Exploring the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa (Kalonji): An overview

Abstract

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a medicinal herb that is used all over the world. It is widely used in traditional medical systems such as Unani Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of traditional use in many medical and dietary systems. N. sativa seeds have been widely employed in the treatment of various diseases and ailments. It has a long history of usage as liver tonic, diuretic, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesic, anti-bacterial, and skin tonic. Extensive research on N. sativa has been conducted, a wide range of its pharmacological actions have been investigated, including antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. This reveals that the presence of thymoquinone, a significant bioactive component of the essential oil, is responsible for the majority of the medicinal benefits of this plant.