Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume 2019 (2019), Article ID 1528635, 16 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1528635

Review Article

Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses

Ebrahim M. Yimer,¹ Kald Beshir Tuem,¹ Aman Karim,² Najeeb Ur-Rehman,³ and Farooq Anwar⁴

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia
²Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia
³Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
⁴Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

Correspondence should be addressed to Ebrahim M. Yimer; ebrahim99muhammed@gmail.com

Received 20 October 2018; Revised 26 February 2019; Accepted 30 April 2019; Published 12 May 2019

Academic Editor: Nativ Dudai

Copyright © 2019 Ebrahim M. Yimer et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

The seed of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) has been used in different civilization around the world for centuries to treat various animal and human ailments. So far, numerous studies demonstrated the seed of Nigella sativa and its main active constituent, thymoquinone, to be medicinally very effective against various illnesses including different chronic illness: neurological and mental illness, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and infertility as well as various infectious diseases due to bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. In spite of limited studies conducted so far, the promising efficacy of N. sativa against HIV/AIDS can be explored as an alternative option for the treatment of this pandemic disease after substantiating its full therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the strong antioxidant property of this valued seed has recently gained increasing attention with regard to its potential role as dietary supplement with minimal side effects. Besides, when combined with different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, it synergizes their effects resulting in reducing the dosage of concomitantly used drugs with optimized efficacy and least and/or no toxicity. A number of pharmaceutical and biological properties have been ascribed to seeds of N. sativa. The present review focuses on the profile of high-value components along with traditional medicinal and biological principles of N. sativa seed and its oil so as to explore functional food and nutraceutical potential of this valued herb.

1. Introduction

Plants have long been used as a basis of traditional remedies in the history of mankind and also act as sources of modern medicines. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than three-fourths of the communities in resource-limited countries rely upon medicinal plants for their primary health care needs because more than 60% of the societies are unable to have access and/or afford allopathic medicines [1, 2]. In line with the new progress in the area of optimum nutrition, nowadays there is a resurgence of interest in the use of plants as a source of food and medicine [3, 4]. Recently, the usage of phytomedicine has been amplified dramatically for numerous ailments because of not only their easy accessibility and low cost but also the belief that natural remedies have fewer harmful effects as compared to synthetic medicines [5].

The development of new products from natural sources is also encouraged because it is estimated that, of the 300,000 herbal species that exist globally, only 15% have been explored for their pharmacological potential [6]. Among several medicinal plants, Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) has been considered one of the most treasured nutrient-rich herb in history around the world and numerous scientific studies are in progress to validate the traditionally claimed uses of small seed of this species [7, 8].

The maximal nutritional value of black cumin can be linked to the presence of substantial amount of vegetable protein, fiber and minerals, and vitamins. The nutritional composition reported from different sources revealed 20-85% of protein, 38.20% of fat, 7-94% of fiber, and 31.94% of total carbohydrates. Among various amino acids identified, glutamate, arginine, and aspartate while cysteine and methionine were the major and minor amino acids, respectively. Black cumin seeds also contain significant levels of iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, and folic acid [7, 8]. In addition, phytochemical analyses of N. sativa displayed the presence of over hundreds of phytoconstituents which include mainly alkaloids, saponins, sterols, and essential oil but the composition of many of these have not been chemically recognized nor have been biologically verified. The N. sativa seed contain 26-34% fixed oil of which the major fatty acids are linoleic acid (64.6%) and palmitic acid (20.4%). The seed oil is comprised of 0.4%–2.5% essential oil [9, 10]. Amongst different active constituents reported so far, thymoquinone found as major component of the essential oil is the most bioactive compound and exhibits wide ranging therapeutic benefits [11].

2. High-Value Bioactive Compounds (Phytochemicals) in the Seed of Nigella sativa

Several bioactive compounds from the seed of N. sativa have been reported in the literature; among those the most important bioactive ones are thymoquinones. Other main phytochemicals reported from different varieties of N. sativa include sterols and saponins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, novel lipid constituents and fatty acids, and volatile oils of varying composition [12]. The essential oil composition (0.4-0.45%) reported in various studies represented about forty different compounds, amongst the abundantly constituents identified are trans-anethole, p-cymene limonene, carvone, α-thujene, thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), dithymoquinone, carvacrol, and β-Pinene with various concentration [13–15].

The quantity of most important bioactive constituent, thymoquinone, present in the volatile oil isolated by different extraction methods from the seeds of N. sativa varied over a wide range: using SC-CO₂ (1.06, 4.07 mg/g) [16] and by Soxhlet extraction (2940.43 mg/kg) [17] and (8.8 mg/g) oil [18].

The seed oil fatty acid composition (32-40%) has been reported by various authors to contain mainly, linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitoleic, palmitic acids together with arachidonic, eicosadienoic, stearic, and myristic acid [15, 16, 19]. A new dienoate and two known monoesters along with novel lipids have been isolated from the unsaponified extract of the seed, namely methylnonadeca-15,17-dienoate, pentyl hexadec-12-enoate, and pentyl pentadec-11-enoate [20].

