Black Cumin Seeds Research Articles

Changes in the quality of oil extracted by hot pressing from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds and by solvent from the obtained cake during refining.

In this study, oil was extracted from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed (BCS) by press, and oil was extracted from the obtained cake with a solvent. The changes in the quality of both crude oils obtained by pressing and by solvent were investigated during refining. Findings revealed that the p-anisidin value (p-AV) and fatty acid profile did not change significantly, but there were significant differences (p < .05) in the peroxide value (PV), reflective index, pigment contents, free fatty acid content (FFA%), and antioxidant activity (total phenol content (TPC), thymoquinone, and DPPH inhibition) of BCS oils obtained by the two different methods. PV and FFA decreased to less than 15 meqO2/kg and 0.3%, respectively, in the refined oil. The TPC (65%), thymoquinone (45-97%), carotenoids (86-89%), and chlorophyll (75-85%) were removed from BCS oil, but the DPPH value was raised by about 33%. The current study gives a clear picture of the changes during refining in BCS oil, which can be a useful guide in food applications.

Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking.

The characteristic chemical composition of Nigella seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract's activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The N. sativa seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities (p < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH (p < 0.05), P4 hormones (p < 0.001), and E2 (p < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erβ, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, N. sativa seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.

Medicinal plants and functional foods sold by market vendors and used by their clients for COVID-19 in Gondar City, Ethiopia

Background: Many Ethiopians use traditional medicines. However, little is known about the role of open markets as sources of alternative medicines in preventing and treating COVID-19. Objectives. The objectives of this study are to identify medicinal plants and plant products sold by vendors in the markets of Gondar City and used by their clients to treat the COVID-19-related symptoms of fever, cough, and headache. Methods and Materials: Questionnaires were used to interview vendors and clients. Results: The research identified 38 vendors who sold traditional medicines and 37 clients who reported using medicines for fever, cough, and headache. Of the 14 medicinal, food, and spice plants and plant products sold, the most common were garlic (Allium sativum) followed by black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds, haregresa (Zehneria scabra) leaves, and basil (Ocimum trifolium) leaves. The plant materials most commonly used were haregresa leaves, garlic, and flax seeds. Four of the plants have active anti-coronavirus, immune-modulatory, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The sale and use of medicinal plants and functional foods reflects traditional cultural practices in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Open-air markets are a major source of indigenous foods and medicines that may be valuable in the management of COVID-19. Medicinal plant products sold for fever, headache, and cough in Gondar City may have mostly palliative and immuno-modulatory benefits. Several areas needing further study are identified.

Comparative analysis of the spectrum of antibacterial activity of oils from ungurahui fruits, black cumin seeds and kukui nut

The work is devoted to the study of the antibacterial activity of oils from the fruits of ungurahui, black cumin seeds and kukui nuts. Based on the studies conducted, the authors concluded that their use is promising in the process of creating natural biologically active oil-based preparations.

ANALYSIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED VEGETABLE OILS

Introduction. Vegetable oils are a known source of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA). The growing demand for vegetable oils, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, increases the use of new oil plants to obtain them. In this study, the physicochemical properties (density, pH, refractive index, dynamic viscosity, contact angle, surface tension, color) were examined, a spectroscopic analysis was carried out and antioxidant properties were determined. In order to determine the indicated parameters, simple and easily accessible analytical methods were used, which provide key information about the prop erties of oils and serve as indicators for assessing their quality. Six commercially available oils were se lected for the study: evening primrose seeds (Oenothera paradoxa), milk thistle seeds (Silybum maria num), pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita oleo), linseed (Linum usitaissimum L.), winter camelina seeds (Camelina silvestris) and black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa). Results and conclusions. The conducted research provided significant insights into the relationship between the determined parameters of vegetable oils. The positive correlation between density and refrac tive index also highlights the influence of fatty acid composition on these properties. The observed diversi ty of colors of the oils tested highlights the unique composition of dyes characteristic of each oil. It was found that the pH of vegetable oils is a key indicator reflecting the level of acidity in the oil. The correla tion between contact angle and surface tension revealed complex surface interactions.

Effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds extract in tris egg yolk citrate extender on sperm motility of cryopreserved Surti buck semen

Effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds extract in tris egg yolk citrate extender on sperm motility of cryopreserved Surti buck semen

Effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds extract in tris egg yolk citrate extender on viability of cryopreserved Surti buck semen

Effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds extract in tris egg yolk citrate extender on viability of cryopreserved Surti buck semen

Review on development of idli pre-mix by incorporation of black cumin seeds (Kalonji Seeds)

Review on development of idli pre-mix by incorporation of black cumin seeds (Kalonji Seeds)

A chemometrics-based approach for the determination of thymoquinone from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) seeds of different geographical regions using the HPLC technique

A chemometrics-based approach for the determination of thymoquinone from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) seeds of different geographical regions using the HPLC technique

Black cumin essential oil as a valuable source of bioactive compounds: Evaluation of the conventional vs. modern extraction technique

Within this investigation, the effect of conventional and sophisticated extraction method was evaluated on the chemical composition of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.) essential oils and their bioactive characteristics. Soxhlet extraction at 60 °C by hexane (SEH) and petroleum ether (SEP) was adopted as traditionally used technique, while the supercritical extraction with CO2 (SFE), under the pressure of 10 MPa and temperature of 40 °C, was performed as a modern method, expected to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional solvent extraction.The results showed that SFE enabled up to ten times higher extraction yields, compared to essential oils derived after Soxhlet extraction, however, the bioactive compounds content, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids, were extracted in higher quantities in the oil from Soxhlet extraction performance. Thereby, the strongest antioxidant agent was found to be the essential oil obtained from SEP, followed by the oil from SFE and oil obtained from SEH, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed that the content of thymoquinone was the highest in the essential oil from SEP (69.58%), and the obtained values are among the highest reported within the available literature data. Also, this oil sample contained about eleven times higher thymoquinone quantities than the essential oil obtained by SFE, which was mostly constituted of a methyl linoleate, a fatty acid methyl ester of linoleic acid. In addition, the essential oil from SEP exerted a value added antimicrobial properties, where it was found to be particularly effective in suppression of the Gram-positive bacteria growth.

Chemical composition of rosemary leaves and black cumin seeds

Chemical composition of rosemary leaves and black cumin seeds

The Impact of Spraying Pomegranate Seedlings Salimi Cultivar with Various Plant Extracts on Their Development

Pomegranate seedlings of the Salimi cultivar were brought from the nursery at the Indian gardening station in Karbala province and planted in the field at the College of Agriculture at Al-Qasim Green University in the middle of November 2021. Since 30 uniformly growing seedlings were chosen, and all service activities, including watering and weeding, were carried out in an even fashion. Only one seedling was used as the experimental unit in this randomized, double-blind, completely-block-design factorial experiment (3 * 5). The effects of natural aqueous extracts of three types of cumin, black cumin, and coriander seeds at three concentrations (00, 5, and 10 g.L-1) on plant growth were studied. The statistical analysis revealed that the black cumin treatment at a concentration of 5gml-1 with coriander extract at a concentration of 10 g.L-1 (B5Z10) resulted in the highest plant height (79.5), the highest number of branches (5.50%), and theWhen compared to the control treatment, the black cumin treatment with a concentration of 5 gm L-1 with cumin extract at a concentration of 10 gm L-1 (B5K10) obtained the highest length of branches reaching 8.88 cm, and the individual treatments of spraying with black seed extract (B) or spraying with cumin extract (C) achieved the highest relative content of chlorophyll in the leaves, which amounted to 51.22 SPA units.

In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Raw264.7 Macrophages.

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed extract (BCS extract) as a potential candidate for developing herbal formulations targeting metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the BCS extract by assessing its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrohydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), and mRNA expression levels of key pro-inflammatory mediators. We also quantified the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling molecules. To assess anti-adipogenic effects, we used differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and BCS extract in doses from 10 to 100 μg/mL. We also determined mRNA levels of key adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/BEPα), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and sterol-regulated element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: This study showed a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity and no toxicity at concentrations up to 30 μg/mL in Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract showed an IC50 of 328.77 ± 20.52 μg/mL. Notably, pre-treatment with BCS extract (30 μg/mL) significantly enhanced cell viability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract treatment effectively inhibited LPS-induced production of PGE2 and NO, as well as the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, possibly by limiting the phosphorylation of p38, p65, inhibitory κBα (I-κBα), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also significantly attenuated lipid accumulation and key adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions: This study highlights the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory potential of BCS extract, underscoring its potential as a promising candidate for managing metabolic disorders.

