Nigella Sativa Seeds Research Articles

The Biochemical and Histological Effect of Cadmium Chloride on the Pancreas of Adult Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Effect of Nigella Sativa Seeds

Aim: The current study evaluates the important role of Nigella Sativa against cadmium (Cd) induced toxic changes in pancreasof rats.Materials and Methods: Eighteen adult Wistar albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Control group, cadmiumtreated group that received 5 mg CdCl2/kg BW/day dissolved in water orally for three months, and cadmium with Nigellasativa (NS) group received a mixture of 1g/kg/day of aqueous suspension of Nigella sativa seeds powder and 5 mgCdCl2/kg BW/day dissolved in water for three consecutive months. Hormonal assay of insulin was done. Pancreatic tissueswere prepared for both Hematoxylin and Eosin and toluidine blue. Electron microscopic study of pancreatic tissues was alsodone.Results: The present study showed that the administration of CdCl2 induced evident decrease in insulin serum level. Thebiochemical results were confirmed by histological investigations where degenerative changes of pancreatic acini with lossof normal lobular architecture, distorted pancreatic acini, degenerated and widely separated cells in the islets of Langerhans,blood vessels congestion and aggregation of perivascular cellular infiltrates were detected in pancreatic tissues stained withH&E. Toluidine blue-stained sections showed few deeply stained apical zymogen granules in some acini, whereas other acinishowed absence of these granules.Administration of NS with CdCl2 showed a significant improvement in the measured serum insulin level and histologicalpictures.Conclusion: CdCl2 induced several toxic changes in the exocrine and endocrine parts of pancreas of rats. NS could protect thepancreas against these alterations.

Adsorption studies of toxic cadmium(II) and chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solution by activated black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds

Abstract Few studies that reported on black cumin seeds (BS) showed that the material has good adsorption capacity towards metal ions. Therefore, it is fair to conduct further studies on the material. However, literature survey shows that no previous study on black cumin seeds has reported on the effect of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) activating agents on the removal of toxic cadmium Cd(II) and chromium Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. Pristine black seeds were designated (PBS), the H3PO4 and KMnO4 activated seeds (H3BS) and (KMBS) respectively. The seeds were characterized by SEM, BET, XRD and FTIR. SEM micrographs revealed that H3BS and KMBS were more porous than PBS. The BET surface area of H3BS and KMBS increased to 10.3 and 9.30 m2/g respectively. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of OH, COOH, C O and NH2 functional groups attached to the surface of all adsorbents. Adsorption batch studies revealed that the adsorption capacities of all adsorbents increased with increase in the concentration of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) in solutions. The isotherm data revealed that Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions removal uptake onto all adsorbents found good fit for Langmiur. This implies that the uptake processes occurred on active sites having equal affinity and further suggest monolayer adsorption. It was observed that all adsorbents had higher uptake for Cd(II) than Cr(VI) ions. It was found that the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) ions was 17.70 mg/g at pH 1 and temperature 353 K whilst for Cd(II) ions it was 19.79 mg/g onto KMBS at pH 9 and temperature 298 K. The sorption rate of Cr(VI) ions onto PBS increased sharply from 5 to 60 min and thereafter attained equilibrium. The same rapid sorption rates were observed for KMBS and H3BS from 5 min and the processes were much faster and stabilized in 30 min. The sorption rates of Cd(II) ions were rapid from 5 min and remained significant until 60, 30 and 20 min mark for PBS, KMBS and H3BS adsorbents respectively. Thereafter, little to no sorption was recorded for either adsorbents. Temperature increase had a positive effect on the uptake of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions onto all adsorbents. This was indicative of the endothermic nature. All the sorption processes of metal ions gave values that were positive for (ΔHo) also suggesting that reactions were endothermic, and this was in agreement with temperature effect studies. It was observed that the uptake removal of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions found a good fit for PSO kinetic model. All metal ions sorption processes had positive (ΔSo) values which indicates the increased randomness of the metal ions in the solution as the uptake processes approached equilibrium. Reusability test results showed that the pristine and modified adsorbents can be reused multiple times, showing the economic benefit of the adsorbents.

