Chapter 97 - Effects of Nigella (Nigella sativa L.) Seed Extract on Human Neutrophil Elastase Activity

Abstract

This chapter profiles the potential usage of the extracts of nigella seed. The seeds have anti-inflammatory activity, mainly due to the enrichment of this extract with many bioactive molecules. The chapter focuses on the effects of Nigella sativa (L.) seed extracts, the essential oil, and its main components on human neutrophil elastase (HNE) activity and evaluates the bioactive molecules present in the extracts of this medicinal plant that play an inhibitory effect against HNE activity. The possibility of using this product as a natural anti-elastase agent for the treatment of injuries in emphysema and COPD is also examined. The results of several experiments have demonstrated that essential oil constituents showing inhibitory activity against human neutrophil elastase are monoterpenes. The inhibitory effects of total essential oil on human neutrophil elastase activity can be explained by the presence of bioactive molecules, mainly 5-isopropyl-2-methyl phenol. The inhibitory effects of total essential oil on HNE activity can be explained by the presence of bioactive molecules, mainly carvacrol. Taking into consideration the IC50 values of each compound, carvacrol is a potent inhibitor of HNE. 5-isopropyl-2-methyl phenol is a potent inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase and could be considered as a natural anti-elastase agent in the treatment of injuries that appear in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. Further in vivo studies are recommended.