Phytosterols are important part of human diet and are gaining greater interest due to their nutraceutical and medicinal benefits in lowering low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol level [21]. Phytosterols are also important as characteristic compounds for assessing the quality of vegetable oils and food labeling. The total sterols content of black cumin seed oil as estimated by different researchers was found to be between 18 and 42% of the unsaponified matter. The major sterols identified were β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and 5-avenasterol [19, 22]. Tocopherols exhibited attractive scavenging potentials of free radicals which are believed to terminate lipids peroxidation [23]. The total tocopherol contents of black seed oil reported in varied quantities from diverse sources ranged from 9.15 to 27.92 mg/100 g. Among the foremost tocopherols recognized in black cumin seeds, α- and γ-tocopherol and β-tocotrienol are well recognized [19].

Steroidal glycosides of new and known structures have been isolated from N. sativa seeds which include 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-11-methoxy-16, 23-dihydroxy-28-methylolean-12-enoate, stigma-5,22-dien-3-β-D-glucopyranoside [24], and 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopy-ranosyl]-11-methoxy-16-hydroxy-17-acetoxy hederagenin [25]. Moreover, alkaloids of diverse types have been isolated from the seeds of black cumin, which include novel Dolabellane-type diterpene alkaloids: nigellamines A₁, A₂, B₁, and B₂ and nigellamines A3, A4, A5, and C [26, 27] possessing lipid metabolizing property, and indazole class of alkaloids: nigellidine, nigellicine [28, 29], and nigellidine-4-O-sulfite [30].

3. Traditional Uses of Nigella sativa in Folk Remedies

Nigella sativa has been widely used as a spice and flavoring agent in variety of food preparations such as in bread, yogurt, pickles, sauces, and salads. Black seed or black cumin (English), Habbatul Barakah (Arabic), Tikur azmud (Amharic), has long been used in traditional remedy in the Arabian countries, Far East Asia, Europe, and Africa [31]. Nigella sativa has also been described as the miraculous plant and considered by earliest herbal specialists as “The herb from heaven” [32]. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had described the curative powers of the black seed as “Hold on to use this black seed, as it has a remedy for every illness except death” [33]. Avicenna, a well-known physician of 10th century famous for his book “The Canon of Medicine,” has recommended use of Nigella seeds for enhancement of body’s energy and also support during recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness. Nigella sativa is also mentioned for its curative property in the Holy Bible and is also labelled as Melanthion by Hippocrates and Dioscorides [34, 35].

The medicinal use of black cumin seeds in various traditional herbal systems is known for a wide range of ailments which include different airway disorders, for pain such as chronic headache and back pain, diabetes, paralysis, infection, inflammation, hypertension, and digestive tract related problems administered in different kind of preparations. It has also been used topically where it is applied directly to the blisters, nasal abscesses, orchitis, eczema, and swollen joints [33].

Keeping in view of the numerous traditional medicinal uses of N. sativa seeds and its active component, thymoquinone, this valuable herb can be explored as an effective folk medicine with multiple pharmacological actions.

4. Pharmacological Activities of Nigella sativa

Nigella sativa has been broadly studied in the last few decades and studies have reported that it possesses a number of medicinal properties and pharmacological actions. In order to retrieve the relevant literatures with respective subtopics, we have used PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus Google Scholar, and grey literatures using different searching terms such as “Nigella sativa” or “Black cumin” or “Black seed” and respective disease conditions. In the case of PubMed searching, we have used the respective “Mesh” terms and text words “tw” in order to retrieve all the relevant articles regardless of time boundaries.

4.1. Antioxidant Activity

Oxidative stress and an intensification in the levels of free radicals are amongst the foremost central markers associated with several progressive pathological conditions, including neurological disorder, cancer, aging, and endocrine illness [36]. To date, there has been a growing importance in the therapeutic option of medicinal plants as natural antioxidants. Among the various naturally occurring medicinal plants, N. sativa has been reported for its effective antioxidant activities of in- vivo and in- vitro studies [37].

The concomitant usage of Allium sativum and N. sativa seed in thirty postmenopausal women after two months of consumption revealed a significant reduction in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with increased activity in erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase [38]. Likewise, the fixed and essential oil of black cumin seed revealed a significant increment of Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase and GSH-Px against oxidative stress brought by potassium bromate in rats’ model [39].

The separate administration of N. sativa and nanosized clinoptilolite to Wistar rats also showed significant improvement on antioxidant parameters than concomitant uses of both extracts and diabetic groups [40]. A randomized controlled clinical trial in fifty volunteer obese subjects also demonstrated that N. sativa seed oil along with a less caloric diet significantly diminished the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and body weight as compared to the placebo group in eight weeks’ trial [41]. Moreover, the methanolic extract and essential oil fractioned from N. sativa seed in atherogenic suspension nourished rats has been reported effectively replenished the plasma total antioxidant power by eighty-eight percent against free radicals [42]. Similarly, the oil of N. sativa and thymoquinone administration markedly ameliorated cisplatin-induced alteration on carbohydrate biotransformation and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense system in the gastric mucosa [43]. Hence, the marked antioxidant activity of N. sativa and thymoquinone might be a potential newer antioxidant agent and used as essential nutrients for life for health promotion and diseases prevention.