Pharmacological, bioactive screening of medicinal plant Nigella sativa and the derived compound thymoquinone : An invitro study

The richest biosource of drugs are from the medicinal plants which are the traditional medicine. The nutraceuticals, food supplements, Siddha, Ayurveda, pharamceutical medicines, synthetic drugs are from the plant sources. Inspite of large number of studies with herbal plants which have given good correlation in the phytochemical, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory content, Nigella sativa- a spice plant of Ranunculacea family showed significant properties than their counterparts. The seeds of Nigella sativa and the essential oil were found to exhibit various pharmacological activities like antianalgesic, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-diabetic. Since there are no toxic effects or serious side effects observed using animal model and in the clinical trials, the study was carried out using Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone to find out the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, invitro - anti diabetic activity, anti inflammatory activity of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract and Thymoquinone effect on diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the study is to prove that the Nigella sativa could be used as therapeutic agent and the compound Thymoquinone a potential cholienesterase inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Use of Plant Antimicrobial Peptides in in vitro Embryogenic Cultures of Larix sibirica

The effect of plant antimicrobial peptides on the initiation of callus and embryonal suspensor masses, formation of somatic embryos, and germination of regenerants of Siberian larch has been studied. Protein/peptide extracts isolated from Amarantus retroflexus (seeds), Nigella sativa (seeds), and Elytrigia elongata (spikelets) have been used as objects of plant origin. Peptides have been introduced into the nutrient media at the stage of initiation of embryogenic cultures and somatic embryo germination. The stimulating effect of peptides on the formation of embryogenic cultures of Siberian larch has been found. No other differences in the dynamics of growth in the control and experimental regenerants have been observed. This study is supposed to contribute to enhancing the immunity of the clonal planting stock of Siberian larch.

The Therapeutic Effect of Nigella sativa Seed on Indomethacin-induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, gastric complications remain a major problem limiting their clinical usage. This study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa seed (N. sativa seed) hydroalcoholic extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats and its possible mechanism. Methods: This study was carried out on forty-eight male Wistar rats. Gastric ulcer was induced by indomethacin (35 mg/kg). N. sativa seed extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and ranitidine (50 mg/kg) was administered orally for five days after ulcer induction. Ulcer index, gastric acid secretion, gastric mucus content, total thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total hexose, and protein content in gastric juice were determined. Results: The ulcer index in groups of N. sativa seed was significantly lower as compared to indomethacin group. N. sativa seed significantly decreased MDA and protein content, but increased total thiol, total hexose, and mucus content as compared to indomethacin group. N. sativa seed did not affect gastric acid secretion. Conclusion: These findings showed that the gastroprotective effect of N. sativa seed against indomethacin- induced ulcer was mainly exerted by antioxidant activity, stimulation of gastric mucus secretion and also increased total hexose in the gastric mucosa.

Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Novel Phytomitogen from Nigella sativa Seeds

The objective of the present study was to extract and purified proliferative factor for peripheral blood lymphocytes from Nigella sativa seeds. Dimeric 44, 32 and 26 -kDa glucosamine-specific lectins were extracted and purified from seeds of N. sativa L. by using different ionic strength solvents (deionized distilled water, phosphate buffer slain and 0.1 M HCl) purification procedure included, precipitation in saturated ammonium sulphate, then Sephadex G-100 gel filtration was used for further purification, finally electrophoresis by polyacrylamide gel to estimate the molecular weight in the presence of sodium dodecylsulphate. Single absorbance peak at 280 nm was recorded in each extracted method. The temperature and pH value on mitogenic activity was studied in temperature ranged from 4°C-60°C, the mitogenic activity reduced with gradual increase of temperatures, 50% of activity lost at temperature greater than 40°C, while the optimum pH for mitogenic activity ranged from 5-9, at pH value less than 3, and greater than 12 the activity disappeared. Interestingly, lectin extracted from N. sativa seeds have high activity especially that extracted with 0.1 M HCl and showed stability at temperature from 4°C to 10°C and pH from 5 to 9. The pure lectin is a homodimeric molecule of 26 kDa with subunit molecular mass of 12.9 kDa. The novel lectin exceed the PHA-Sigma in mitogenic activity.

