Nigella sativa oil (NSO): A game-changing neurorestorative strategy in cisplatin neurocognitive toxicity.

Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil for the Treatment of Hypertension

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop an ultrasonicated nanoemulsion of Nigella sativa (NS) oil and evaluate its anticancer potential through physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity assessment in MCF-7 breast cancer (BC) cells. Methods: The nanoemulsion was made utilizing Tween (Tw) 80 and investigated by particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and thermodynamic stability. These parameters were evaluated by assessing physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity through the DPPH assay, and cytotoxic potential by means of the MTT assay on MCF-7 BC cells. Results: The finalized batch had a feasible droplet size of 47.09 nm, acceptable stability, and a proficient release profile of the drug in a long-term model (93.74% cumulative release). While nanoemulsion resulted in comparatively lower antioxidant activity than pure NS oil due to encapsulation and demonstrated a significantly lower IC₅₀ (1.435±0.148 µl/ml) than paclitaxel (5.317±0.112 µl/ml), and showed enhanced cellular uptake, as confirmed through FITC fluorescence imaging. Conclusion: The finalized NS oil nanoemulsion demonstrated potent in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells. However, further ex-vivo and in vivo investigations are required to confirm its suitability for topical BC therapy.

Objective: This study was aimed at developing and evaluating a stable topical cream based on the Nigella sativa oil and to establish the therapeutic value of the product in the moderate to severe patients with the eczematous patients. Methods: Nigella sativa oil was cold-pressed to obtain it and its composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The prepared cream formulations were tested on physicochemical characteristics, microbial quality, and stability in accelerated conditions. The most stable formulation (Formula 3) was 30-day clinically tested on 18 patients with moderate to severe eczema. Results: GC–MS analysis showed that thymoquinone was the major component, and it represented 64.17 percent of the 18 components identified.Formula 3 had the optimum viscosity (23,300 ± 18.6 cps), spreadability (14.28 ± 0.1 g•cm/s), and stability among the four formulations.The clinical assessment revealed that there was a dramatic improvement of the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, at baseline: 18.9± 4.1 and 6.2 ± 2.3, after 30 days (p < 0.001).No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Nigella sativa oil cream was stable, safe, and clinically effective in the reduction of the symptoms of eczematous lesions. Such results endorse its prospect as a natural remedy of eczema though bigger controlled clinical studies are advisable to corroborate the status.

High-dose subacute and acute thymoquinone treatments alleviate LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in mice by reducing inflammation via the IDO/KYN pathway.

Pressure ulcers are conditions characterized by damage to the anatomical structure and normal function of the skin caused by continuous external pressure on prominent bony areas. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a combination of effleurage massage and Nigella sativa oil on reducing the risk of pressure ulcer development. Pressure ulcers are a common nursing problem, particularly among individuals with limited mobility and those undergoing prolonged bed rest. This study employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental one-group design with post-intervention measurement. The sample consisted of 18 respondents who met the inclusion criteria and were determined using the Federer formula. All respondents received an intervention in the form of a combination of effleurage massage and Nigella sativa oil in accordance with established procedures. The risk of pressure ulcer development was assessed after the intervention using a standardized risk assessment instrument. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of pressure ulcer development after the intervention, with a p-value of 0.003. This study concludes that the combination of effleurage massage and Nigella sativa oil has a significant effect on reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.

Oxidative stress, a condition linked to various degenerative diseases, occurs when reactive species build up in the body. These harmful molecules often come by environmental factors like air pollution as well as by unhealthy lifestyle habits. Fortunately, nature gives a defense system: plants produce flavonoids and other phenolic substances that act as natural antioxidants, handling to neutralize reactive species and protecting the body by their damaging effects. The objective of the study was to determine the phytochemical content of extracts of M. oleifera leaf, C. asiatica leaf, and N. sativa Oil and their operation as antioxidants. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests to measure flavonoid levels in the extracts. Bioactive substances were then identified through GC-MS and LC-HRMS, while antioxidant operation was assessed utilizing the DPPH method. The outcomes were drawn that Moringa oleifera and Centella asiatica extracts contained flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids, while Nigella sativa oil contained terpenoids. Among the three, LC-HRMS screening drawn that Moringa oleifera extract had the highest diversity of flavonoid substances. The outcomes of GC-MS obtained 13 components identified in Nigella sativa oil, one of that was thymoquinone. The antioxidant operation IC50 scores were as follows: 57.943 ± 3.481 µg/mL (M. oleifera), 66.578 ± 1.979 µg/mL (C. asiatica), 56.174 ± 1.604 µg/mL (N. sativa), and 51.128 ± 1.724 µg/mL (polyherbal combination). All the samples demonstrated strong antioxidant operation, and notably, the combination of extracts proved to be more effective than when each to be utilized individually.

