Our website technical errors have now been fixed and we are now online again. Apologies for the down time.

Here's a link back to the website http://www.theblessedseed.com

The Blessed Seed Company

Seifuddeen Goodwin

Watch out for the new Blessedseed Capsules (Halal Gelatine), Honey and Bengali Blessedseed oil - for extra strength! (Not recommended for first time users) They will be available online by the end of this month-if not sooner.

We grew by 100% online last year which is good but we know we can do better to reach more customers to help them with their ailments. Please can you email your friends and colleagues to our website http://www.theblessedseed.com so they too can benefit from using blackseed oil.

We will notify you when the new products are available online but if you cannot wait please call us on 020 7404 1465 for availability.

Thank you again.

Seifuddeen Goodwin - Email: sales@theblessedseed.com

The Blessedseed Company

web: http://www.theblessedseed.com

blog: http://www.theblessedseed.com/blackcuminblog

Health

Susan Clark — What's the alternative?

Q. What can you tell me about the herb black seed (Nigella sativa)? Is it true that it can cure all ailments? And can I get any products that contain it in the UK?

J Jackson, by e-mail

A. Coincidentally, this is one of the herbs that I intend to investigate when I return to Morocco this month to take a closer look at some of the Arabic and traditional Berber remedies I encountered on my first visit to that part of the world earlier this year. Nigella sativa is called sanouge, or Naigella, in that part of the world, but is known as black cumin or black caraway in other regions. I was impressed by this herb because, when I was given it to get rid of an intense migraine, it quickly cleared both my congested head and my congested sinuses.

The fact that it was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun suggests it was an important plant in ancient Egypt, and there are so many medicinal claims for this plant that it has become known as “the seed of blessing”. Generally speaking — and despite the fact that I find the folklore and ethnobotany associated with specific plants the most interesting part of this job — I would steer clear of any remedies reputed to be a miracle cure for anything, never mind everything. Nevertheless, black seed is an intriguing herb, and my personal experience tells me that it has potent medicinal properties.

I brought back a large bag of these seeds in their raw state from North Africa. To use them, especially for headaches, I simply bundle a teaspoon of seeds into a small square of muslin, squash the bundle to release the vapours, and inhale.

(COMMENT: SHE OBVIOUSLY DID NOT MAKE MUCH STUDY CONCERNING THIS!) In the UK, the only company I can find selling products based on black seed is Victoria Health (0800 413596, www.victoriahealth.com) which sells Mercy Inhale Oil (£9.95 for 50ml) and Mercy Drinking Oil Capsules (£15.95 for 60 capsules). Both are available by mail order.

For more information on natural health, visit my website: www.whatreallyworks.co.uk

If you have any questions or tips, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. We can only provide replies to published letters

Before following any medical or dietary advice in this column, please consult your GP if you suffer from any health problems or special conditions, or are in doubt as to its suitability