The evidence-based taibuvid nutritional treatment for minimizing COVID-19 fatalities and morbidity and eradicating COVID-19 pandemic: a novel approach for better outcomes (a treatment protocol)

With the continuously expanding terrible pandemic of COVID-19 infection, globally increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients and contacts progressively jump to heavy burdens beyond capabilities. Developing and poor countries may face humanity disasters in the next few days unless urgent measures are rapidly performed. Standard anti-COVID-19 treatment should inhibit COVID-19 replication, repair virus-induced tissue damage and enhance patients' immunity. Unfortunately, such criteria are still lacking in current treatments resulting in relatively high viral infectivity, morbidity and mortality. Based on previous prophetic medicine research experience and the modern literature, we introduce TaibUVID therapy as a novel evidence-based medicinal nutritional treatment for eradicating COVID-19 pandemic. TaibUVID stands for Taibah University anti-COVID-19 treatment as a novel evidence-based approach (using natural products) for treating COVID-19 patients. A single TaibUVID dose includes: 1 small spoonful (tea spoonful) of nigella sativa oil (or 2 gram nigella sativa seeds) mixed with 1 gram of grinded anthemis hyalina mixed with 1 large spoonful of natural honey. This mixture is to be chewed in the mouth and swallowed orally for both COVID-19 contacts and patients. We adjusted dosing regimen and period of treatment into three clinical levels including contacts or prophylaxis, mild cases and severe case (with pneumonia and ventilated patients). We also introduce novel nigella sativa oil (or nigella sativa decoction) nebulization for local treatment of pneumonia or bronchopneumonia that is faced in severe COVID-19 cases. Such nebulization exerts pulmonary tissue protection and antiviral effects particularly for ventilated patients. The wonderful report by Ulasli et al. (Ulasli et al. Mol Biol Rep. 2014; 41: 1703-11) deserves a lot of interest where nigella sativa and Anthemis hyalina (chamomile) were confirmed to inhibit corona virus replication maximally. In addition, nigella sativa enhances immunity, exerts tissue protective effects and effectively treats co-morbidities. Oral honey exerts potent antiviral effects, enhances immunity and exerts tissue protective effects. TaibUVID Plus dose includes regular TaibUVID dose plus nigella sativa decoction nebulization ± (if possible Clove oil nebulization/ anthemis hyalina decoction nebulization). Clove oil nebulization is beneficial for difficult berating in some COVID-19 cases as clove is confirmed to exert potent antiviral effects. Our suggested TaibUVID and TaibUVID Plus are promising evidence-based approach to rescue lives, decrease fatalities and put a rapid end to COVID-19 pandemic. In prophetic medicine, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him recommended treatment using both nigella sativa and oral honey saying: In the black cumin (nigella sativa), there is a cure for every disease except death and said also: Cure is in three: in shartat mihjam, gulp of honey (oral honey), and cauterization. I do not recommend my nation to cauterize.

Assessment of Quinone Enriched Fraction in Nigella sativa Seed Extracts

In recent days, the thirst for the identification of the potential bioactive compounds from the natural sources like medicinal plants is on continuous demand. Among scientists and academicians, it has created many interdisciplinary platforms for research in establishing new drugs from the natural sources. According to many recent studies, Nigella sativa is believed to be the rich source of quinone, an effective bioactive compound with lots of medicinal values. The purpose of this study was to isolate and estimate the quinone in Nigella sativa seed extracts (aqueous and ethanol). Based on the qualitative and quantitative determination, the extracts were further focused for isolation of quinone from both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa. The isolated compound is identified by thin layer chromatography and purity is analyzed in High performance liquid chromatography. From the results we obtained, it was very clear that among the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa, the ethanolic extract has been found with the highest quantity of quinine. This would be predicting that the ethanol extract of Nigella sativa may have good efficacy of pharmacological and therapeutic potentials like antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties when compared with the aqueous extract due to the presence of more quinone.