4.2. Antidiabetic Activity

Even with the advancement in the management of diabetes mellitus, exploration for innovative agents continues since the existing synthetic agents have numerous limitations [44]. The administration of black cumin seed for one month to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats displayed a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum MDA, interleukin-6, and immunoglobulin A, G, and M while substantial increment of endogenous antioxidant enzymes; SOD, Glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase expression were noticed. The histology of pancreas in N. sativa treated group also revealed an improvement in the pancreatic β-cells degeneration, inflammation, and congestion as compared to diabetic control [45]. The combination of administration of N. sativa and Cinnamomum cassia extracts (NSCCe) to experimentally STZ-induced diabetic rats also showed significantly stabilized serum glucose concentrations, lipid profile, and renal function parameters as compared to the diabetic control. Significant effects were observed in animals that received combined extract and metformin on these parameters. A substantial reversal of the histopathological pancreatic cell injury was also observed in animals receiving the concomitant extracts of NSCCe [46]. The marked antidiabetic activity upon three-month supplementation of N. sativa (2 g/day) along with oral antidiabetic agent in type 2 DM patients has also been reported. In this study, N. sativa received group showed significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and TBARBs, while marked elevation of the total antioxidant capacity, SOD, and glutathione levels were noted [47].

Furthermore, an experimental randomized controlled trial of 99 diabetes patients received the placebo and two treatment groups received oral black seed oil. Administration of 1.5 and 3 mL/day of black seed oil for 20 days showed meaningful reduction of glycated hemoglobin A1c and random blood sugar levels [48]. The effect of N. sativa seed on the glycemic control of patients with type-2 diabetes (DM-2) was also used as an adjunctive treatment added to their oral hypoglycemic agents. N. sativa at a dose of two g/day also influenced substantial reductions in fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) without major alteration in body weight [49]. The oil of N. sativa (NSO) at 2 mL/kg also was showed to reduce fasting plasma glucose and intensification of insulin levels in diabetic rats compared to control. Diabetic rats that received NSO exhibited substantial improvements in lipid profile and expressive increment of pancreatic and hepatic antioxidant enzymes also augmented the histological image and glycogen contents other than improvements of average pancreatic islet extent than the diabetic groups [50].

The different doses of N. sativa seed (1, 2, and 3 g/day) in patients with DM-2 were also evaluated. A one g/day administration increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels after 3 months while two and three g/day of N. sativa seed significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and increased plasma HDL-c [51]. In reference to modern scholars’ devotion to the likely effects of medicinal herbs in diabetic management, a recent meta-analysis of antidiabetic effects of N. sativa [44] also exhibited the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and serum lipid profiles in diabetic human subjects [44, 51].

Generally, the possible antidiabetic mechanisms of N. sativa might be mediated via modulation of oxidative status (either through upregulation of endogenous antioxidants or reduction of oxidative species) [45, 47], attenuation of inflammation [45], improvement of lipid profiles, increased good cholesterol (HDL-c), while reducing bad cholesterols (LDL-c, TC, and TG) and body weight [44, 46, 51].

4.3. Antihypertensive Activity

Numerous antihypertensive agents have been clinically used to control hypertension and to relieve associated comorbid conditions. However, the effectiveness of these agents is only in 40-60% of hypertensive patients and commonly combination of two or more blood lowering agents from diverse antihypertensive classes is required to attain the desired outcomes [52]. This eventually increases the likelihoods of untoward effects and also raises the cost of therapy. A number of herbal products such as the seed of N. sativa have been used and claimed to have positive effects against elevated blood pressure (BP).

According to a nonrandomized controlled trials, 57 patients who were allocated to receive 2 g daily supplementations of black cumin for one year displayed a noticeable reduction in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP, heart rate, TC, LDL-c, the fractions of TC/HDL-c, and LDL-c/HDL-c while serum HDL-c was suggestively raised compared with the corresponding baseline values and the control group [53]. Although a trend towards reduction in BP was observed after N. sativa administration, one randomized controlled clinical trial failed to show a significant reduction of BP in elderly patients with hypertension [54]. This might be because of the sample size, dosage (300 mg BID for 4 weeks) of the N. sativa used in this study, the severity of hypertension, and study population used. For instance, previous clinical studies conducted by Dehkordi et al. [55] and Qidwai et al. [56] conducted on mild hypertensive patients with the dosage of 200 mg BID for 4 weeks and 500 mg BID for 6 weeks, respectively, showed a significant reduction of SPB.

In addition, it has been employed to determine the blood pressure lowering potential and possible mechanisms of N. sativa in rats’ model, and it was found that the seed oil and nicardipine received groups’ revealed substantial reduction in BP. The BP diminishing effect was related with a reduction in cardiac lipid peroxidation product and inhibitory activity of angiotensin converting enzyme in both groups but plasma nitric oxide level significantly increased in N. sativa oil received group than the placebo and nicardipine received groups [57]. Black cumin and its active component, thymoquinone, exhibited a reduction in oxidative stress via calcium channel blockade and increasing urine output activity which might have been linked to reduction in blood pressure [58]. Based on majority of these reports, various preparation of N. sativa showed a sustainable reduction of the BP in animal models and clinical studies hence can be explored as a promising basis of natural antihypertensive drugs.

4.4. Neuroprotective Effects

Neurological disorder such as depression is amongst the most prevailing illnesses globally. It is principally affected by the hypoactivity of neurotransmitters, particularly owing to inadequate activity of serotonin [59]. Stress is the chief triggering aspect in the initiation of depression and this premise is steadily supported by various clinical observations. Studies in experimental animals displayed that overwhelming stress conditions produce neurochemical modifications and behavioral deficits [60]. A large number of medicinal herbs and their isolated compounds have been revealed to have medicinal benefits and therapeutic potential. Among the promising medicinal plants, black cumin is a worthwhile herb with a rich historical and religious basis to manage depression and many other neurological disorders.