Research Paper 1
Planta Med 1995 Feb;61(1):33-6 Related Articles, Books
Fixed oil of Nigella sativa and derived thymoquinone inhibit eicosanoid generation in leukocytes and membrane lipid
King's College London, U.K.
"Samples of the expressed fixed oil from different sources of Nigella sativa seeds were examined by thin-layer and gas chromatography for content of fixed oils and thymoquinone, and these substances were tested as possible inhibitors of eicosanoid generation and membrane lipid peroxidation. The crude fixed oil and pure thymoquinone both inhibited the cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism in rat peritoneal leukocytes stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187, as shown by dose-dependent inhibition of thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4, respectively. Thymoquinone was very potent, with approximate IC50 values against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase of < 1 microgram/ml and 3.5 micrograms/ml, respectively. Both substances also inhibited non-enzymatic peroxidation in ox brain phospholipid liposomes, but thymoquinone was about ten times more potent. However, the inhibition of eicosanoid generation and lipid peroxidation by the fixed oil of N. sativa is greater than is expected from its content of thymoquinone (ca. 0.2% w/v), and it is possible that other components such as the unusual C20:2 unsaturated fatty acids may contribute also to its anti-eicosanoid and antioxidant activity. These pharmacological properties of the oil support the traditional use of N. sativa and its derived products as a treatment for rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases." PMID: 7700988 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 2
Nutr Cancer. 2003;45(2):195-202.
Chemopreventive Potential of Volatile Oil From Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Against Rat Colon Carcinogenesis.
Salim EI, Fukushima S.
Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527-Egypt; and the First Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-Ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan.
Chemopreventive effects of orally administered Nigella sativa oil on the induction and development of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), putative preneoplastic lesions for colon cancer, were investigated in Fischer 344 rats. Starting at 6 wk of age, 45 male rats (groups 1-3) were subcutaneously injected with DMH once a week for 3 wk. Group 1 (15 rats) served as a carcinogen control group without N. sativa administration. Group 2 or 3 (15 rats each) were given the oil in the postinitiation stage or in the initiation stage, respectively. Animals of group 4 (11 rats) were injected with 0.9% saline and received N. sativa oil from the beginning until the termination. At sacrifice, 14 wk after the start, the total numbers of ACF as well as those with at least four crypts were significantly reduced in group 2 (P < 0.01). However, treatment with N. sativa oil in the initiation stage (group 3) did not exhibit significant inhibitory effects except on foci with only one aberrant crypt. Immunohistochemical analysis of 5-bromo-2'.-deoxyuridine labeling in colonic crypts revealed the N. sativa oil to have significant antiproliferative activity in both initiation and postinitiation stages and especially in the latter. Histological examination revealed no pathological changes in the liver, kidneys, spleen, or other organs of rats treated with N. sativa. In addition, biochemical parameters of blood and urine as well as body weight gain were not affected. These findings demonstrate that the volatile oil of N. sativa has the ability to inhibit colon carcinogenesis of rats in the postinitiation stage, with no evident adverse side effects, and that the inhibition may be associated, in part, with suppression of cell proliferation in the colonic mucosa.
PMID: 12881014 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Research Paper 3
Biomed Sci Instrum. 2003;39:359-64.
Effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa L.) and oxidative stress on the survival pattern of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Farah IO, Begum RA.
Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA.
N. Sativa L., an oriental spice, has long been used as a natural medicine for treatment of many acute as well as chronic conditions. It has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and dermatological conditions. There has been very few studies on the effects of N. Sativa as cancer prevention/therapy. Our objective therefore, was to expose MCF-7 breast cancer cells to aqueous and alcohol extracts and in combination with H2O2 as an oxidative stressor. Measurement of cell survival under various concentrations and combinations was conducted using standard cell culture techniques, exposure protocols in 96 well plates and Fluoro-spectrosphotometry. Following cellular growth to 90% confluency, exposure to water (WE) and ethanol (AE) extracts of N. sativa and H2O2 was performed. Toxicity index (LC50) was calculated from percent survival using regression analysis. Results showed that the alcohol extract and its combinations were able to completely inactivate the MCF-7 cells (LC50 ranged from 377.16-573.79 in descending potency for H2O2 + AE, AE and Mix of WE and AE). H2O2 alone effectively inactivated MCF-7 cells (LC50 = 460.94). The least effective combinations in descending potency were WE + H2O2, WE + AE + H2O2, and WE (LC50 were 725.79, 765.94, and 940.5 respectively. Combinations other than AE + H2O2 showed possible interactions, which lead to reduction in their potency. In conclusion, N. Sativa alone or in combination with oxidative stress were found to be effective in vitro in inactivating MCF-7 breast cancer cells, unveiling opportunities for promising results in the field of prevention and treatment of cancer.
PMID: 12724920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Research Paper 4
J Ethnopharmacol 2002 Feb;79(1):1-11 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
The effect of Nigella sativa oil against the liver damage induced by Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice.
Mahmoud MR, El-Abhar HS, Saleh S. Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
"It has been reported that Nigella sativa oil possesses anticestode and antinematode actions. Besides, it produced a hepatoprotective effect in some models of liver toxicity. Therefore, our aim in this work was to study the effect of the Nigella oil (N.O) on Schistosomiasis mansoni infected mice. The oil was given in two dose levels (2.5 and 5 ml/kg, orally for two weeks) either alone or in combination with praziquantel (PZQ), the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Three aspects of drug action were investigated, the effect on Schistosomiasis mansoni infection, the effect on liver functions, and on redox state. The parasitological investigation included worm distribution, oogram pattern and ova count. Furthermore, liver granuloma diameters were measured. The biochemical parameters were the serum level of L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), albumin (Alb) and total protein. Moreover, to assess the antioxidant capability of the Nigella oil, four parameters were studied, viz., liver lipid peroxide (LPD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and the activity of the defence enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). When the oil was given alone, it reduced the number of S. mansoni worms in the liver and decreased the total number of ova deposited in both the liver and the intestine. Furthermore, it increased the number of dead ova in the intestinal wall and reduced the granuloma diameters markedly. When N.O was administered in combination with PZQ, the most prominent effect was a further lowering in the dead ova number over that produced by PZQ alone. Concerning the biochemical parameters, infection of mice with S. mansoni produced a pronounced elevation in the serum activity of ALT, GGT, with a slight increase in AP level. However, it tended to reduce serum albumin level. These changes were accompanied with an alteration in the liver contents of LPD and GSH along with a significant decline in the activity of the cytosolic SOD and LDH. Administration of Nigella sativa oil succeeded partially to correct the previous changes in ALT, GGT, AP activity, as well as the Alb content in serum. However, it failed in the liver to restore either LPD and GSH content or LDH and SOD activities to normal level. These results suggest that Nigella sativa oil may play a role against the alterations caused by S. mansoni infection, an effect which may be induced partly by improving the immunological host system and to some extent with its antioxidant effect." PMID: 11744288 [PubMed - in process]