Thymoquinone Protects Against Cigarette Smoke Extract‐induced Vascular Dysfunction Through Inhibition of the RhoA/Rho‐Kinase Signaling Pathway

BackgroundThere is an ever‐growing focus on the role of natural products in modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and RhoA/Rho kinase‐mediated vascular disease. Thymoquinone (TQ), a constituent of the volatile oil derived from Nigella sativa seeds, possesses promising antioxidant and vasodilating properties via its effect on multiple signaling pathways; however, the effect of TQ on the RhoA/Rho‐Kinase pathway remains to be investigated. The aims of the present study were to examine whether TQ protects against CSE‐induced vascular dysfunction and to identify the underlying mechanisms of TQ on CSE‐induced ED in isolated rat aorta.MethodsCigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐exposed rat aortic rings were mounted in a wire myograph and subjected to contraction and relaxation. Quantitative assessment of RhoA activation was determined using G‐LISA RhoA activation assay kit where phosphorylation of myosin light chain‐20, myosin phosphatase‐targeting subunit 1 and protein kinase CPI‐17were determined by western blot analysis in the hole tissue protein extracts.The GSH content of aortic tissues was calculated using HPLC.ResultsTQ protected against CSE‐induced impairment of acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation, and decreased CSE‐induced ROS generation and glutathione depletion. Preincubation of aortic rings for 20 min with TQ attenuated the CSE‐enhanced phenylephrine‐induced vascular tension in endothelium‐denuded rings. TQ‐pretreated rings showed a decrease in CSE‐induced RhoA activation and phosphorylation of myosin light chain‐20, myosin phosphatase‐targeting subunit 1 and protein kinase CPI‐17.ConclusionsThese data indicate that TQ inhibited ROS generation‐induced RhoA/Rho kinase pathway activation, protecting against CSE‐induced vascular dysfunction. This study provides mechanistic insight for understanding the molecular basis and efficacy of TQ on vascular disease management.

Hydrodistillation of Nigella Sativa Seed and Analysis of Thymoquinone with HPLC and GC-MS

N. sativa seeds, commonly known as black seeds, are for headaches in traditional medicine by many Asian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries. It is used to treat cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, asthma, rheumatism and other diseases. The seeds contain both fixed and essential oils, proteins, alkaloids and saponin. Much of the biological activity of the seeds has been shown to be due to thymoquinone, the major component of the essential oil, but which is also present in the fixed oil. The essential oil of black cumin seeds, Nigella sativa L., was tested for a possible antioxidant activity. In this study, we measured the amount of thymoquinone compound in distilled water taken from aromatic water. The proportion of thymoquinone passing into the aromatic water show that it is necessary to consume the correct amount of water and essential oil, which is significantly measurable by GC MS and HPLC. Thymoquinone was dedected 790 ppm in aromatic water and 45.78% in essential oil. Sufficient analytical work was performed with this method and the results were shown.

The effects of powdered black cumin seeds on markers of oxidative stress, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Because of the major anti-oxidant properties of black cumin, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of powdered Nigella sativa seeds on markers of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and serum lipids in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Forty patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, participated in the trial and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control receiving powdered N. sativa or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Changes in markers of oxidative stress, including total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction including Intracellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM)-1, Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (VCAM)-1 and serum lipids were also evaluated. Treatment with N. sativa, significantly increased serum TAC, SOD and reduced MDA concentrations with no significant change in GPX (P<0.05). A significant reduction in VCAM-1 (P=0.0012), body mass index (P=0.002), serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.002) and triglyceride (P=0.02) were also reported in N. sativa-treated group after 8 weeks; while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) also significantly increased (P<0.05). No change in other parameters were reported. Giving attention to the potent beneficial effects of powdered black cumin seeds in improving oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, serum lipids and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, this medicinal plant can be considered as a therapeutic agent in management of Hashimoto-related metabolic abnormalities. Iranian registry of clinical trials (registration number IRCT2015021719082N4).

