Health-Promoting Activities of Nigella sativa Fixed Oil

Abstract

Nigella sativa (NS) is a member of the Ranunculaceae family and commonly known as black seed. NS seeds contain amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, essential oil (0.4–1.49%), fixed oil (30–44.2%), alkaloids, saponins, crude fiber, and minerals. NS essential oil contains phenolic compounds such as p-cymene, carvacrol, and thymoquinone (TQ). Linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid are the main fatty acids in the fixed oil. TQ has represented the most active constituent, which found in both fixed and essential oils of NS. TQ is proposed to suppress in vivo tumor progression according to its potential anti-angiogenic activity, modulation of multiple molecular targets including p53, p73, STAT-3, PTEN, and PPAR-γ, and activation of caspases. In addition, the role of TQ in enhancing NK cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and interfering DNA structure as well as its regulation of several signaling pathways including NF-κB, iNOS, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT could underlie the potential of TQ in repress tumorigenesis. NS oil has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, anti-ischemic, antiparasitic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, there is evidence of NS oil’s role in wound healing, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. NS oil activities extend to cardiovascular complications, where it has a role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.KeywordsNigella sativa oilActive ingredientsAnti-cancerAnti-diabeticAnti-inflammationAntioxidantNeuroprotection