The black seed Nigella sativa: A wonder seed

Abstract

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) a spice used since from many years has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and widely used in traditional medicine as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-histamine, analgesic, immunogogue, galactogogue, hepatoprotective and renal protective properties. The active components in N. sativa are thymoquinone (30-48 per cent), P-cymene (7-15 per cent), T-anethole (1-4 per cent), sequiterpene longifolene (1-8 per cent), nigellicimine and nigellicimine N-oxide, α-pinene and thymol. N. sativa seeds are widely used in many Indian cuisines. Apart from use in food processing seeds are also used as insect repellents in linen and wool cloths and also the essential oils are being used in range of beauty products. The present review provides a detailed summery of scientific researches regarding health benefits of Nigella sativa and its constituents.