Thymoquinone induces apoptosis of human renal carcinoma Caki-1 cells by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 through pro-oxidant effect

Currently, there are limited effective treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), due to its poor responses to conventional therapies. Instead of using extrinsic anti-cancer drugs, cancer cell-intrinsic reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be a weapon of RCC treatment. In the present study, we found that the phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive natural product obtained from the black cumin seeds of Nigella sativa, generates intracellular ROS in human renal cancer Caki-1 cells. Treatment of Caki-1 cells with high concentration of TQ up-regulated pro-apoptotic p53 and Bax expression, while downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression. Simultaneously, TQ suppressed the pro-oncogenic JAK2/STAT3 pathway, resulting in decreased expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, and survivin. Thus, TQ can integrate between apoptosis and the pro-survival JAK2/STAT3 pathway through the Bcl family members, collectively magnifying Caki-1 cell apoptosis. However, treatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine significantly blocked TQ-induced apoptosis as well as incorporated signaling pathways, supporting that its pro-oxidant property is crucial for Caki-1 cell apoptosis. Moreover, TQ reduced the tumor xenograft growth of Caki-1 cells in nude mice. Taken together, these data suggest that TQ is a prominent anti-cancer drug to treat human RCC by enhancing apoptosis through its pro-oxidant nature.

Multifunctional Thymoquinone-Capped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Combined Chemo-Photothermal Therapy of Cancer

Due to their unique properties, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been widely used for various medical applications. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main constituent of black seed oil extracted from Nigella sativa seeds. TQ works as an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancerous agent. This study reports a novel and simple method for the synthesis of thymoquinone-capped iron oxide nanoparticles (TQ-IONPs). The prepared TQ-IONPs were characterized using different physical techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed the uniformly size distribution of the formed TQ-IONPs with an average size of about 10 nm. Zeta potential value for the prepared nano-formulation was found to be − 33.4 ± 1.5 mV indicated the high stability of TQ-IONPs in colloids. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed the superparamagnetic properties of the formed TQ-IONPs. Sulforhodamine-B (SRB) assay has been used to assess the potent photo-thermal effect of prepared TQ-IONPs against highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines when exposed to NIR laser (2 W/cm2, 808 nm). Cell viability results showed that TQ-IONPs irradiated with laser (combined photo-chemotherapy) drastically improve the therapeutic efficacy of TQ-IONPs in vitro, compared with the chemotherapeutic effect of TQ, or TQ-IONPs. Fluorescence microscopy showed the higher cellular uptake of TQ-IONPs compared with free TQ, which indicated that the loading of TQ on IONPs greatly enhanced the TQ bioavailability. The results represented in this study may open the door to pursue TQ-IONPs as a novel and viable multifunctional nano-formulation that could be used for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Hypolgycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Nigella Sativa Seed Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: The study investigated the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa ) in high fat diet (HFD)– Alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Methods: The optimal hypoglycemic dose (125 mg kg−1) was determined by performing the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in both normal and Alloxan -diabetic rats kept in the department of Biochemistry at Olabisi Onabanjo University. To investigate the effect of repeated administration of an ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds, diabetic rats were treated with distilled water, N. sativa (125 mg kg−1) or metformin (500 mg kg−1) twice a day for 14 days weeks. Results: Like metformin, N. sativa significantly lowered blood glucose by 50% and blood triglyceride by 115% when compared with the distilled water. N. sativa also significantly increased the HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 60% compared with the distilled water. The concentration of ethanolic extract needed for the inhibition of hydoxyl radical scavenging were 125, 63, 118.5 and 121 μg/ml, and that for superoxide scavenging activity were found to be 20.5, 40.5, 6.5 and 12.5 μg/ml, respectively. N. sativa thus significantly increased the anti-atherogenic index and HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio. However, like metformin, N. sativa did not affect total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but significantly reduced the kidney lipid peroxidation level. Conclusions: These data show that N. sativa has hypoglycemic, hypotriglyceridemic, anti-lipid peroxidative and anti-atherogenic properties in Alloxan -diabetic rats.

