Effect of Nigella sativa on Selected Gastrointestinal Diseases

Abstract

Nigella sativa L. (family Ranunculaceae), also known as black cumin, has been used in cuisine around the world for many years. Due to its health-promoting properties, it can be used not only in the food industry but also in medicine. The main bioactive compound contained in the black cumin extract is thymoquinone (TQ), which has a special therapeutic role. The results of research in recent years confirmed its hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, and hepatoprotective effects, among others. In addition, the results of laboratory tests also indicate its immunomodulatory and anticancer effects, although there is still a lack of data on the mechanisms of how they are involved in the fight against cancer. Including this plant material in one’s diet can be both an element of prophylaxis and therapy supporting the treatment process, including pharmacological treatment. However, attention should be paid to its potential interactions with drugs used in the treatment of chronic diseases.

Thymoquinone: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

“…Biologically active compounds from Nigella sativa have been shown to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiepileptic and immunomodulatory activities, among others [48][49][50][51][52][53][54]. Black seed could also be used for the prevention of some diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases or wound healing [20,[55][56][57][58][59]. In clinical studies, Nigella sativa and its constituents, including TQ, have demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-diabetic properties, as well as therapeutic effects on metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal, neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and reproductive disorders [54].…”

Development of a Multifunctional Oral Dosage Form via Integration of Solid Dispersion Technology with a Black Seed Oil-Based Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System

“…In light of this, several reports revealed that black seed oil (BSO) has a p healing effect on gastric ulcers [14,15]. Along with this, various studies sho administration of thymoquinone (TMQ), the major constituent in BSO, reduc cers produced by NSAIDs and other agents like ethanol [16][17][18].…”

Bioactives and Inflammation

“…Incorporating this plant compound into the diet can be an effective prophylactic and therapeutic measure. However, its potential interactions with drugs that are used to treat chronic diseases must be monitored [18].…”