The intragastric supplementation of TQ (20 mg/mL) in aluminum trichloride and D-galactose induced neurotoxicity in rats showed a meaningful improvement of cognition, SOD, and total antioxidant capacity while reducing acetylcholinesterase activities. It also exhibited a reduction in MDA, nitric oxide levels, and tumor necrosis factor-α immunoreactivity and amplified brain derived neurotrophic factor and Bcl-2 levels [61]. While the effects of repeated administration of N. sativa in rats indicated that, there was an improvement in learning and recall status [62]. In addition, flavonoids isolated from black cumin have been shown to modulate critical neuronal signaling paths involved in the processes of memory and are likely to affect synaptic plasticity and long-standing potentiating mechanisms [63]. The neuropharmacological effects of the seed and oils of N. sativa and its active component, TQ, are described in Table 1. Based on the wide ranging neuropharmacological effects, black cumin seed, its oil, and the active principle thymoquinone (TQ) can be explored as a promising natural remedy for improvement of numerous neurological disorders.

Table 1: The effects of N. sativa and its active component, thymoquinone (TQ) on neurological and mental disorders.

Neurological or mental Disorders
Model used and intervention (s)
Finding (mechanism)
References

Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
Lipopolysaccharide-induced AD in mice, received TQ (2.5 & 5mg/kg) for 7 days.
(i) ↓ TBARS & 5-LOX levels
(ii) ↑ GSH extent and SOD action
(iii) Causes disaggregation of Aβ peptide
(iv) prevents declining of neurons
(v) Slows degeneration of cognitive ability
[64, 65]

Aβ-induced neurotoxicity (analyzed by culturing hippocampus and cortical neurons).
TQ is administered along with A for 72 hours
(i) Reducing Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. (Improved cell viability) by:
(ii) Inhibiting mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization
(iii) Hindering reactive oxygen species generation
[66]

Parkinson’s disease (PD)
1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) and rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in PD model, cultures were treated with TQ (0.01, 0.1, 1 and, 10 μM) on day 8th for 4 days.
(i) Rescued dopaminergic neurons through:
(ii) Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
[67]

Experimental model of early PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxicity, pretreatment of daily TQ (5 & 10 mg/kg) and one additional dose after surgery were used.
(i) ↓ MDA level
(ii) Prevents loss of neurons in substantia nigra
(iii) Protects hippocampal & human induced pluripotent stem cell against α-synuclein induced synaptic toxicity
[68, 69]

Depression and anxiety
(i) Open field and elevated plus maze models; forced swim test
(ii) Locomotor behavior in familiar and new environment in rats, N. sativa oil (0.1 mL/day) aqueous seed extract (2 mL/day) orally for 4-6 weeks
(i) ↑ in open field activity & struggling time
(ii) ↑ 5-HT
(iii) ↓ 5HIAA level in the brain
(iv) ↑ tryptophan level in plasma & brain
(v) ↑ locomotors activity in novel environment
(vi) ↑ brain DA level
[59, 70, 71]

Stressed and unstressed mice, 10 and 20 mg/kg of TQ for 4 weeks
Unstressed mice: at 10 & 20 mg/Kg showed anti-anxiety
(i) without altering nitrite levels
(ii) ↑ GABA content (only 20mg/Kg).
Stressed mice: 20 mg/kg showed anxiolytic effects with
(i) ↓ plasma nitrite level
(ii) Reversal of reduced GABA
[72]

Randomized control trial on healthy human subjects, N. sativa capsule (500 mg) daily for 4 weeks.
(i) Stabilize disturbed mood
(ii) ↓ anxiety
(iii) Modulate memory positively
[73]

Epilepsy
Pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, N. sativa oil; TQ
(i) Prevented seizure occurrence
(ii) ↓ Reactive oxygen species generation
(iii) Reduced seizure score
(iv) Showed additive effects with phenobarbitone
[74–76]

Double-blinded placebo randomized control trial (refractory epilepsy), TQ as adjunctive therapy for 4 weeks
(i) Significant reduction of seizure frequency (those who received combination therapy)
[77]

Opioid dependence and Tolerance
Morphine brought tolerance and dependency in mice, 4mL/kg of N. sativa oil along with morphine (5mg/kg)
(i) Attenuated the development of tolerance
(ii) Inhibited nitric oxide overproduction
(iii) ↓ in brain MDA level
[78]

Randomized trial (on 35 known addicts of opiates), 500 mg N. Sativa three times daily

(i) ↓ the withdrawal effects significantly
(ii) ↑ appetite (no significant weight gain)
(iii) No changes in physiological parameters (blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate)
[79]

TBARs= Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, GABA= gamma amino butyric acid, 5-HT= 5 hydroxytryptamine, MDA= malondialdehyde, DA= dopamine, 5HIAA= 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid, GSH= glutathione peroxidase, SOD= superoxide dismutase, TQ= thymoquinone, Aβ= beta amyloid peptides, ↑=increase, ↓=decrease.