Research Paper 5
Cancer Detect Prev 2001;25(4):362-8 Related Articles, Books
Inhibitory effects of thymoquinone against 20-methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma tumorigenesis.
Badary OA, Gamal El-Din AM. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
"The potential antitumor effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seed, on fibrosarcoma induced by 20-methylcholanthrene (MC) in male Swiss albino mice was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Administration of TQ (0.01% in drinking water) I week before and after MC treatment significantly inhibited the tumor incidence and tumor burden by 43% and 34%, respectively, compared with the results in the group receiving MC alone. Moreover, TQ delayed the onset of MC-induced fibrosarcoma tumors that appeared at 12 weeks and produced less MC-induced mortality. Lipid peroxide accumulation, decreased glutathione (GSH) content, and decreased activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and quinone reductase (QR) were observed in the liver of MC-induced tumor-bearing mice. TQ alone showed a significant induction in the enzyme activities of hepatic GST and QR. Mice treated with TQ along with MC showed reduction in hepatic lipid peroxides and increased GSH content and increased enzyme activities of GST and QR as compared to results of the control group. The in vitro studies showed that TQ inhibited the survival of fibrosarcoma cells with IC50 of 15 microM. Conversely, TQ inhibited the incorporation of [3H] thymidine in fibrosarcoma cells with IC50 of microM. Our data indicate the potential of TQ as a powerful chemopreventive agent against MC-induced fibrosarcoma tumors. The possible modes of action of TQ may be through its antioxidant activity and interference with the DNA synthesis coupled with enhancement of detoxification processes." PMID: 11531013 [PubMed - in process]