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ), a major ingredient in Nigella sativa, on vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by bisphenol A (BPA) was assessed. Male Wistar rats were exposed to NSO (84 μL/kg), TQ (2 mg/kg), BPA (10 mg/kg), BPA plus NSO (21, 42, or 84 μL/kg), or BPA plus TQ (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg) (n = 6 per group). After the treatment period, oxidative and nitrosative stress markers in both aorta and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated. In HUVECs, protein levels of phospho‐endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p‐eNOS) and adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 [VCAM‐1] and E‐selectin) were measured. In addition, contractile responses to potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine (PE) and relaxant responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were evaluated in the rat aorta. BPA caused a significant increase in aorta lipid peroxidation, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), VCAM‐1, and p‐eNOS in HUVECs, and decreased aorta responses to KCl and PE. These changes were ameliorated by NSO and TQ administration. Furthermore, NSO and TQ alone increased the vasorelaxation responses induced by ACh and SNP. These findings suggest that NSO and TQ can protect the vascular endothelium against BPA‐induced damage, probably resulting from their antioxidant activity, as well as their ability to attenuate cell adhesion molecules.

Methanol (CH3OH) is one of the toxic alcohols that has high morbidity and mortality. It causes lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Antioxidants and neuroprotective agents could have therapeutic roles in case of methanol exposure. The aim of this research was to assess the therapeutic impact of royal jelly (RJ) versus Nigella sativa oil (NS) on brain areas affected by acute methanol poisoning in rats. This research was performed on 60 adult male albino rats that were randomly assigned to four groups: the negative control group (I), the positive control group (II), the methanol-intoxicated group (III), and the methanol and adjuvant treatment treated group (IV) which were categorized into two subgroups: the methanol and RJ treated group (IV a) and the methanol and NS treated group (IV b). After two weeks, the blood samples were obtained to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The frontal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus were excised and subjected to histopathological and transmission electron microscopic examination. Acute methanol poisoning induced oxidative stress, indicated by a significant reduction of TAC and marked degenerative changes in nerve cells and nerve fibers. Moreover, the administration of RJ and NS six hours after induction of acute methanol poisoning showed an increase in TAC compared to group III and a non-significant reduction compared to group II, with marked improvement and restoration of the normal brain architecture. Therefore, RJ and NS are effective in reducing the oxidative stress induced by acute methanol poisoning.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune dermal disease characterised by inflammation that results in excessive keratinocyte proliferation. The current topical therapies struggle to penetrate the keratinised layer to reach the targeted area. A combinatorial therapy was employed to reverse inflammatory expression and cellular infiltration. Salicylic acid (SA) provides a keratolytic effect by softening and removing the thickened layer of keratin to facilitate better absorption of the Mupirocin-loaded nanoemulsion (MUP-NE), supplemented by black seed oil, where MUP inhibits tRNA synthetase, aiding in psoriasis management. In our studies, MUP-NE was developed and optimised using central composite design (CCD), resulting in an average globule size of 86.56 nm, PDI of 0.3479 and transmittance of 89.68 ± 0.32%, further incorporated into SA-gel (MUP-SA-NEG). The in-vitro and ex-vivo studies demonstrated targeted delivery of SA to the epithelial layer and deeper penetration of MUP via nanocarriers. Pharmacodynamic studies were subsequently performed using a psoriasis-induced mice model, PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) assessment on treated mice showed prominent reduction in keratinised scales, inflammation, and epithelial thickness of the skin tissue. Histopathological and immune-histology revealed notable recovery in the MUP-SA-NEG group of mice in comparison with the control and conventional treatment groups. These findings align with promising clinical acceptability.

