An ancient replacement with modern health benefits

In a recent review published in the journal Biomedicines, researchers discuss the potential of black cumin as a pharmaceutical agent.

study: The use of Nigella sativa in cardiometabolic diseases. Image credit: M. Schuppich / Shutterstock.com

Nigella sativa: Distribution and phytoconstituents

black cumin, which is known as black seed or black cumin, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The fruit of black cumin the plant contains three to six carpels, each of which contains seeds that turn black when ripe.

India is the largest producer of black cumin, whereas Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia and Canada are among the main exporters. In addition to India, black cumin it is also grown in Egypt, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan.

The main bioactive components of black cumin are extracted from its seeds, followed by the bark and sprouts. Several primary and secondary metabolites of different chemical classes, such as alkaloids, terpenes and terpenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins, have been identified in Nigella sativa.

Nigelamines, which are the main alkaloids, and polyphenols, such as quercitrin and kaempferol, have been identified in black cumin. Several fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, have also been isolated from black cumin.

The pharmacological properties of black cumin are attributed to the presence of quinine components, especially thymoquinone (TQ) and its derivatives, including 4-terpineol, thymohydroquinone (THQ), p-cymene, sesquiterpene, thymol, carvacrol, and tannetol.

Medicinal uses of black cumin

Black cumin is used in traditional Chinese medicine, Arabic medicine and Ayurveda. In Arabic medicine, black cumin used to treat asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, indigestion, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and skin infections. Comparatively in Chinese medicine, black cumin is used as a component of a headache treatment formula.

The oil extracted from black cumin the seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties. Black cumin contains tocopherols that have strong antioxidant effects that inhibit lipid peroxidation in biological membranes.

Black cumin is considered a natural agent that can lower blood cholesterol. In addition, the high levels of sterols in Nigella sativa suggest its potential use in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). black cumin also effective against diabetes, inflammatory conditions and menopause.

Key mechanisms of Nigella sativa in alleviating cardiometabolic diseases

Several mechanisms may contribute to the protective cardiometabolic role of black cumin. For example, the antioxidant properties of black cumin can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients, while the anti-radical activity of TQ significantly reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

black cumin seed extracts exhibited increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities, leading to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA). Several studies have shown that MDA is an indicator of lipid peroxidation resulting from oxidative stress. Reduced ROS levels also increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), which can significantly lower blood pressure.

Many cardiometabolic diseases are associated with inflammation; therefore, reducing inflammation should have a positive effect on these diseases. black cumin It has been shown to inhibit inducible NO synthase as well as reduce cytokine and proinflammatory cytokine levels by inhibiting the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. black cumin has the potential to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which is an enzyme involved in the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins (PG).

black cumin seed extracts also exhibit anti-dyslipidemic properties. To this end, black cumin seed extract inhibits the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG–CoA) reductase and increases the expression of low-density lipid receptors, both of which are associated with decreased cholesterol levels.

TQ acts as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR–γ) antagonist that can improve insulin resistance and inhibit intestinal α-glucosidase, the latter of which leads to reduced glucose absorption. TQ also improves the proliferation and integrity of pancreatic β cells, thereby leading to increased insulin secretion.

The weight reduction effect of black cumin reported in many studies. mechanical, black cumin causes a decrease in food intake, inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption and increased adiponectin levels.

The cardioprotective effects of black cumin seeds have been demonstrated using isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats. The cardioprotective activity of black cumin is also associated with the alleviation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

black cumin the seeds have been used for numerous disease treatment strategies. Among the various bioactive metabolites present in black cumin, TQ is associated with most of its pharmacological properties.