Nigella sativa as a bioactive agent: A systematic review of its pharmacological attributes

Abstract

Nigella sativa (NS) is a highly beneficial medicinal plant. This plant has its significance described in ancient texts and literature. It has its foothold in Unani and Ayurvedic forms of medicine. Nigella is valued mostly for its seeds which are a great source of phytochemicals which includes omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, organic acids, reducing sugars, thymol, thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, resins, metarbin, poisonous glucoside, p-cymene, sabinene, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, kaempferol (glucoside) t-anethol, longifolene(sesquiterpene), α-pinene, α-hederin (pentacyclic triterpene), proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins. Nigella seed oil is rich source of fatty acids such as linoleic, linolenic, oleic, and palmitic acids along with generous amounts of arachidonic acid, eicosadienoic acid, stearic acid, and myristic acid. Roots and shoots of Nigella are rich source of carotene and vanillic acid. The presence of these highly potent phytochemicals imparts Nigella several medicinal properties that comprises antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiasthmatic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, pro-metabolic effects. This review demonstrates how the essential phytochemicals found in the Nigella plant can profoundly benefit human health, offering powerful pharmacological effects that underscore its importance as a natural remedy.