4.5. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

Inflammation has a key role in various medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, allergies, and cancer which all are associated with acute and/or chronic pain. The existing anti-inflammatory agents commonly comprise classes of drugs that produce severe adverse effects such as gastric ulcer, bone marrow depression, water, and salt retention, resulting from the extended use [80]. Medicinal herbs including black cumin might be a potential source of novel biological compounds that are safer and with fewer side effects. The volatile oil of black cumin and thymoquinone at various doses revealed a dose-reliant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats’ parallel to indomethacin [81]. The volatile oil of N. sativa seed also displayed a substantial pain-relieving effect in acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and tail flick tests [82]. As stated by Al-Ghamdi, the water extract of black cumin also retained anti-inflammatory effects in carrageenan-induced paw edema comparable to acetyl salicylic acid at corresponding doses but failed to display antipyretic activity against yeast-induced pyrexia [83]. Furthermore, the alcoholic extract of black cumin exhibited a noteworthy pain-relieving effect in mice as compared to diclofenac sodium [84]. Additional study also showed that essential oil of black cumin has notable activity as a painkiller in acetic acid-induced writing, formalin, and tail flick tests. It was also revealed that this extract might elevate a significant swimming and anoxia tolerance time [85]. The anti-inflammatory action of TQ might be related to inhibition of the oxidative product of arachidonic acid formation, such as thromboxane B2 and leukotriene by blocking both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes [86, 87].

In addition, the action of black cumin seed on tracheal sensitivity and pulmonary inflammation of guinea pigs, which were exposed to breathe Sulphur mustard together with black cumin, displayed expressively lower magnitude compared to that of only Sulphur mustard exposed group [88]. The bronchial relaxation effects of the boiled extract of N. sativa in contrast with theophylline were assessed in asthmatic patients and it was found that black cumin extract caused substantial rises in entirely measured respiratory function tests and the starting time of bronchodilator action of the extract was comparable to that of theophylline [89]. The various extracts, oil, and active constituent (α-hederin) of N. sativa also showed an improvement of tracheal responsiveness and significant anti-inflammatory activity via decreasing the release of histamine and leukotrienes while increasing the PGE2 from the mast cells and perfused lungs in anima model of allergic asthma [90–93]. This antiasthmatic effect is further substantiated by different clinical studies, and majority of them reported that different N. sativa preparations showed an improvements of clinical symptoms and pulmonary function as well as various asthma biomarkers [89, 94–97]. These preclinical and clinical studies evidenced the potential antiasthmatic effects of N. sativa but further investigations are required to assure its efficacy.

The efficacy of black cumin oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was also evaluated and data from 40 female patients diagnosed with RA who took N. sativa oil capsules (500 mg) twice daily exhibited improvement in disease activity score compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, a noticeable improvement was displayed in number of inflamed joints, incidence of morning stiffness, and disease activity after the consumption of black cumin [98].

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in various chronic illnesses [(cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma) that involve progressive and irreversible damage to the cell and/or neurons] as well as in many infectious conditions [99, 100]. Therefore, the crucial role of anti-inflammatory actions of different N. sativa preparations and TQ might be the possible sources for the development of a new generation of anti-inflammatory agent to treat these wide ranging conditions.

4.6. Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobials have been the bases of clinical medicine since the second half of the 20th century and have saved prominent number of people from serious microbial infections. Nevertheless, in the late 20th century and the earliest 21st century it has perceived the advent and widespread of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic microorganisms throughout the globe [101, 102]. The ever-increasing terrorization of microbial infections and antimicrobial resistant bacteria demands for a global struggle to discover for novel solutions that might be grounded on the natural products such as plants, which are selected on the basis of renowned ethnomedicinal use [103, 104]. Among the inspiring medicinal plants, black cumin is the one that displayed strong antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic actions.

4.6.1. Antibacterial Activity

Thymoquinone obtained from seeds of N. sativa revealed broader spectrum activities against multiple strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Bacillus, Listeria, Enterococcus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Salmonella, Serovar, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in addition to inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation [105]. The methyl alcoholic extract of the seed also displayed a larger inhibition zone on gram-positive (S. pyogenes) as compared to gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and P. vulgaris) [106]. For different isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, various concentrations of (100%, 80%, 50%, 40%, 30%, and 20%) N. sativa oils displayed an expressively higher zone of inhibitions against all the tested bacterial strains [107]. Thymoquinone also revealed a significant bactericidal activity against gram-positive cocci with MICs ranging from 8 to 32 μg/mL and proved the minimum biofilm inhibition concentration at 22 and 60 μg/mL for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, respectively [108]. Moreover, black seed (2 g/day) owed clinically valuable anti-H. pylori effect comparable to triple therapy [109] and this can provide a scientific basis for the exploration of potential uses of this valued seed for the treatment of H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers.

4.6.2. Antifungal Activity

The essential oil of N. sativa of different origins has been reported to possess moderate inhibitory action against pathogenic strains of yeasts, dermatophytes and nondermatophytic filamentous fungi along with aflatoxin-producing fungi. The N. sativa treatment targeted the cell wall, plasma membrane, and membranous organelles, mainly in the nuclei and mitochondria as were evident in the morphology of these toxigenic fungi [110]. Moreover, different extracts of black cumin and TQ exhibited powerful fungicidal activity against dermatophyte strains including Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum superior to fluconazole, but lesser than that of ketoconazole [111]. Thymoquinone also arrested the growth of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani comparable to Amphotericin-B [112] and was effective against C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei [113]. Similarly, as stated by Taha et al., the active constituent of black cumin such as TQ, thymohydroquinone, and thymol revealed potent antifungal effect against several clinically isolated fungal strains including dermatophytes, molds, and yeasts [114]. As a potential candidate with multiple antimicrobial activities, N. sativa can also be explored as a natural preservative and food additive to protect foods from spoilage.