The effect of nigella sativa oil on healing in nasal septum perforations.

Background: Natural compounds such as fisetin have promising in breast cancer treatment, but their poor pharmacokinetics limit their therapeutic application. This study utilized a synergistic approach by combining fisetin-loaded Nigella sativa (N.S.) oil nanovesicles (FIS-NSs) and carbohydrate-based microneedles (FIS-NSs-MNs) to improve breast cancer management. Methods: Chemical composition of NS petroleum ether extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). FIS-NSs were prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and stability. These vesicles were embedded into gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethyl cellulose microneedles. In vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, and in vivo antitumor efficacy in Ehrlich tumor models were evaluated. Results: Optimized FIS-NSs displayed nanoscale size (190 ± 0.74 nm), low P.D.I (0.25 ± 0.07), high surface charge (+37 ± 0.57 mV), and high encapsulation (88 ± 0.77%). In vitro investigations showed sustained FIS release (~85% over 72 h), while ex vivo permeation showed higher absorption than free fisetin. Both FIS-NSs and FIS-NSs-MNs showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with lower IC50 than free fisetin (24.7 µM). In vivo, FIS-NSs-MNs and tumor burden inhibition (~77%), reduced oxidative stress (54%), restored antioxidant defenses, and decreased inflammatory markers. Immunohistochemical analysis for caspase-3 showed apoptosis activation within tumor tissues. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that FIS administration via NS-MNs improves drug stability, penetration, and apoptotic activity, resulting in enhanced anticancer effects. This innovative nanovesicle-microneedle platform provides a non-invasive, effective, and patient-friendly approach for the effective treatment of breast cancer, with potential for broader applications in oncological nanomedicine.

Background: Spatial memory impairment has significant negative influence on both survival and quality of life. Nigella sativa oil (NiSO) has been investigated for its potential to reduce memory impairments in various experimental models. Objectives: To assess the effects of NiSO on ketamine induced working and reference memory impairment in male Wistar rats. Methods: This experimental study was conducted from March 2020 to February 2021 in the Department of Physiology, after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. For this purpose, 60 male Wistar rats were divided into normal memory (normal saline 5 ml/kg for 26 days), impaired memory (ketamine 15 mg/ kg during acquisition phase) and experimental (treated with NiSO 1 ml/kg for 26 days and ketamine 15 mg/kg during acquisition phase) groups. All groups underwent Radial arm maze (RAM) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Variables were working memory error (WME, re-entry into already visited arm) and reference memory error (RME, entry into non-baited arm) in RAM along with escape latency (EL, the moment of a rat’s entrance into the water upto it’s arrival at the platform) and target crossing (TC, number of crossing of the quadrant from where the platform was removed) in MWM. Data were expressed as mean±SEM and statistically analyzed with ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test, where p≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Significantly (p≤0.001) higher WME and RME as well as significantly (p≤0.001) delayed EL and reduced TC were found in memory impaired rats when compared to normal memory rats. However, significantly (p≤0.001) lower WME and RME as well as significantly reduced EL (p≤0.001) and higher frequency of TC (p≤0.001) were observed in experimental rats, when compared to memory impaired rats. Moreover, these variables were almost similar in the experimental rats, in comparison to, those of normal memory rats except significantly (p≤0.01) higher TC in MWM test. Conclusions: NiSO prevented working and reference memory impairment as well as enhanced reference memory in rats. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2025;20(1): 19-31