Research Paper 6
J Pak Med Assoc 2001 Mar;51(3):115-20 Related Articles, Books Bronchodilator, spasmolytic and calcium antagonist activities of Nigella sativa seeds (Kalonji): a traditional herbal product with multiple medicinal uses.
Gilani AH, Aziz N, Khurram IM, Chaudhary KS, Iqbal A. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi.
"OBJECTIVE: The seeds of Nigella sativa locally known as "Kalonji" has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases including diarrhoea and asthma. The crude extract of N. sativa seeds (Ns.Cr) was studied in vitro for its possible spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities to rationalize the folkloric uses. METHODS: Isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig tracheal preparations were set up in Tyrode's and Kreb's solutions respectively and aerated with 5% CO2 in oxygen. Isotonic and isometric responses were measured on Bioscience oscillograph and Grass polygraph respectively. RESULTS: The Ns.Cr caused a dose-dependent (0.1-3.0 mg/ml) relaxation of spontaneous contractions in rabbit jejunum. Ns.Cr also inhibited K(+)-induced contractions in a similar dose range, suggestive of calcium channel blockade (CCB). This effect was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ns.Cr, produced a dose-dependent shift in the Ca++ dose-response curves to the right similar to that of verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. In guinea-pig trachea, it caused relaxation of carbachol-, histamine- or K(+)-induced contractions indicating CCB. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the CCB activity is concentrated in the petroleum ether fraction, which was found to be approximately 10 times more potent than the crude extract both in jejunum and tracheal preparations. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the crude extract of Nigella sativa seeds exhibits spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade and this activity is concentrated in the organic fraction. Its usefulness for diarrhoea and asthma in traditional medicine, appears thus to be based on a sound mechanistic background." PMID: 11381824 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 7
J Ethnopharmacol 2001 Jun;76(1):45-8 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of Nigella sativa. Al-Ghamdi MS. Department of Pharmacology, King Faisal University, College of Medicine, PO Box 2114, 31451, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
mghamdi@dammam.kfu.edu.sa
"The aqueous extract of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) was investigated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in animal models. The extract has an anti-inflammatory effect demonstrated by its inhibitory effects on Carrageenan induced paw edema. It also produced significant increase in the hot plate reaction time in mice indicating analgesic effect. However, N. sativa crude suspension had no effect on yeast induced pyrexia. This study therefore, supports its use in folk medicine both as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent and calls for further investigations to elucidate its mechanism of action." PMID: 11378280 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 8
Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2001 Feb;108(2):71-3 Related Articles, Books
The role of antioxidant vitamins (C and E), selenium and Nigella sativa in the prevention of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in rabbits: new hopes. Turkdogan MK, Agaoglu Z, Yener Z, Sekeroglu R, Akkan HA, Avci ME. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
"This experiment was carried out to investigate the role of antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, selenium and Nigella sativa (NS) on the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rabbits. It was found that superoxide dismutase (SOD) values in all of the treated groups were significantly lower than those of the control at 12th week of experiment (p < 0.05), while at 6th week and 12th week of experiment glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values in the vitamin C treated group were significantly different from the control (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, hepatocellular necrosis, degeneration and advanced fibrosis were found in the control group. Lesions were minor and only confined to midzonal regions without centrilobular necrosis and fibrosis in the NS treated animals (group B). The lesions observed in the vitamin C treated animals (group C) were similar to that of the control group. Parenchymal changes with fibrosis were less in selenium and vitamin E treated animals (group D) than in those of the control group, but more obvious than in NS group. Histopathological findings demonstrate that NS might, at least partly, be successful in the prevention of liver fibrosis in rabbits. Vitamin E plus selenium had little therapeutic effect and vitamin C seemed to be ineffective, as far as the results of this study are concerned." PMID: 11367885 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 9
Planta Med 2001 Feb;67(1):29-32 Related Articles, Books
Extraction, isolation and characterisation of antitumor principle, alpha-hederin, from the seeds of Nigella sativa.
Kumara SS, Huat BT. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
"We have previously reported the in vitro cytotoxic activity of column fraction 5 (CC-5) of an ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds. In this study, the effect of CC-5 was evaluated for its in vivo antitumor activity against i.p. (intraperitoneally) implanted murine P388 leukemia and s.c. (subcutaneously) implanted LL/2 (Lewis lung carcinoma) cells in BDF1 mice (C57BL/6 x DBA/2 mice). CC-5 at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. prolonged the life span of these mice by 153% compared to DMSO-treated control mice. The antitumor activity of a 21-day treatment of CC-5 against s.c. implanted LL/2 was tested in mice using four experimental protocols as described in the methods. In protocols C and D, CC-5 at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. produced significant tumor inhibition rate (TIR) values of 60% (P < 0.001) and 70% (P < 0.001) respectively. Alpha-hederin, a triterpene saponin isolated from CC-5, when given i.p. for 7 days at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w. to mice with formed tumors, produced significant dose-dependent TIR values of 48% (P < 0.05) and 65% (p < 0.01) respectively on day 8 and 50% (P < 0.01) and 71% (P < 0.001), respectively, on day 15, compared to 81% (P < 0.01) on day 8 and 42% (P < 0.01) on day 15 in the cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated group. The underlying mechanism(s) of antitumor activity of alpha-hederin remain to be established." PMID: 11270717 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 10
Toxicology 2000 Mar 7;143(3):219-26 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
The influence of thymoquinone on doxorubicin-induced hyperlipidemic nephropathy in rats.
Badary OA, Abdel-Naim AB, Abdel-Wahab MH, Hamada FM. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. oabadary@hotmail.com
