A SIMPLIFIED LITERATURE-BASED REVIEW: PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGY, SAFETY PROFILE, NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND TRADITIONAL THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF NIGELLA SATIVA L. IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Abstract

Background: Nigella sativa L. or black cumin, belong to the family Ranunculaceae, has long been used traditionally, for food purposes and in traditional Unani medicines and is a native of the Arabian Gulf region, East Asia, Africa and Europe. It is a rich medicinal plant in bioactive compounds. Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to develop an overview of black cumin seed in the context of the status traditional Unani medicine ideology with the incorporation of ethno pharmacological uses, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, safety profile with evidence-based approach. Materials and Methods: Information on Nigella sativa L. was obtained from published materials, including medicinal plants monographs, ancient and modern recorded classical texts, Unani pharmacopoeias and electronic databases such as Pub Med, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Results: Black cumin seed has been used in Unani traditional medical systems throughout history. The presence of thymoquinone is mainly responsible for its most of the medicinal properties. Moreover, the presence of vitamins, myristic acid, proteins, fats, fiber, amino acids and some trace metals are also reported in the seeds particularly used as a nutraceutical. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies on pharmacological effects of Nigella sativa L. viz. antioxidant, anticancer, immuno-modulatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, cardio protective, gastro protective, anti-hypertensive, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic properties demonstrated positive effect against diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism, back pain, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, and eczema etc. Conclusion: Contemporary researches on Nigella sativa L. support the views of Unani physicians for its use as a food and medicinal herb. Black cumin-based potential therapeutic agents need to be applied for a variety of diseases and the formulation of accepted functional foods with the aim to promote optimum health and lessen the risk of chronic diseases.