A comprehensive and updated review on the pharmacological activities and phytochemistry of Nigella sativa L.

Abstract

Nigella sativa L. (NS) has a number of important biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,antifungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and anti-protozoal, cytotoxic, anticancer, neuro-, gastro-, cardio-, hetapto- and nephroprotectiveactivities. In addition, the NS exerts beneficiary effects on reproductive, pulmonary and immune systems as well asin diabetes mellitus (DM), fertility (male and female), breast cancer, dermatological complications, dehydration, dyspepsia, andosmotic balance and so on. Among the isolated constituents, thymoquinone (TQ) is a vastly studied phytochemical in NS. Anumber of reports suggest that, the NS may be one of the potential herbs in health promotion. This review paper will discussthe detailed and mechanistic aspects of the biological activity of N. sativa along with the reported phytoconstituents.