Thymoquinone: Biosynthesis, Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential from Natural and Synthetic Sources

Abstract

Thymoquinone (TQ; 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) is a secondary metabolite found in abundance in very few plant species including Nigella sativa L., Monarda fistulosa L. and Satureja montana L. It is found in crystalline triclinic form in a range of organs in these plants. TQ has been synthetically prepared from thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol); commercially it is synthesized by modification of thymol and carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol). TQ has substantial therapeutic potential because of its anti-cancer, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cardio-protective activities in cell culture systems and animal models. In this article, we have reviewed recent studies on the natural and synthetic sources of TQ, its biosynthetic pathway and its modes of action in human and experimental models, as well as its commercial preparation. We also compiled the medicinal effects of TQ. The biological activities of TQ support the potential of this plant secondary metabolite as a drug with a wide range of therapeutic applications. To substantiate the benefits and pharmaceutical properties of TQ, further well-designed clinical research is required. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Quantitative Traits Loci and candidate gene mapping for Quinones and Phenolic Biosynthesis in Nigella sativa L. using pseudo-chromosome Assembly Arusa Aftab, Zubaida Yousaf, Zill-e-Huma Aftab, Nadia Riaz, Bushra Shamsheer

“…Nigella is a genus of 18 species of annual plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Southern Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Southwest Asia and the Middle East. The plant is commonly known as a Black seed and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae (Aftab et al, 2021). There are seventeen representative species in the Nigella genus including three diploid species.…”