Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: A Natural Blessing for Periodontal Therapy

Abstract

Thymoquinone (TQ), the chief active constituent of Nigella sativa (NS), shows very valuable biomedical properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic and anti-asthmatic effects. Several studies have examined the pharmacological actions of TQ in the treatment of oral diseases but its potential role in periodontal therapy and regeneration is not yet fully defined. The present investigation has been designed to review the scientific studies about the effects of TQ as an adjunct to periodontal treatment to promote healing and periodontal regeneration. Along with clinical experiments, in vitro studies exhibit the beneficial effects of TQ during periodontal therapy. Nevertheless, additional comprehensive clinical and preclinical studies at cellular and molecular levels are essential to examine the particular action mechanisms of Nigella sativa and its elements, particularly TQ, during periodontal treatment or regeneration.

Salvadora persica: Nature’s Gift for Periodontal Health

“…Periodontal laser therapy can be used as an alternative to traditional mechanical periodontal debridement because of its ability to excise, evaporate, and sterilize periodontal pockets. However, more research is required to look into the microbiological recolonization following to laser periodontal treatments [27,31,32].…”

Beneficial Role of Antioxidant Secondary Metabolites from Medicinal Plants in Maintaining Oral Health

“…Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed or kalonji, is well known for its health benefits [95]. Distributed among the Middle East, southern European continent, and North Africa, and in India, it is cultivated in the areas of Bengal, Bihar, Gangetic plains, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, and Punjab [93].…”

“…In a clinical trial (RCTs), 0.2% thymoquinone gel shows a significant decrease in GI (gingival index), PPD (probing pocket depth), and PI (plaque index) levels and an increase in GCF (gingival crevicular fluid)-ALP (alkaline phosphatase) levels. They also show sensitivity against Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans [95].…”

“…Result showed reduction in GI, PI and PPD levels [95] Essential oil having anticarcinogenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [96]…”

Antioxidants of Natural Products

“…Thymoquinone, a chief active constituent of Nigella sativa, is known to have various bioactivities. In particular, the potential role of thymoquinone or Nigella sativa extract as an adjuvant in periodontal therapy was proposed [22]. Nonetheless, further studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy and safety of thymoquinone or the extract.…”