Background: Using natural substances for cancer therapy has attracted considerable interest due to their safety and reduced systemic toxicity. Nigella sativa (NS) oil, a traditional natural oil rich in bioactive compounds, possesses significant therapeutic potential. Brucine (BR), an alkaloid, exhibits potent cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines; however, its poor selectivity and high systemic toxicity limit its clinical application. Objective: To overcome these challenges, this study aimed to enhance drug delivery and improve therapeutic efficacy. Method: A PEGylated nanoemulsion (NE) incorporating NS and BR was developed and characterized for particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, viscosity, and drug content. The in vitro release of BR was evaluated both with and without serum incubation. A quantitative amount of serum protein associated with the surface of the NE was estimated, and a hemolytic safety assay was carried out. Finally, an in vitro cytotoxicity study was conducted, and the in vivo anti-tumor effect of the developed PEGylated BR-loaded NE was evaluated and compared with its naked counterpart. Result: The developed PEGylated BR-loaded NE possessed favorable characteristics as a nanocarrier for parenteral administration, with a particle size of 188.5 nm, a zeta potential of −1.61, a viscosity of 3.4 cP, and 99% drug content uniformity. It released up to 60.4% of BR over 12 h, while only 18.4 µg/µmol of the total lipids were adsorbed on the surface of the formulation, compared with 54.5 µg/µmol for the naked counterpart. The PEGylated NE was safe, inducing less than 5% of hemolysis, and displayed substantial inhibition of MDA cell growth. Conclusions: The PEGylated NE achieved a significant reduction in tumor volume, suggesting that PEGylated NE may serve as a promising platform for enhancing anti-tumor activity.

The delivery of hydrophilic actives such as caffeinethrough lipid-basedtopical carriers remains a challenge due to their poor affinity forlipophilic matrices and the barrier properties of the stratum corneum.This study investigated how the Tween 80/Span 20 surfactant ratiomodulates interfacial organization, caffeine encapsulation, and releasebehavior of caffeine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulatedwith Nigella sativa oil. Five NLC formulationswere prepared with fixed lipid and surfactant concentrations, varyingonly in Tween 80/Span 20 ratio: NLC 1 (Tween 80 only), NLC 2 (Span20 only), NLC 3 (1:2), NLC 4 (1.5:1.5), and NLC 5 (2:1). Physicochemicaland functional properties were assessed, including particle size,zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, morphology, in vitro release, and occlusion factor. Intermediate surfactant ratios (1:2and 1.5:1.5) achieved the highest entrapment efficiency (59.57 ±5.43% and 63.22 ± 2.98%, respectively) with controlled release,suggesting interfacial structures that favor caffeine retention withoutexcessively restricting diffusion. In contrast, Tween-rich systemsshowed lower entrapment efficiency and occlusion, consistent withlooser, more hydrated interfaces. Zeta potential and transmissionelectron microscopy confirmed surfactant ratio–dependent interfacialstructuring, while occlusion data suggested that intermediate surfactantratio systems tended to form denser films, enhancing water retention.These findings demonstrated that surfactant ratio is not merely astabilizing factor but a tunable design element governing the nanoscaleorganization of lipid–aqueous interfaces. By adjusting Tween80/Span 20 ratios, formulators can balance retention, release, andocclusion, providing a rational framework for designing next-generationNLCs with improved performance and skin compatibility.

BackgroundCurrent multiple sclerosis management primarily targets symptom alleviation and immune modulation, with limited success in halting progression or achieving sustained remission. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the underlying mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a critical area of research.ObjectivesThis study investigated the putative neuroprotective properties of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model in adult male Wistar rats.MethodsTwenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group A (Control) received normal mash feed; Group B received 0.2% cuprizone diet; Group C received 5 ml/kg NSO, while Group D received 0.2% cuprizone diet and 5 ml/kg NSO. After 35 days, rats were tested for memory and behaviour (Y-maze, Morris water maze, open-field test). Rats were euthanized, brains were excised then examined for myelin integrity, oligodendrocyte loss, and microglial activation using immunohistochemistry (antibodies: myelin basic protein, oligodendrocyte transcription factor, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1).ResultsCuprizone exposure resulted in impaired memory function, reduced exploratory behaviour, and increased anxiety-like behaviours. Treatment with NSO mitigated these behavioural deficits. Additionally, NSO treatment reduced microglial activation and preserved myelin integrity.ConclusionNigella sativa oil ameliorated behavioural alterations, neuroinflammation and demyelination in cuprizone model of MS, suggesting that NSO may have therapeutic potential for MS.