Effect of extraction methods on physical and chemical properties and shelf life of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) oil

The herbaceous plant black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) has a variety of medical benefits. For therapeutic uses, effective utilization of black cumin oil (BCO) depends upon its functional groups. The objective of the current study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, extraction methods' effects, shelf-life, and functional groups of BCO. Mechanical, cold, and Soxhlet extraction methods were used to extract oil from seeds. Proximate analysis of black cumin seeds showed 20.37 % protein, 34.24 % fat, 6.86 % moisture, 7.02 % ash, and 31.51 % carbohydrate. The density of mechanically extracted oil (MEO), Soxhlet extracted oil (SEO), Cold extracted oil (CEO), Locally labeled oil (LLO) and Locally unlabeled oil (LUO) were 0.957 g/cm3, 1.151 g/cm3, 1.170 g/cm3, 1.068 g/cm3 and 1.066 g/cm3, respectively, whereas the refractive indices were approximately similar in all oil samples. In terms of color, CEO and MEO were respectively the lightest and reddest ones among the oils. Initially, free fatty acid (FFA) contents in MEO, SEO, CEO, LCO and LUO were 6.663 %, 6.041 %, 8.214 %, 8.458 %, and 7.573 % respectively, where the highest peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV) and saponification value (SV) were found as 26.232 mEq O2/kg, 122.275 g I2/100 g and 201.282 mg KOH/g in LCO, CEO and LUO. respectively. By 14 weeks of storage FFA, PV and SV in MEO increased from 6.663 to 14.289 %, 23.508 to 32.229 mEq O2/kg and 196.207–202.629 mg KOH/g respectively while IV decreased from 122.275 to 117.319 g I2/100 g. FTIR analysis reveals the MEO mostly consists of unsaturated fatty acids (cis). The overall findings conclude that MEO remains consumable until 10 weeks indicating a better stability against oxidation and rancidity.

Effects of black cumin, fenugreek, and sesame seeds as a mixture on performance, intestinal morphology, and blood traits of broilers under chronic heat stress conditions

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a seed mixture (SM) (black cumin, fenugreek, and sesame) on broiler chickens’ performance, intestinal morphology, and blood traits under chronic heat stress conditions. 330-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were divided into five treatments (6 replicates and 11 birds per each) consisting of a corn-soybean supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% SM for 45 days in a completely randomised design. 6% SM supplementation increased body weight (BW) at 45 days of age, average weight gain (AWG) at 26-45 days, and total rearing period under heat stress conditions (p < 0.05). Adding 3% SM to broiler diets increased average feed intake (AFI) at 26-45 and 1-45 days, feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 12-25, and the mortality rate decreased from 28.8% (0% SM) to 12.1% (6% SM) (p < 0.05). Adding SM had no significant effects on the relative weight of carcase segments and internal organs (p > 0.05) except for the duodenum, which increased weight and length at the level of 6% (p < 0.05). The red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin were elevated in chicks inoculated with 3% and 6% SM, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value increased following the supplementation of SM, while differential white blood cell (WBC) counts did not influence. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) activity declined in chicks that received 6% SM at 45 days of age (p < 0.05). SM supplementation decreased liver steatosis, uric acid, glucose, total protein, and lipid profile concentrations of serum (p < 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that adding SM to the broiler diets at 6% level significantly improves broiler performance, blood traits, and liver health under chronic heat-stress conditions.

Protective effect of Nigella sativa Linn seeds (black cumin seeds) fortified diet against sodium arsenite-induced toxicities

Arsenic poisoning is an important global health issue in many countries due to having toxic arsenic (As) metalloid in drinking water and food in arsenic-endemic regions. This study was designed on animal models to monitor the protective effect of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa Linn.) from sodium arsenite (SA) toxicity. Sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg body wt/day) was given orally with drinking water and black cumin seed (100 mg/kg body wt/day) was given as a food supplement for four weeks. This study revealed that black cumin seed significantly (P < 0.05) improved the blood indices in relation to total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), total serum urea, glucose, and uric acid of the experimental animals. It also developed the body weight loss of SA-induced rats significantly (P < 0.05). Therefore, black cumin seed has the potential to mitigate arsenic-induced changes in cardiovascular, liver, and renal function, and ongoing pathophysiological studies will clarify its plausible mechanism.

The effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa l..) seed on carcass characteristics, kidney oxidant antioxidant levels and ileum histomorphology in Japanese quails

This study aims to determine the effects of supplementation of different doses of black cumin seeds (NS) to quail feeds on carcass characteristics, kidney oxidant antioxidant levels, and ileum histomorphology. A total of 432 mixed-sex three days old Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups. The groups were fed on either a basal diet alone (Control Group) or a basal diet supplemented with NS at rates of 0.5% (NS-0.5 Group), 1% (NS-1 Group), and 2% (NS-2 Group). It was determined that the back+neck weight in the NS-2 group and head weight and ratio in the NS-1 and NS-2 groups decreased. The thigh rate increased in the NS-0.5 group compared to the control and other NS groups. Kidney glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and male quails' catalase values were increased in NS groups compared to the control group. The kidney vitamin C increased only in the NS-2 group compared to the control. In the NS-2 group, the villus height decreased both on a group basis and in female quails, while the villus width decreased only in female quails. Consequently, it was determined that dietary supplementation of NS at rates of 0.5% increased the thigh rate, dietary supplementation at three different doses of NS were effective in maintaining the kidney oxidant-antioxidant balance, and the ileum histomorphology did not change except for dietary supplementation of NS at rates of 2%. Therefore, it can be stated that black cumin seeds can be used as a natural antioxidant source in the quail diet.

Effect of refining on the quality of oils extracted by cold press from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed and by solvent from its cake

SummaryBlack cumin seed oil, known for its bioactive compounds and health benefits, faces challenges due to its high peroxide value and free fatty acid content, limiting its applications. The study investigates oil extraction from black cumin seeds using cold pressing and solvent extraction. The oil extraction yields were found to be 32% from the seeds and 13% from the cake. Subsequently, the study investigated the impact of different refining steps on the quality of these oils. The oil extracted from the cake exhibited higher free fatty acid, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents compared to the oil extracted from the seeds, with increases of 84%, 73%, and 66%, respectively. Conversely, the peroxide value, total phenol, and thymoquinone content of the cake‐derived oil were lower than those of the seed‐derived oil, with reductions of 74%, 69%, and 95%, respectively. The refining process resulted in general reductions in peroxide value, free fatty acid, and p‐anisidine levels. However, no significant effect on the fatty acid composition was observed. The refining led to a decrease in the bioactive content, including total phenolic compounds (6%–68%), carotenoids (86%–85%), and thymoquinone (50%–90%). These results contribute to a better understanding of the potential applications and refining requirements for black cumin seed oil.

Antibacterial and Alteration of Drug Resistance Activities of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella Sativa) Extracts against Urinary Pathogens

Antibacterial and Alteration of Drug Resistance Activities of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella Sativa) Extracts against Urinary Pathogens

Role of Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin Seeds) as an Adjunct Therapy in Treating Severe and Critical COVID -19 Infection Compared to Those with Standard Therapy: An Open Label Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: During recent COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) clinician-researchers had been looking for effective treatment of Covid-19 infection. Nigella sativa (NS), a well-known herbal medicine, has beenused asanti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immune modulatory, anti-oxidant, broncho-dilatory, anti-histaminic, anti-tussive activitiesfor patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Our study aimed to determine the efficacy of NS for treatment of severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients as an adjunct therapy with conventional treatment. Method: This wasan open label randomized clinical trial conducted in severely and critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted into COVID ICU of United Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups: NS group in which subjects received NS orally in addition to the conventional treatment, and Control group, who received conventional treatment only. Primary outcome focused mainly on duration of ICU stay, use of mechanical ventilation (MV)/noninvasive ventilation (NIV)/ High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen (HFNO) and mortality. The secondary outcomes were based on comparison of those above mentioned parameters between the groups (NS and Control). Results: A total of 150 subjects were enrolled according to eligibility criteria.There were 60 deaths (29 NS + 31 Cont.) and 90 survivals (46 NS + 44 Cont.). Among the survivals 16 NS subjects as opposed to 6 Cont. subjects stayed in ICU for 8 to 14 days (P = 0.043). Twenty one subjects of NS group as opposed to 8 subjects of Cont. group stayed in ICU for less than 7 days to 14 days. Whereas among subjects who died there was no significant difference in length of stay among majority of NS and Cont. subjects. NS group required significantly lower number of O2 delivery methods likemechanical ventilation (MV), noninvasive ventilation (NIV),High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) compared to their counterparts on Day 7 and Day 14 of stay in ICU. Conclusion: NS as an adjunct therapy with severe and critical COVID 19 infection was associated with some reduction of duration of stay in ICU but significantly less requirement of invasive and non-invasive ventilator support, high flow nasal oxygen than standard treatment group. Establishing accurately therapeutic efficacy of NS in critically ill COVID-19 patients requires placebo controlled double blind studies. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2023; 11 (2): 75-82