Evaluation of anticancer effects of a pharmaceutically viable extract of a traditional polyherbal mixture against non-small-cell lung cancer cells

ObjectiveThe present work tested organic solvents to prepare an extract with anticancer properties from a polyherbal mixture containing Nigella sativa (seeds), Hemidesmus indicus (roots) and Smilax glabra (rhizomes). We evaluate anticancer effects in non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NCI-H292), and discuss optimization for pharmaceutical use in the context of efficacy, yield and toxicity. MethodsUsing different organic solvents, six extracts were prepared from the polyherbal mixture. Based on the cytotoxic effects of these extracts on NCI-H292 cells and normal lung cells (MRC-5), as evaluated by the sulphorhodamine B assay, the total ethyl acetate (T-EA) extract was selected for further analysis. The possible anticancer mechanisms were assessed by evaluating the extract’s effects on apoptosis (through fluorescent microscopic analysis, DNA fragmentation analysis, caspase 3/7 assay and analysis of expression levels of apoptosis-related genes p53, Bax, survivin, Hsp70 and Hsp90), colony formation and antioxidant activity. ResultsThe extract had cytotoxic effects against NCI-H292 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Significant antioxidant activity and inhibition of colony formation were also observed. The expression level of caspase 3/7 significantly (P < 0.001) increased in NCI-H292 cells treated with 50 μg/mL of the extract. The same dosage led to a significant increase in expression levels of Bax and p53 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively), accompanied by a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in survivin, Hsp70 and Hsp90. ConclusionT-EA extract of the above polyherbal mixture has cytotoxicity against NCI-H292 cells via induction of apoptosis, antioxidant effects and inhibition of colony formation.

Thymoquinone as a Potential Neuroprotector in Acute and Chronic Forms of Cerebral Pathology.

Thymoquinone is one of the main active components of the essential oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds. Thymoquinone exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective action demonstrated in the models of brain ischemia/reperfusion, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and traumatic brain injury. The neuroprotective effect of thymoquinone is mediated via inhibition of lipid peroxidation, downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential, and prevention of apoptosis through inhibition of caspases-3, -8, and -9. Thymoquinone-based mitochondria-targeted antioxidants are accumulated in the mitochondria and exhibit neuroprotective properties in nanomolar concentrations. Thymoquinone reduces the negative effects of acute and chronic forms of brain pathologies. The mechanisms of the pharmacological action of thymoquinone and its chemical derivatives require more comprehensive studying. In this paper, we formulated the prospects of application of thymoquinone and thymoquinone-based drugs in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Black Edible Films from Protein-Containing Defatted Cake of Nigella sativa Seeds.

Black biodegradable/edible protein-based films were prepared from defatted cake waste obtained from Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds as by-product of oil extraction process. The effects of pH, glycerol concentrations, and transglutaminase-catalyzed protein cross-linking activity on the stability of film-forming solutions were studied to determine the best experimental conditions to produce handleable films. Proteins contained in the analyzed defatted cake were shown to be able to act as transglutaminase acyl donor and acceptor substrates being polymerized when incubated in vitro in the presence of the enzyme. Film-forming solutions containing 20% glycerol and casted at pH 8.0 after treatment with the enzyme gave rise to morphologically more homogeneous films possessing mechanical and barrier properties, as well as antimicrobial activity, compatible with their possible applications as food packaging materials and mulching sheets. These findings confirm the validity of the strategy to consider the seed oil processed cakes as protein-based renewable sources to produce not only fertilizers, animal feed, or culinary food but also further valuable products such as bioplastics.

Effects of Thymoquinone on Small-Molecule Metabolites in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Assessed using MALDI-MSI.

Thymoquinone is one of the main components present in Nigella sativa seeds and is known to have various biological functions in inflammation, oxidative stress, tumors, aging, and in lowering blood glucose levels. Few studies have focused on its neuroprotective effects and its regulation of small-molecule metabolites during cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. In this study, transient middle cerebral occlusion (tMCAO) was used to establish the rat model of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. We investigated the effects of thymoquinone using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) in a model of ischemia reperfusion injury to explore the changes in small-molecule metabolites in the brain. We found that that thymoquinone significantly improved neurobehavioral scores, reduced the cerebral infarct area, alleviated brain edema, and increased the number of normal neurons following injury. MALDI-MSI revealed that thymoquinone reduced abnormal accumulations of glucose, citric acid, succinate and potassium ions. Thymoquinone also increased the amount of energy-related molecules such as ADP, AMP, GMP, and creatine, antioxidants such as glutathione, ascorbic acid, and taurine, and other metabolism-related molecules such as glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, N-acetyl-L-aspartate, and sodium ions in damaged areas of the brain following cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. In summary, based on the neuroprotective effect of thymoquinone on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, this study revealed the regulation of thymoquinone on energy metabolism and small-molecule substance metabolism.

