Abstract

Seeds of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) have been used for thousands of years as a spice and food preservative. The oil and seed constituents have shown potential medicinal properties in traditional medicine. This review lists and discusses different therapeutic trials of N. sativa seeds and its active ingredients in many diseases affecting body systems. It has anti–oxidant effects through enhancing the oxidant scavenger system that leads to antitoxic effects induced by several insults. Its anti–inflammatory effects conduct through suppression of the inflammatory mediators’ prostaglandins and leukotriens. Its immunomodulatory properties were proved by augmenting the T cell and natural killer cell–mediated immune responses. It expresses antimicrobial and anti–tumor properties toward different microbes and cancers. It decreases DNA damage and thereby prevents initiation of carcinogenesis in colonic tissue secondary to exposure to toxic agents. N. sativa is of immense therapeutic benefit in DM. It stimulates glucose–induced secretion of insulin besides having a negative impact on glucose absorption from the intestinal mucosa. N. sativa administration protects hepatic tissue from deleterious effects of toxic substances and attenuates hepatic lipid peroxidation. N. sativa provides a promising strategy that combines anti–inflammatory, antioxidants, and antineoplastics modes of action.

Key words: Herbs, Nigella Sativa, Pharmacological Effects, Body Systems

Article Language: Turkish English