4.6.3. Antiviral Activity

N. sativa seed oil was found to suppress viral load in murine model: cytomegalovirus infected mice to undetectable level in the liver and spleen in 10 days’ intraperitoneal administration. This was possibly due to the increase in number and function of CD T cells and increased production of interferon- (INF-) gamma [115]. Interestingly, patients (30) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, who were not eligible for IFN-α/ribavirin therapy showed significant improvement in HCV viral load (16.67% became seronegative and 50% showing significant decrement) and proved laboratory parameter like total protein, red blood cell, and platelet count, decreased fasting blood glucose, and postprandial glucose in both diabetic and nondiabetic HCV patients and reduced lower-limb edema after they are managed with black cumin seed oil [116].

According to a case report conducted by Onifade et al., after treatment with 10 mL of black seed twice daily for 6 months, a complete regaining and seroreversion of a 46-year-old HIV positive patient was evidenced [117]. In addition, a 27-year-old HIV infected woman was diagnosed during ante-natal care; she was not eligible for antiretroviral therapy; hence herbal therapist initiated her on black cumin and honey mixture (10 mL) thrice daily for a year. The repeat serology assessments for HIV infection became negative with undetectable viral load. The woman also got 3 children (2007, 2010, and 2012) that all were breastfed and none of the children infected with HIV and her repeat CD4 count was not less than 750 cells/μL [118]. Nowadays HIV/AIDS is a serious global threat and in this regard, N. sativa can be a promising natural therapy to cure such a chronic infectious disease, after validating its full therapeutic efficacy by further investigations.

4.6.4. Antiparasitic Activity

Nigella sativa seeds have shown schistosomicidal properties against Schistosoma mansoni (in vitro), through a strong biocidal effect against all stages of the parasite and an inhibitory effect on egg-laying of adult female worms [119, 120]. An ointment of N. sativa seed significantly contracted and inhibited the inflammatory reactions to cutaneous leishmaniasis produced experimentally in mice by a subcutaneous inoculation of Leishmania major at the abaxial base of the tail [121]. N. sativa extract at a dose of 1.25 g/kg prominently lowered Plasmodium yoelii infection in mice by 94%; however, the effect of chloroquine was only 86% as compared to the untreated group. In addition, methanolic extract of N. sativa revealed higher parasite clearance and restoration of altered biochemical indicators by P. yoelii infection than chloroquine [122]. Thus, considering N. sativa for future antiparasitic agents will have a very important input after conduction of further investigation of its curative, prophylactic and chemopreventive activity particularly in the era of emerging antimalarial drug resistance.

4.7. Anticancer Activity

Cancer is a bigger challenge in medical science as the incidence of this health disorder is rapidly growing across the world. This prompts the efforts to search some effective natural anticancer therapies alternative to currently employed chemotherapies with limited applications. The effect of black seed in different types of cancer cells is summarized in Table 2. As there are ten cancer hallmarks which are common to most tumors, TQ, a major active component of N. sativa, plays great role in affecting all markers of cancer [123].

Table 2: Effects of N. sativa and thymoquinone against various types of cancer models and their effects on anticancer agents.

Cancer models or effects of anticancer agents
Intervention (s)
Findings (Mechanisms)
References

In vitro studies
Doxorubicin-resistant
human breast cancer cells line (MCF-7/DOX cells)
TQ (25, 50 or 100 µM) for 48 hours & NSO Nano emulsion
(i) Concentration dependent growth inhibition
(ii) Induce apoptosis, p53 protein
(iii) Upregulation of PTEN (inhibit PI3K/Akt pathway)
[124, 125]

Human cervical squamous
cancer cells
TQ (1.0 to 30 μg/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 hours
(i) More cytotoxic than cisplatin towards this cancerous cell (but less cytotoxicity towards normal cells)
(ii) Downregulates Bcl-2 protein
[126]

Myeloblastic leukemia
(HL-60 cells)
TQ
(i) Induces apoptosis, disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, triggers the activation of caspases 3, 8 & 9 in HL-60 cells
[127]

Human bladder cancer cells (T24 and 253J)
TQ (20-160 µmol/L) for different periods (24h, 48h, and 72h)
(i) TQ showed marked cytotoxicity on bladder cancer cells
(ii) It inhibited cancerous cells rapid multiplication and evoked apoptosis via activation of caspase.
(iii) TQ also resulted in activation of ER stress, mitochondrial disturbance and enhanced mitochondrial mediated apoptotic path.
[128]

Renal cell cancer (RCC) cell lines (786-O and ACHN)
TQ (40 μmol/L) for 24 hours
(i) TQ suppressed migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in RCC cells.
(ii) TQ exhibited significant inhibition of the metastasis of RCC cells through induction of autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signalling.
[129]

Human renal tubular epithelial cell (HK2) and the human RCC cell lines (769-P & 786-O)
TQ (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 & 20 µM) at various durations (0, 24, 48 & 72 h).
(i) TQ markedly inhibited the migration and invasion of the human RCC 769-P and 786-O cell lines.
(ii) TQ also increased the expression of E-cadherin and reduced the expression of Snail, ZEB1 and vimentin at the mRNA as well as protein levels in dose-dependent fashion.
(iii) As a result, the extents of phosphorylation of hepatic kinase B1 and AMPK were upregulated.
[130]