"The effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, on the nephropathy and oxidative stress induced by doxorubicin (DOX) in rats was investigated. A single intravenous injection of DOX (6 mg/kg) induced a severe nephrotic syndrome (after 5 weeks) associated with hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, elevated serum urea, hyperlipidemia, and a high urinary excretion of protein, albumin and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). In the kidney, DOX induced a significant increase in total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and lipid peroxides and a significant decrease in non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity. Treatment of rats with TQ (10 mg/kg per day) supplemented with the drinking water for 5 days before DOX, and daily thereafter, significantly lowered serum urea, TG, and TC. Similarly, TG, TC and lipid peroxides in the kidneys of TQ-treated rats were decreased significantly compared with DOX alone. Moreover, NPSH content and CAT activity in the kidneys of TQ-treated DOX group were significantly elevated compared with DOX alone. Treatment with TQ significantly suppressed DOX-induced proteinuria, albuminuria, and urinary excretion of NAG. The results confirm the involvement of free radicals in the pathogenesis of nephropathy induced by DOX. Likewise, the study demonstrates the high antioxidant potential of TQ and its marked effect on the suppression of DOX-induced nephropathy. The data suggest that TQ might be applicable as a protective agent for proteinuria and hyperlipidemia associated with nephrotic syndrome." PMID: 10755708 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 11
Arzneimittelforschung 2000 Sep;50(9):832-6 Related Articles, Books
Nigella sativa L. oil protects against induced hepatotoxicity and improves serum lipid profile in rats. el-Dakhakhny M, Mady NI, Halim MA. Department of Pharmacology and Drug Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
"The effects of 4 weeks oral intake of Nigella sativa L. (NS) oil on some liver function tests and D-galactosamine- or carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated in male albino rats. In another series of experiments, the effect of the oil on serum lipid profile was examined in male spontaneously hypertensive rats of stroke prone strain and Wistar Kyoto rats. The study showed that daily administration of the oil per se (800 mg/kg orally for 4 weeks) did not adversely effect the serum transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin or prothrombin activity in normal albino rats. When the oil was given for 4 weeks prior to induction of hepatotoxicity by D-galactosamine or carbon tetrachloride, it was able to give complete protection against d-galactosamine and partial protection against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity. NS oil showed a favourable effect on the serum lipid pattern where the administration of the oil (800 mg/kg orally for 4 weeks) caused a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides and a significant elevation of serum high density lipoprotein level." PMID: 11050701 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 12
Acta Microbiol Pol 2000;49(1):63-74 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut Antimicrobial effect of crude extracts of Nigella sativa on multiple antibiotics-resistant bacteria.
Morsi NM. Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt. "Different crude extracts of Nigella sativa were tested for antimicrobial effectiveness against different bacterial isolates. These isolates comprised 16 gramnegative and 6 grampositive representatives. They showed multiple resistance against antibiotics, specially the gramnegative ones. Crude extracts of Nigella saliva showed a promising effect against some of the test organisms. The most effective extracts were the crude alkaloid and water extracts. Gramnegative isolates were affected more than the grampositive ones." PMID: 10997492 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 13
Therapie 2000 May-Jun;55(3):379-82 Related Articles, Books
[Diuretic and hypotensive effects of Nigella sativa in the spontaneously hypertensive rat]
[Article in French] Zaoui A, Cherrah Y, Lacaille-Dubois MA, Settaf A, Amarouch H, Hassar M.
Universite Hassan II, Faculte des Sciences, Departement de Biologie, Maarif, Casablanca, Maroc.
"Nigella sativa (ranunculaceae) is used in Arab folk medicine as a diuretic and hypotensive plant. We report here the diuretic and hypotensive effects of dichloromethane extract of Nigella sativa seeds in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). An oral dose of Nigella sativa extract (0.6 ml/kg/day) and furosemide (5 mg/kg/day) increased significantly the diuresis by 16 and 30 per cent respectively after 15 days of treatment; urinary excretion of Cl-, Na+, K+ and urea is also increased. Simultaneously, the mean arterial pressure decreased respectively by 22 and 18 per cent in the Nigella sativa treated rat and nifedipine treated rat (0.5 mg/kg/day). In conclusion, the diuretic activity observed in the SHR rat treated with Nigella sativa seeds may be partially responsible for its diuretic action; it seems that other pathways may also be involved in their cardiovascular effects."
PMID: 10967716 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 14
J Ethnopharmacol 2000 Sep;72(1-2):299-304 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Effects of Nigella sativa oil on gastric secretion and ethanol induced ulcer in rats.
El-Dakhakhny M, Barakat M, El-Halim MA, Aly SM.
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
"The present work was done to investigate the possible effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on gastric secretion and ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. Thirty two adult male rats were used in this study (four groups) and several parameters were determined to assess any degree of protection. It was found that the administration of NSO in rats produced a significant increase in mucin content and glutathione level and a significant decrease in mucosal histamine content. Ethanol administration produced a 100% ulcer induction with an ulcer score of 12.62+/-1.35 (mean+/-S.E., n=8). It caused a significant reduction in free acidity and glutathione level while it produced a significant increase in mucosal histamine content. When animals were pretreated with NSO before induction of ulcer, there was a significant increase in glutathione level, mucin content and free acidity and a significant decrease in gastric mucosal histamine content with a protection ratio of 53.56% as compared to the ethanol group. It can be concluded that NSO imparted a protective action against ethanol induced ulcer in rats."
PMID: 10967486 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 15
Eur J Pharmacol 2000 Jul 14;400(1):89-97 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Antinociceptive effects of Nigella sativa oil and its major component, thymoquinone, in mice.
Abdel-Fattah AM, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H.
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, 930-0194, Toyama, Japan.
