Ancient super seeds with modern health benefits

In a recent review published in a magazine biomedical science, researcher discuss the possibility of nigella sativa As a medicine.

study: Use of Nigella sativa in cardiometabolic diseases. Image credit: M. Schuppich / Shutterstock.com

Nigella sativa: distribution and botanical composition

nigella sativaCommonly known as black seed or black cumin, it belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.fruit of nigella sativa Plants have three to six carpels, each containing seeds that turn black when mature.

India is the largest producer nigella sativa, Meanwhile, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, and Canada are the main exporting countries. Besides India, nigella sativa It is also grown in Egypt, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan.

The main physiologically active ingredients are nigella sativa It is extracted from the seeds, followed by the bark and shoots. Several primary and secondary metabolites of different chemical classes have been identified within Nigella sativa, including alkaloids, terpenes, terpenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins.

The major alkaloid, nigelamine, and polyphenols such as quercitrin and kaempferol have been identified. nigella sativa. Several fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid have also been isolated from black cumin.

pharmacological properties of nigella sativa The presence of quinine components, particularly thymoquinone (TQ) and its derivatives, such as 4-terpineol, thymohydroquinone (THQ), p-cymene, sesquiterpenes, thymol, carvacrol, and t-anethole, is thought to be responsible. .

Medicinal uses of black cumin

Black cumin has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, Arabic medicine, and Ayurveda. In Arabic medicine, nigella sativa It is used to treat asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, indigestion, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and skin infections. In contrast, in Chinese medicine, nigella sativa It is used as a component of preparations for the treatment of headaches.

The oil extracted from nigella sativa The seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial properties. Black cumin contains tocopherol, a powerful antioxidant that suppresses lipid peroxidation in biological membranes.

Black cumin is considered a natural substance that lowers blood cholesterol. Furthermore, high sterol concentrations Nigella Sativa suggests It may be used to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). nigella sativa It is also effective against diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and menopause.

Important mechanisms of Nigella sativa in alleviating cardiometabolic diseases

Several mechanisms may contribute to the protective role of cardiometabolism. nigella sativa. For example, the antioxidant effect is nigella sativa Although TQ may lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, the antiradical scavenging activity of TQ significantly reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

nigella sativa Seed extracts show increased activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase, which significantly reduces malondialdehyde (MDA). Several studies have shown that MDA is an indicator of lipid peroxidation resulting from oxidative stress. Reducing ROS levels also increases the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), which can significantly reduce blood pressure.

Many cardiometabolic diseases are associated with inflammation. Therefore, reducing inflammation should have a positive impact on these diseases. nigella sativa has been shown to reduce the levels of cytokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, as well as inhibiting inducible NO synthase. nigella sativa It may inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme involved in the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins (PGs).

nigella sativa The seed extract also exhibits antilipidemic properties. For this purpose, black cumin seed extract is combined with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG–CoA) reductase Increases expression of low-density lipid receptors, both of which are associated with lower cholesterol levels.

TQ is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR–γ) antagonists, which can improve insulin resistance; Inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase, the latter leading to decreased glucose absorption. TQ also improves β-pancreatic cell proliferation and integrity, resulting in increased insulin secretion.

As for the weight reduction effect, nigella sativa reported in many studies. Mechanically, nigella sativa It causes a decrease in food intake, inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestines, and an increase in adiponectin levels.

Cardioprotective effect nigella sativa Seeds were demonstrated using isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats. Black cumin’s cardioprotective properties are also associated with reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

conclusion

nigella sativa The seeds have been used in treatment strategies for multiple diseases. Among the various bioactive metabolites present in black cumin, TQ is responsible for most of its pharmacological properties.