissue of O. mykiss by neurological parameter [acetylcholinesterase (AChE)] (iv) Evaluation of oxidative damage in oxidative stress-mediated neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in liver, gill and brain tissue of O. mykiss with antioxidant enzymes [(Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione (GSH)] and [(detection by means of malondialdehyde (MDA)] (v) Obtaining applicable data in the toxicological field using a multi-biomarker approach to investigate the modulation of NS administration via target markers in the physiological pathway of O. mykiss were aimed.As a result of CYP application, it was determined that the Ucrit value of O. mykiss decreased significantly. It was determined that the changes in the values of RBC, Hgb and Hct, which are among the hematology parameters examined in the blood tissue, were statistically significant (p < 0.05). It was determined that WBC value was inhibited by CYP application and NS tried to make a positive contribution to WBC. It was determined that the AChE activity of O. mykiss in the brain tissue had a statistically significant inhibition in the CYP-treated group (p < 0.05). SOD, CAT, GPx, enzyme activities were found to be inhibited by CYP application and were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Acute toxicity of CYP was determined by antioxidant enzyme biomarkers in gill tissue. In the results obtained; While inhibitions were determined in SOD, CAT, GPx activities compared to the control group, an induction occurred in MDA value.NS administration was noted to be an important modulator of the SOD-CAT system against CYP exposure at both concentrations. Thus, it can be said that it indirectly functions as an effective antioxidant through the NS receptor protein and structurally stimulates the synthesis and activity of antioxidative enzymes under oxidative stress.

Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking.

The characteristic chemical composition of Nigella seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract's activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The N. sativa seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities (p < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH (p < 0.05), P4 hormones (p < 0.001), and E2 (p < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erß, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, N. sativa seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.

Hepatoprotective impact of Nigella sativa silver nanocomposite against genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by thioacetamide.

Protection from liver damage and the repercussion of that harm is thought to be crucial for reducing the number of deaths each year. This work was developed to evaluate the possible role of silver nanocomposite prepared using Nigella sativa (N. sativa) aqueous extract against the hepatic damage brought on by thioacetamide (TAA), with particular attention to how they affect the NF-κß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and COX-2 signaling pathways. There were seven groups of male Wistar rats used as follows: control, saline, N. sativa aqueous extract (NSAE; 200 mg/kg/d), N. sativa silver nanocomposite (NS-AgNC; 0.25 mg/kg/d), TAA (100 mg/kg; thrice weekly), NSAE + TTA, and NS-AgNC + TAA, respectively. The experiment continued for six weeks. The results showed that NS-AgNPs significantly enhanced liver functions (p<0.05) (albumin, ALP, LDH, AST, total protein, ALT, and globulin) and oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers (p<0.05) (H2O2, MDA, PCC, NO, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST and, GSH), contrasted with TAA group. Moreover, a significant (p<0.05) downregulation of the gene expressions (COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κß) was also achieved by using silver nanocomposite therapy. These findings have been supported by histological analysis. Collectively, NS-AgNC exhibits more prominent and well-recognized protective impacts than NSAE in modulating the anti-inflammatory, genotoxicity and oxidative stress effects against TAA-induced liver injuries.

Chronic Treatment with Nigella sativa Oil Exerts Antimanic Properties and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats.

Nigella sativa (NS) is a native herb consumed habitually in several countries worldwide, possessing manifold therapeutic properties. Among them, anti-inflammatory features have been reported, presumably relating to mechanisms involved in the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, among others. Given the observed association between neuroimmune factors and mental illness, the primary aim of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic NS use on manic-like behavior in rats, as well as analyze levels of brain inflammatory mediators following NS intake. Using male and female rats, baseline tests were performed; thereafter, rats were fed either regular food (control) or NS-containing food (treatment) for four weeks. Following intervention, behavioral tests were induced (an open field test, sucrose consumption test, three-chamber sociality test, and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test). Subsequently, brain samples were extracted, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated, including interleukin-6, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear phosphorylated-p65. Our findings show NS to result in a marked antimanic-like effect, in tandem with a positive modulation of select inflammatory mediators among male and female rats. The findings reinforce the proposed therapeutic advantages relating to NS ingestion.

Corrigendum: Exploring the short-term influence of a proprietary oil extract of black cumin (Nigella sativa) on non-restorative sleep: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled actigraphy study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1200118.].

Designing novel industrial and functional foods using the bioactive compounds from Nigella sativa L. (black cumin): Biochemical and biological prospects toward health implications.