Human prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and C3)
TQ (2.5, 5.0 & 10 µM) for 24 hours.
(i) TQ substantially arrested the proliferation of prostate cancer.
(ii) It inhibited the migrating and invading capability of prostate cancer DU145 and PC3 cells.
(iii) TQ also downregulated the expression of TGF-β, Smad2 and Smad3 in prostate cancer cells.
[131]

Hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2)
TQ (3–24 µM) for 24 hours.
(i) Decreased both the no. of viable HepG2 cells and the levels
(ii) TQ induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
(iii) Increased total antioxidant status (dose dependently)
(iv) TQ reduced the release of VEGF of HepG2 cells
[132]

In vivo studies
Diethyl nitrosamine inducedhepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats
Ethanolic extract of NS (250 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days.
(i) The chemical induced increment of liver weight, hepato-somatic indices, serum AFP and VEGF levels, and hepatic HGFβ protein expression were significantly reversed by the extract.
(ii) The histopathological alteration of the livers due to the chemical was decreased in NS extract received rats without harmful effects.
[133]

Orthotopic model inmice [triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines]
TQ (20 or 100 mg/k) once every 3 days
(i) TQ markedly reduced the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumor.
(ii) TQ decreased TNBC cell viability and proliferation as well as the migration and invasion of TNBC cells.
(iii) TQ also downregulated the expression of eEF-2K (via modulation of the NF-κB/miR-603), Src/FAK, and Akt in TNBC cells.
[134]

Colon carcinogenesis of rats model
NSO for 14 weeks
(i) NSO revealed a significant antiproliferative activity in both initiation and post-initiation phases
(ii) Inhibited colon carcinogenesis of rats mainly in the post-initiation stage with no evident of adverse effects
[135]

Mouse model of colorectal carcinogenesis & C26 cell
TQ (5 mg/kg) for 3 weeks & TQ (0, 20, 40, 60 μM) in vitro
(i) TQ reduced tumor multiplicity
(ii) TQ impeded tumor growth and induce apoptosis in HCT116 xenografts
(iii) Sub-cytotoxic conc. of TQ (40μM) also reduced C26 cell invasion
(iv) Anti-neoplastic and pro-apoptotic p53-dependent mechanism
[136]

Rat multi-organ
carcinogenesis
NSO for 30 weeks
(i) Reduction in malignant and benign colon tumor sizes, tumors in the lungs and in diverse parts of the alimentary canal principally the oesophagus and fore stomach
[137]

Effect on anti-cancer drugs
Cyclophosphamide
Induced toxicity (abnormal RF & LFT and reduced Hgb) in rat
NSO (1ml/kg) and TQ (10 mg/kg) EOD for 12 days
(i) Substantial reduction in overall cyclophosphamide induced toxicity in both NSO and TQ treated groups.
[138]

Antitumor Effect of TQ and gemcitabine on xenograft mouse and PANC-1, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cell lines of pancreatic cancer models,
TQ (0–50 µmol/L) & 1.0 mg/ mouse daily

(i) TQ pre-treatment synergistically increased the gemcitabine actions of apoptotic and tumor growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer cells.
(ii) Concomitant uses resulted in the change of several molecular signaling, including the downregulation of Notch1, NICD associated with up-regulation of PTEN, via the inactivation of Akt/mTOR/S6 signaling.
(iii) TQ and gemcitabine also induced suppression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, XIAP and overexpression and activation Caspase-3, Caspase-9, & Bax.
[139]

Cytotoxicity assay of TQ and paclitaxel on mouse breast cancer cell line (4T1) and animal models
TQ (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, & 100 μM) for 24 & 48 hours; (0.64, 2.4 & 3.2 mg/kg of mouse body weight).
(i) TQ induced marked cytotoxicity and apoptosis, while inhibiting wound healing and migration of 4T1 cells.
(ii) Co-administration of TQ and paclitaxel significantly induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared to separate administration.
(iii) The combination of paclitaxel and the lower dose TQ markedly inhibited the tumor growth.
(iv) Both agents also modulated the apoptosis genes, p53 and JAK-STAT signaling, while overexpressing the levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-7, and Caspase-12.
[140]

Anti-tumor activity of TQ and topotecan in colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29)
TQ (40, 55 & 60 µM)

(i) TQ significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effect of non-cytotoxic dose of topotecan.
(ii) Both drugs induced apoptosis via a p53-independent mechanism, while the expression of p21 was only noted in TQ therapy.
(iii) TQ improved the effectiveness of topotecan by inhibiting proliferationand lowering toxicity via p53- and Bax/Bcl2-independent mechanisms.
[141]

AMPK: Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, NS: Nigella sativa, NSO: Nigella sativa oil, TQ: Thymoquinone, PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog, MCF-7: Michigan Cancer Foundation-7, EOD: every other day, mTOR: Mammalian Target of Rapamycin.