"The antinociceptive effects of Nigella sativa oil and its major component, thymoquinone, were examined in mice. The p.o. administration of N. sativa oil (50-400 mg/kg) dose-dependently suppressed the nociceptive response in the hot-plate test, tail-pinch test, acetic acid-induced writhing test and in the early phase of the formalin test. The systemic administration (2.5-10 mg/kg, p.o. and 1-6 mg/kg, i.p.) and the i.c.v. injection (1-4 microgram/mouse) of thymoquinone attenuated the nociceptive response in not only the early phase but also the late phase of the formalin test. Naloxone injected s.c. (1 mg/kg) significantly blocked N. sativa oil- and thymoquinone-induced antinociception in the early phase of the formalin test. Moreover, the i.c.v. injection of naloxone (10 microgram/mouse), the mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxonazine (1-5 microgram/mouse), or the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (1-5 microgram/mouse), significantly reversed thymoquinone-induced antinociception in the early phase but not the late phase of the formalin test, whereas the delta-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole (1-5 ng/mouse, i.c.v.), had no effect on either phase. The antinociceptive effect of morphine was significantly reduced in thymoquinone- and N. sativa oil-tolerant mice, but not vice versa. These results suggest that N. sativa oil and thymoquinone produce antinociceptive effects through indirect activation of the supraspinal mu(1)- and kappa-opioid receptor subtypes."
PMID: 10913589 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 16
Int J Immunopharmacol 2000 Sep;22(9):729-40 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Protective effect of black seed oil from Nigella sativa against murine cytomegalovirus infection.
Salem ML, Hossain MS. Department of Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. mohamed_84@hotmail.com
"In this study, antiviral effect of black seed oil (BSO) from Nigella sativa was investigated using murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) as a model. The viral load and innate immunity mediated by NK cells and Mφ during early stage of the infection were analyzed. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of BSO to BALB/c mice, a susceptible strain of MCMV infection, strikingly inhibited the virus titers in spleen and liver on day 3 of infection with 1x10(5) PFU MCMV. This effect coincided with an increase in serum level of IFN-gamma. Although BSO treatment decreased both number and cytolytic function of NK cells on day 3 of infection, it increased numbers of Mφ and CD4(+) T cells. On day 10 of infection, the virus titer was undetectable in spleen and liver of BSO-treated mice, while it was detectable in control mice. Although spleen of both control and BSO-treated mice showed similar CTL activities on day 10 after infection, serum level of IFN-gamma in BSO-treated mice was higher. Furthermore, BSO treatment upregulated suppressor function of Mφ in spleen. These results show that BSO exhibited a striking antiviral effect against MCMV infection which may be mediated by increasing of Mφ number and function, and IFN-gamma production."
PMID: 10884593 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 17
J Ethnopharmacol 2000 Apr;70(1):1-7 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Cytotoxic and immunopotentiating effects of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa L. seeds.
Swamy SM, Tan BK. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore.
"In-vitro cytotoxic screening of extracts of Nigella sativa L. seeds (Ranunculaceae) indicated cytotoxicity in the ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) against different classes of cancer cell lines, P388, Molt4, Wehi 164, LL/2, Hep G2, SW620 and J82, as measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The ethyl-acetate column chromatographic fraction (CC-5) showed selectivity against Hep G2, Molt4, and LL/2. CC-5 was relatively non-toxic against human umbilical cord endothelial cells at 50 microg/ml. CC-5 had no stimulatory effect on mouse splenocytes as such. CC-5 and water fraction, however, enhanced the proliferative response in the presence of ConA (3 microg/ml), but not LPS (1 and 6 microg/ml). These data indicate that CC-5 possesses a potent cytotoxic effect as well as a potentiating effect on the cellular immune response. The mechanism whereby it produces this needs to be resolved."
PMID: 10720783 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 18
J Pharm Biomed Anal 1999 Apr;19(5):757-62 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the pharmacologically active quinones and related compounds in the oil of the black seed (Nigella sativa L.).
Ghosheh OA, Houdi AA, Crooks PA. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536, USA.
"An HPLC method for quantifying the putative pharmacologically active constituents: thymoquinone (TQ), dithymoquinone (DTQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymol (THY), in the oil of Nigella sativa seed is described. Extraction of the constituents from the oil was carried out using C18 PrepSep mini columns followed by quantification of the recovered constituents by HPLC on a reversed-phase muBondapak C18 analytical column, using an isocratic mobile phase of water:methanol:2-propanol (50:45:5% v/v) at a flow rate of 2 ml min(-1). UV detection was at 254 nm for TQ, DTQ, and THY, and at 294 nm for THQ. The above four compounds were separated with good resolution, reproducibility, and sensitivity under these conditions. This analytical method was used to quantify the above four constituents in a commercial sample of N. sativa seed oil, and provides a good quality control methodology for the pharmacologically active components in this widely used natural remedy."
PMID: 10698539 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 19
J Ethnopharmacol 1999 Nov 1;67(2):135-42 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Thymoquinone attenuates ifosfamide-induced Fanconi syndrome in rats and enhances its antitumor activity in mice.
Badary OA. Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
"The effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of the Nigella sativa L. oil, on ifosfamide (IFO)-induced Fanconi syndrome (FS) and its antitumor activity were investigated in rats and mice, respectively. In rats, a daily injection of IFO (50 mg/kg per day, i.p.) for 5 days induced a FS characterized by wasting off glucose, electrolytes and organic acids, along with elevated serum creatinine and urea, as well as decreased creatinine clearance rate. Administration of TQ with the drinking water of rats, (5 mg/kg per day) for 5 days before and during IFO treatment, ameliorated the severity of IFO-induced renal damage. TQ significantly improved IFO-induced phosphaturia, glucosuria, elevated serum creatinine and urea, and significantly normalized creatinine clearance rate. Moreover, TQ significantly prevented IFO-induced renal glutathione (GSH) depletion and lipid peroxide accumulation. In mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) xenograft, TQ (10 mg/kg per day) administered in drinking water significantly enhanced the antitumor effect of IFO (50 mg/kg per day, i.p. on days 1-4 and 15-18). Furthermore, mice treated with IFO in combination with TQ showed less body weight loss and mortality rate compared to IFO single therapy. These observations demonstrate that TQ may improve the therapeutic efficacy of IFO by decreasing IFO-induced nephrotoxicity and improving its antitumor activity."
PMID: 10619376 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 20