Nigella sativa is one of the nutraceuticals that has gained popularity and studied extensively in recent decades as it is considered a safe medicinal plant for use as a dietary supplement. N. sativa contains a wide variety of bioactive substances, which include polyphenols, volatile oils (thymoquinone and p-cymene), proteins, and peptides. The biological attributes of N. sativa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities, which have potential applications for the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. In the food industry, N. sativa improves the sensory qualities, shelf life, strength, and freshness of foods, such as bread, pizza, biscuits, cookies, and cakes. This review discusses the industrial use of N. sativa, which includes processing technologies to enhance its health-promoting properties as well as the isolation of nutraceutical components.

The Emergence of N. sativa L. as a Green Antifungal Agent.

BACKGROUND: Nigella sativa L. has been widely used in the Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, and Arabic medicine systems and has a long history of medicinal and folk uses. Several phytoconstituents of the plant are reported to have excellent therapeutic properties. In-vitro and in-vivo studies have revealed that seed oil and thymoquinone have excellent inhibitory efficacy on a wide range of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi. OBJECTIVE: The present review aims to undertake a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the antifungal effects of different phytochemical constituents of black cumin. METHOD: An exhaustive database retrieval was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, and CABI to collect scientific information about the antifungal activity of N. sativa L. with 1990 to 2023 as a reference range using 'Nigella sativa,' 'Nigella oil,' 'antifungal uses,' 'dermatophytic fungi,' 'candidiasis,' 'anti-aflatoxin,' 'anti-biofilm' and 'biological activity' as the keywords. RESULTS: Black cumin seeds, as well as the extract of aerial parts, were found to exhibit strong antifungal activity against a wide range of fungi. Among the active compounds, thymoquinone exhibited the most potent antifungal effect. Several recent studies proved that black cumin inhibits biofilm formation and growth. CONCLUSION: The review provides an in-depth analysis of the antifungal activity of black cumin. This work emphasizes the need to expand studies on this plant to exploit its antifungal properties for biomedical applications.

The Use of Nigella sativa in Cardiometabolic Diseases.

Nigella sativa L. is an herb that is commonly used in cooking and in traditional medicine, particularly in Arab countries, the Indian subcontinent, and some areas of eastern Europe. Nigella sativa is also called "black cumin" or "black seeds", as the seeds are the most-used part of the plant. They contain the main bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ), which is responsible for the pleiotropic pharmacological properties of the seeds, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hepatotoxic, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering properties. In this narrative review, both the potential mechanisms of action of Nigella sativa and the fundamental role played by pharmaceutical technology in optimizing preparations based on this herb in terms of yield, quality, and effectiveness have been outlined. Moreover, an analysis of the market of products containing Nigella sativa was carried out based on the current literature with an international perspective, along with a specific focus on Italy.

Effect of Nigella sativa Versus Wheat Germ Oil on the Healing of Traumatic Ulcers in Albino Rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nigella sativa (NS) oil has been used as an ointment for relief from abscesses, nasal ulcers, orchitis, eczema, and swollen joints. The nutritional and biological values of wheat germ oil (WGO) are imperative points for testing its wound healing properties in traumatic ulcer. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the ability of NS versus WGO in promoting the healing of induced traumatic ulcer in albino rats clinically and histologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out after the approval of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University, in Ismailia, Egypt, on 60 albino rats with induced labial ulcer according to calculated sample size. All animals were anaesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of 10% ketamine. The ulcer was produced on the labial mucosa corresponding to the midline between the lower two incisors of each rat. After induction of the ulcer, rats were randomly divided into four groups according to the treatment medicament: Group A (negative control group): 15 rats which remained without treatment; Group B (positive control): 15 rats which received daily a topical application of 1 ml of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and lidocaine gel; Group C (NS group): 15 rats which received a daily topical application of 1 mm of NS oil painted by a brush covering the whole area of the ulcer; and Group D (WGO group): 15 rats which received 1 mm of WGO. The ulcers were measured using a digital caliper and were recorded using a digital camera at days 0, 3, 7, and 9, the largest (D) and smallest (d) diameters of the lesion were recorded, and the ulcer area was calculated using the following formula: A=π×D/2×d/2. Tissue samples were taken for histological examination, and the labial mucosa was dissected out and embedded in paraffin wax blocks. The blocks were cut with microtome to obtain sections of 4-5 µm thickness to be stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson's trichrome stain. All sections were examined under a light microscope, and the presence of inflammatory cells and collagen tissue remodeling were evaluated. RESULTS: Within the control group, there are statistically non-significant changes in the mean of the surface area of ulcer when comparing changes in 10 rats who survived till the seventh day and inflammatory cell count when comparing changes in five rats who were sacrificed at the seventhday. There was a significant decrease in surface area and inflammatory cell count in five rats who survived till the ninth day. Within the WGO group only, all survived rats had healed ulcer at the ninth day. There is a significant decrease in inflammatory cell count in five rats who survived till the ninth day. CONCLUSION: WGO was significantly more effective in the treatment of animal-induced ulcer compared to NS oil or CPC and lidocaine oral gel.