4.8. Effects on Male Infertility

Infertility is the incapability of a copulate to attain offspring after 12 months of intercourse without contraception. It is more prevalent among men than women [142]. Sperm dysfunction is the main problem related with men infertility which accounts 60% of all reasons. The structure, function, motility, and survival of sperm are deleteriously affected by oxidative stress that prominently leads to infertility. Hence, increasing spermatozoa counts, functionality, and sperm quality using antioxidants can improve fertility status [143, 144]. Evidence proves that some herbal medicines can reduce negative effects of oxidative stress by salvaging free radicals [145]. Among the various traditional plants, N. sativa was found to exhibit remarkable antioxidant effect [146].

Alcoholic extract of N. sativa indicated remarkable increment in the production of viable and motile sperm cells, enhanced epididymal sperm reservation, weight gaining of reproductive organs, blood testosterone density, gonadotropins content, amount of mature Leydig cells, and fertility indexes compared to the control group in male rats [147]. According to Mohammad et al., black cumin thought to trigger a rise in spermatogenesis hormones on pituitary gland, and an increase in the weight of reproductive organs. The study also reveals that N. sativa can affect oxidative phosphorylation enzymes and increase sperm motility [147]. In addition, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 Iranian infertile men and half of them receive 2.5 mL of black seed oil and the remaining received placebo twice daily for two months. The amount and the motility of sperm and the content of semen volume were raised significantly in black seed oil treated group compared with placebo group after two months of therapy [148]. This indicates that N. sativa can be a potential source for development of natural aphrodisiac agents.

5. Toxicological Properties

The acute oral toxicity of active constituents of black cumin seed, TQ, lethal dose 50 (LD₅₀) value has been reported to be 2.4 g per kg of body weight of Swiss albino mice, whereas the instant behavioral alteration at two and three g per kg of body weight of the composite was hypoactivity and trouble in breathing, while late toxicities comprising a substantial lessening in the virtual organ weight and glutathione distribution of the hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular system have been reported [149]. Daily administration of aqueous extract (AqE) of N. sativa to mice for six weeks led to death of one mouse after 2 weeks of treatment with 6.4 g/kg of AqE. On the other hand, 2 and 3 mice experienced death at 3rd and 5th weeks while they received 21 g/kg and 60 g/kg of the extract, respectively. Otherwise, no other deaths were recorded for the application of other doses used [150]. In addition, the subchronic toxicity study in mice treated with 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg/day of TQ for 90 days resulted in no mortality or signs of toxicity but substantial decrement of fasting plasma glucose and also showed no change in toxicological significance in body organs and histological investigation [149]. The toxicity of the fixed oil of black cumin in mice and rats was also examined and the LD₅₀ values were found to be 28.8 ml/kg and 2.06 ml/kg when given by oral and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. Chronic toxicity was also studied in rats treated daily with an oral dose of 2 ml/kg for 12 weeks’ black cumin oil, while alterations in vital liver enzyme levels and histopathological modifications (heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas) were not detected [151]. The minor and/or negligible toxicological effects and wider therapeutic margin of N. sativa and its active constituents, thymoquinone, as evident by various scientific studies support its safe use for the long-term traditional food and medicinal purposes.

6. Conclusion and Future Prospects

Traditional medicinal plants have received much attention due to several factors such as low cost, ease of access, and lower adverse effect profiles as compared to synthetic medicines. Besides, various medicinal floras and their products are used on the basis of religious and cultural traditions. Among various plants, black cumin has been used by diverse human cultures around the world especially in Muslim population for centuries to treat numerous ailments. To date, a number of studies showed that black seed and its component including TQ have revealed a remarkable natural therapy for treatment of a wide range of illnesses including chronic noninfectious (neurologic disorders, DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, inflammatory disorders, cancer, etc.) and infectious disease (bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections). Both animal and human studies also showed that black seed and TQ have potential to treat male infertility and their antioxidant activities have recently gained greater attention due to their role as dietary supplements with minimal side effects. Furthermore, when combined with different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, they synergize the effects which may reduce the dosage of the concomitantly used medicines and optimizing efficacy versus toxicity and it might also overcome drug resistance problem. Therefore, having wider safety margins and praiseworthy efficacy against wide range of maladies, it would be a potential herbal remedy to be assessed under clinical trial for numerous conditions. Isolation of novel bioactive components from black cumin and its oil and studies of their therapeutic effects using specific clinical models are further recommended.

Abbreviations

AqE: | Aqueous extract
N. sativa: | Nigella sativa
TQ: | Thymoquinone
LD: | Lethal dose
PTEN: | Phosphatase and tensin homolog
MCF-7: | Michigan Cancer Foundation-7
TBARs: | Thiobarbituric acid
GABA: | Gamma amino butyric acid
5-HT: | 5-Hydroxytryptamine
MDA: | Malondialdehyde
DA: | Dopamine
5HIAA: | 5 Hydroxyindoleacetic acid
GSH-Px: | Glutathione peroxidase
SOD: | Superoxide dismutase
Aβ: | Beta amyloid peptides
HCV: | Hepatitis C virus
INF: | Interferon
MIC: | Minimum inhibitory concentration
RA: | Rheumatoid arthritis
BP: | Blood pressure
DM: | Diabetic mellitus
CQ: | Chloroquine.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Authors’ Contributions

Ebrahim M. Yimer developed the research conception and took the initiatives of this work and drafted the manuscript. Kald Beshir Tuem, Aman Karim, Najeeb Ur-Rehman, and Farooq Anwar provide greater contribution towards collecting, extracting, and organizing relevant data and also revising the review paper and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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