Eur J Cancer Prev 1999 Oct;8(5):435-40 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Badary OA, Al-Shabanah OA, Nagi MN, Al-Rikabi AC, Elmazar MM.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
The modulating effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on benzo(a)pyrene (BP)-induced forestomach tumours was investigated in female Swiss albino mice, receiving oral administration of BP at a dose of 1 mg twice weekly for 4 weeks. Administration of 0.01% of TQ in drinking water 1 week before, during and after BP treatment until the end of the experiment resulted in significant suppression of BP-induced tumourigenesis when compared with the group receiving BP alone. TQ inhibited both BP-induced forestomach tumour incidence and multiplicity by 70% and 67%, respectively. Lipid peroxide accumulation and decreased glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and DT diaphorase activities were observed in the liver of BP-treated tumour-bearing mice. TQ alone showed a significant induction in the enzyme activities of hepatic GST and DT diaphorase. Mice treated with TQ along with BP showed almost normal hepatic lipid peroxides and GSH levels, and normal enzyme activities compared to the control group. The present data may indicate the potential of TQ, the main constituent of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seed, as a powerful chemopreventive agent against BP-induced forestomach tumours in mice. The possible modes of action of TQ may be through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, coupled with enhancement of detoxification processes."
PMID: 10548399 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 21
Int J Immunopharmacol 1999 Apr;21(4):283-95 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa proteins fractionated by ion exchange chromatography.
Haq A, Lobo PI, Al-Tufail M, Rama NR, Al-Sedairy ST.
Department of Biological and Medical Research, Research Centre, MBC 03, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. afrozul@kfshrc.edu.sa
"Whole Nigella sativa (N. sativa) proteins were purified on a DEAE Sephadex A50 ion exchange column. Complete fractionation was achieved in four peaks. Analysis of the purified peaks was carried out by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Whole N. sativa showed a number of protein bands ranging from 94-10 kDa molecular mass. In mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), whole N. sativa and its purified proteins were found stimulatory as well as suppressive and this effect varied from one donor to another. Maximum stimulation (mean + S.E. of % relative index was 63.73 + 20.78) was observed with fractionated N. sativa proteins (P1) (10 microg/ml) in MLC. In MLC, also N. sativa peaks (P1 and P2) were stimulatory at all concentrations (10 microg/ml, 1 microg/ml or 0.1 microg/ml) used. However, a uniformly suppressive effect of N. sativa and its all four peaks at a concentration of 10 microg/ml was noticed when lymphocytes were activated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM). The effect of N. sativa proteins was further evaluated on the production of cytokines which were measured by using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Large quantities of IL-1beta were secreted by whole N. sativa in culture medium with non-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (450 pg/ml) and with allogeneic cells (410 pg/ml). Fractionated N. sativa was less effective when compared with whole N. sativa proteins. No effect on IL-4 secretion was seen either by using non-activated, PWM-activated or allogeneic-cells. Whole N. sativa suppressed as well as stimulated the production of IL-8 in non-activated and PWM-activated PBMC respectively. All N. sativa peaks with protein concentration of 2 microg/ml were stimulatory for the induction of IL-8 by PWM-activated cells. However, no effect on IL-8 was seen either with whole N. sativa or its peaks when allogeneic PBMC were used. Stimulatory effect of whole N. sativa and fractionated proteins was also noticed on the production of TNF-alpha either using non-activated or mitogen activated cells."
PMID: 10408636 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 22
Biochem Mol Biol Int 1999 Jan;47(1):153-9 Related Articles, Books
Thymoquinone protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in mice via an antioxidant mechanism.
Nagi MN, Alam K, Badary OA, al-Shabanah OA, al-Sawaf HA, al-Bekairi AM.
Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major active component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds. The effects of TQ on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in male Swiss albino mice. Carbon tetrachloride (20 microliters/Kg, i.p.) injected into mice, induced damage to liver cells and was followed by the increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity after 24 h. Oral administration of TQ in a single dose (100 mg/Kg) resulted in significant (p < 0.001) protection against the hepatotoxic effects of CCl4. TQ was tested as a substrate for mice hepatic DT-diaphorase in the presence of NADH. TQ appears to undergo reduction to dihydrothymoquinone (DHTQ). Reduction rates as a function of protein (liver homogenate) and substrate (TQ) concentrations are reported. An apparent K(m) of 0.1 mM and an apparent Vmax of 74 mumol/min/g liver were measured. TQ and DHTQ inhibited the in vitro non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate (induced by Fe(3+)-ascorbate) in a dose dependent manner. In this in vitro model DHTQ was more potent in comparison with TQ and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The IC50 for DHTQ, TQ and BHT were found to be 0.34, 0.87 and 0.58 microM respectively. The data suggest that the in vivo protective action of TQ against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity may be mediated through the combined antioxidant properties of TQ and its metabolite DHTQ."
PMID: 10092955 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 23
Nahrung 1998 Oct;42(5):290-4 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Amino acid composition and biological effects of supplementing broad bean and corn proteins with Nigella sativa (black cumin) cake protein.
al-Gaby AM. Zagazig University, Faculty of Agriculture, Biochemistry Department, ET-zagazig, Egypt.
"The biological effects of supplementing broad bean (Vicia faba) or corn (Zea maize) meal protein with black cumin (Nigella sativa) cake protein as well as their amino acid composition were investigated. The percentage of total protein content of Nigella cake was 22.7%. Lysine is existent in abundant amounts in faba meal protein, while leucine is the most abundant in corn meal protein (chemical score = 156) and valine is higher in Nagella cake protein. compared with rats fed sole corn or faba meal protein, substitution of 25% of corn or faba meal protein with Nigella cake protein in the diet remarkably raised the growth rate of rats and resulted in significant higher levels of rat total serum lipids and triglycerides. Also, the supplemented diet caused significant increases in serum total protein and its two fractions albumin and globulin and insignificantly increase the activity of serum phosphatases and transaminases within normal ranges. The supplementation did not have any adverse nutritional effects in the levels of lipid fractions in the serum."