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) systems offer a patient-friendly alternative to oral and injectable routes by enhancing bioavailability and bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism. Nanoemulgels, which integrate nanoemulsions with gel matrices, provide improved drug solubilization, stability, and skin permeation. Incorporating both herbal components, such as Nigella sativa oil, and synthetic permeation enhancers, presents a synergistic strategy for enhancing the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents like colchicine. This review critically evaluates the formulation, pharmacological benefits, and permeation- enhancing strategies of nanoemulgels containing colchicine. Literature was selected from major scientific databases, emphasizing studies that investigated the combined effects of herbal and synthetic excipients on drug delivery and therapeutic performance. Evidence indicates that nanoemulgels incorporating Nigella sativa oil and pharmaceuticalgrade permeation enhancers significantly improve colchicine's dermal absorption, sustain drug release, and reduce systemic toxicity. The synergistic interaction between natural bioactives and synthetic agents enhances both anti-inflammatory activity and skin permeability. The dual role of Nigella sativa as an anti-inflammatory and natural permeation enhancer, when paired with synthetic excipients, demonstrates superior pharmacodynamic outcomes. This integrated approach enhances the therapeutic index of colchicine while minimizing adverse effects. Combining herbal oils like Nigella sativa with pharmaceutical excipients in nanoemulgel systems represents a robust strategy for transdermal delivery. This platform improves drug penetration, stabilizes formulation performance, and amplifies therapeutic efficacy, offering a transformative alternative for chronic inflammatory conditions such as gout.

Investigating the cardioprotective effects of Nigella sativa oil on chronic antibiotic use on the myocardium of the left ventricle of male BALB/C mice

This study evaluated how dietary black seed oil (Nigella sativa L.) against the diazinon waterborne toxicity on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), focusing on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters as well as oxidative stress markers and histological changes. A 40-day feeding trial was carried out using four experimental groups: Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (N. sativa-supplemented group), Group 3 (diazinon-exposed group), and Group 4 (diazinon-exposed with N. sativa supplementation group). The LC₅₀ value of diazinon for Nile tilapia was determined to be 4.642mg/L, and fish were exposed to a sublethal concentration of LC₅₀/20 during the trial. Results demonstrated that diazinon exposure significantly impaired growth, hematological parameters, and liver function while increasing oxidative stress and tissue damage. Conversely, dietary supplementation with N. sativa oil significantly mitigated these adverse effects by enhancing specific growth rate, restoring RBC, Hb, and Hct values, improving liver enzyme profiles, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, GPx). Histological examinations confirmed that N. sativa oil reduced diazinon-induced damage in gill and liver tissues. The results show that N. sativa oil can be used as a functional feed ingredient to enhance fish resistance to chemical stressors that are commonly found in intensive aquaculture.

Background:Olive oil and Nigella sativa oil are recognized for their lipid-lowering effects and antioxidant properties. Limited comparative data are available on their effects in mice without any dietary intervention.Aim:This study assesses the impact of olive oil and N. sativa oil on the serum lipid profiles of mice without any other dietary intervention or hyperlipidemia induction.Methods:Fifteen male Swiss mice were randomly divided into three groups of 5 each. The control group was orally administered with 5 ml/kg of body weight/day of sunflower oil for 60 consecutive days. The doses of olive oil and N. sativa oil were at 0.4 ml/kg of body weight/day for 60 consecutive days, orally, after mixing them separately with the vehicle, sunflower oil, up to 5 ml/kg. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, blood samples were obtained from the heart of each mouse, and the serum was used for lipid profile analyses using analytical kits.Results:Both olive oil and N. sativa oil significantly (p < 0.05) decreased serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL in comparison with those of control values. Treatments significantly increased serum HDL levels compared with the control value. Changes in lipid profiles were not significantly different between the olive oil and N. sativa oil groups. The ratios of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL versus HDL of mice treated with olive oil and N. sativa oil were all significantly below the respective control values as a result of reducing lipid profiles and increasing HDL levels.Conclusion:Olive oil and N. sativa oil can significantly improve blood lipid levels in mice, particularly by lowering atherogenic lipids and increasing HDL. These changes result in favorable cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratios, which play an important role in lowering cardiovascular disease risk and highlight the potential therapeutic and possibly protective benefits of these oils in managing lipid disorders.