Possible Protective Effects of Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) or Garlic (Allium Sativum) Against Lead-Induced Toxicity in growing rabbits

The role of Nigella sativa seed (NSS) and garlic as dietary additions for enhancing growth performance and detoxification of dietary lead acetate in New Zealand White rabbits were studied. Rabbits were classified into nearly 6 similar groups in their average body weights: first and second groups served as positive and negative controls, third and fourth groups received lead acetate plus either Nigella sativa seed or garlic, respectively. Fifth and sixth groups received only Nigella sativa seed or garlic, respectively. The obtained data revealed that final body weight, daily body weight gain, efficient of feed consumed and performance index of rabbits decreased significantly (p≤0.05) in the negative control group (G2), which received 0.5% lead acetate. All these traits were slight improved in group 3 and 4, and significantly improved (p≤0.05) in group 5 and 6 of rabbits when compared to the negative control group. Biochemical parameters showed significant (p≤ 0.05) increase in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, aspertate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine, as well as, significant decrease (p≤ 0.05) in level of total protein and albumin in the negative control group. In groups 3, 4 , 5 and 6 of rabbits levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine decreased significantly (p≤0.05), as well as, levels of total protein and albumin increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) when compared to the negative control group. Groups 5 and 6 of rabbits that received only Nigella sativa seed or garlic with the basal diet showed no significant differences in digestability coefficient, as well as in panel test. On the other hand the weight of kidneys, liver and heart as % of live body weight increased significantly by lead acetate. After eight weeks, liver samples were collected and analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) contents. Lead acetate exposure significantly (p≤0.05) increased MDA (lipid peroxidation biomarker) and reduced the GSH levels and the GST and GPx activities. Concurrently supplemented NSS or dry garlic significantly (p≤0.05) decreased MDA levels and restored the GSH, GST, and GPx contents successfully. The residue of lead in liver, kidneys and muscles reduced significantly by additives. The % of mortality rate was not affected in all tested groups during the experimental period. In conclusion, the addition of 2 % Nigella sativa seeds or 0.8 % dry garlic to growing rabbit diet was safe and practical method to minimize the lead toxicity in rabbit diet.

Effect of thymoquinone and allicin on some antioxidant parameters in cancer prostate (PC3) and colon cancer (Caco2) cell lines

Background Thymoquinone (TQ) and allicin are two natural compounds separated from the seeds of Nigella sativa (black seeds) and garlic, respectively. These two compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of both TQ and allicin in cancer prostate (PC3) and colon cancer (Caco2) cell lines using four cellular parameters, namely, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxide [malondialdehyde (MDA], catalase enzyme (CAT) and nitric oxide (NO). Materials and methods Two types of cancer cell lines, PC3 cells and Caco2 cells, were used for the investigation of four aforementioned antioxidant parameters before and after treatment with the two natural compounds (TQ and allicin). Viability assay was done first to determine the concentrations used. Results It was found that the concentration of reduced glutathione was highly significantly and significantly decreased in both PC3 cells and Caco2 cells, respectively, after treatment with TQ compared with control, whereas the change in the concentration of reduced glutathione was not significant after allicin treatment for both cell lines compared with control cells. Regarding the concentration of lipid peroxide (MDA), its concentration was highly significantly reduced in PC3 cells in both treatments, whereas it was significantly increased in Caco2 cells treated with TQ compared with control cells. Catalase activity was significantly reduced in PC3 cells after treatment with TQ, and highly significantly increased after treatment with allicin, whereas in Caco2 cells, catalase activity was highly significantly increased after treatment with TQ and allicin compared with control cells. NO concentration was not affected in PC3 cells after treatment with TQ, and highly significantly increased after treatment with allicin, while it was highly significantly increased in Caco2 cells in both treatments, compared to control cells.