CHEMICAL PROFILING PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES IN NIGELLA SATIVA L.

Abstract

Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae, botanical family) seed, an account of their aromatic nature is used as a spice in cooking particularly in Italy and southern France. It is an annual herbaceous plant which is cultivated for its seed and is classified as an edible plant. Black cumin seed have wide therapeutic effects and have been reported to have significant effect against many ailments such as skin diseases, jaundice, diabetes, hypertension, paralysis, asthma, cough, headache and fever. Black cumin seeds are used in folk (Herbal) medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of number of disease and condition that includes asthma. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the most active constituent present in black cumin seeds and has different beneficial properties. Focused on anti-microbial effects, different extract of black cumin have a broad antimicrobial spectrum including gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The effectiveness of Nigella sativa seeds and TQ is variable and depends upon species of target microorganism. The present study emphasizes to focus on the phytoconstituent and some major biological properties of NS seed and essential oil to reveal medicinal potential in the future investigation aspects.