Cardiovascular effects of Nigella sativa L. And its constituents

Abstract

Various pharmacological effects of Nigella sativa L. have been reported that include, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihistaminic, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antifungal, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory. It has also been reported to produce beneficial effects in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive and respiratory disorders. The effects of Nigella sativa had been attributed to constituents such as nigellicine, nigellidine, thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol and carvacrol. In this article the cardiovascular effects of Nigella sativa and its constituents were reviewed. Published data was gathered through search engines and the findings were classified into animal and human studies. The effects of Nigella sativa and its constituents on cardiotoxicity, blood pressure, vascular smooth muscle, endothelial dysfunction, heart rate, cardiac contractility, lipid profile, platelet aggregation and atherosclerosis were reviewed. This review indicated that Nigella sativa and thymoquinone exhibited beneficial cardiovascular effects on cardiotoxicity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. These effects were probably due to the antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of Nigella sativa. It seems that Nigella sativa and its constituents could be of therapeutic value in cardiovascular diseases.