PMID: 9882224 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 24
Anticancer Res 1998 May-Jun;18(3A):1527-32 Related Articles, Books
The in vitro anti-tumor activity of some crude and purified components of blackseed, Nigella sativa L.
Worthen DR, Ghosheh OA, Crooks PA.
Natural Products Chemistry Laboratory, Tobacco and Health Research Institute, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
"A crude gum, a fixed oil and two purified components of Nigella sativa seed, thymoquinone (TQ) and dithymoquinone (DIM), were assayed in vitro for their cytotoxicity for several parental and multi-drug resistant (MDR) human tumor cell lines. Although as much as 1% w/v of the gum or oil was devoid of cytotoxicity, both TQ and DIM were cytotoxic for all of the tested cell lines (IC50's 78 to 393 microM). Both the parental cell lines and their corresponding MDR variants, over 10-fold more resistant to the standard antineoplastic agents doxorubicin (DOX) and etoposide (ETP), as compared to their respective parental controls, were equally sensitive to TQ and DIM. The inclusion of the competitive MDR modulator quinine in the assay reversed MDR Dx-5 cell resistance to DOX and ETP by 6- to 16-fold, but had no effect on the cytotoxicity of TQ or DIM. Quinine also increased MDR Dx-5 cell accumulation of the P-glycoprotein substrate 3H-taxol in a dose-dependent manner. However, neither TQ nor DIM significantly altered cellular accumulation of 3H-taxol. The inclusion of 0.5% v/v of the radical scavenger DMSO in the assay reduced the cytotoxicity of DOX by as much as 39%, but did not affect that of TQ or DIM. These studies suggest that TQ and DIM, which are cytotoxic for several types of human tumor cells, may not be MDR substrates, and that radical generation may not be critical to their cytotoxic activity."
PMID: 9673365 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 25
Toxicol Lett 1998 Mar 16;95(1):23-9 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Hepatoprotective activity of thymoquinone in isolated rat hepatocytes.
Daba MH, Abdel-Rahman MS. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Pharmacology and Physiology Department, Newark 07103-2714, USA.
"Thymoquinone, the active constituent of Nigella sativa, was tested in isolated rat hepatocytes as a hepatoprotective agent against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) toxicity. TBHP (2 mM) was used to produce oxidative injury in isolated rat hepatocytes and caused progressive depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH), loss of cell viability as evidenced by trypan blue uptake and leakage of cytosolic enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartic transaminase (AST). Preincubation of hepatocytes with 1 mM of either thymoquinone or silybin, which is a known hepatoprotective agent, resulted in the protection of isolated hepatocytes against TBHP induced toxicity evidenced by decreased leakage of ALT and AST, and by decreased trypan blue uptake in comparison to TBHP treated hepatocytes. Both thymoquinone and silybin prevented TBHP induced depletion of GSH to the same extent. Although thymoquinone protected the liver enzymes leakage, the degree of protection was less than that caused by silybin."
PMID: 9650643 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 26
J Pharm Belg 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):87-93; discussion 93-5 Related Articles, Books
Protective effect of cysteine and vitamin E, Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa extracts on cisplatin-induced toxicity in rats.
el Daly ES. Department of Biology, Faculty of Education-At Suez, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
"Cisplatin [cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II)] is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug that is toxic to the kidney. Concurrent administration of cysteine together with vitamin E, Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa reduced the toxicity of cisplatin in rats. When administered i.p. for 5 alternate days with 3 mg/kg cisplatin, cysteine (20 mg/kg) together with vitamin E (2 mg/rat) an extract of Crocus sativus stigmas (50 mg/kg) and Nigella sativa seed (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels as well as cisplatin-induced serum total lipids increases. In contrast, the protective agents given together with cisplatin led to an even greater decrease in blood glucose than that seen with cisplatin alone. The serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase of cisplatin-treated rats were significantly decreased, whereas the activities of glutathione reductase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were significantly increased. Addition of cysteine and vitamin E, Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa in combination with cisplatin partially prevented many changes in the activities of serum enzymes. In cisplatin-treated rats, the liver activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly increased, whereas much greater changes were found in the kidneys, with increased activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and decreased activities of alkaline phosphatase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, as well as a decreased phosphorylation to oxidation ratio in the mitochondria, indicating reduced adenosine triphosphate production. Also, administration of cysteine and vitamin E, Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa together with cisplatin partially reversed many of the kidney enzymes changes induced by cisplatin. Cysteine together with vitamin E, Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa tended to protect from cisplatin-induced falls in leucocyte counts, haemoglobin levels and mean osmotic fragility of erythrocytes and also prevented the increase in haematocrit. The results of this study indicate a basis for the toxic effects of cisplatin, and suggest a possible way of counteracting the toxicity by introducing protective agents such sulphydryl compounds, other antioxidants and extracts of natural products. It also appears that cells adapt to the effects of cisplatin through the induction of systems that produce NADPH, which in turn compensates the decrease of free sulphydryl groups. We conclude that cysteine and vitamin E, Crocus sativus and Nigella Sativa may be a promising compound for reducing cisplatin-toxic side effects including nephrotoxicity."
PMID: 9609969 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 27
Contact Dermatitis 1997 May;36(5):268-9 Related Articles, Books
Allergic contact dermatitis from black cumin (Nigella sativa) oil after topical use. Steinmann A, Schatzle M, Agathos M, Breit R. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, City Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Germany.
PMID: 9197967 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 28
J Ethnopharmacol 1996 May;52(1):23-6 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Effects of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds on the uterine smooth muscle of rat and guinea pig.
Aqel M, Shaheen R. College of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. "The effects of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds on the uterine smooth muscle of rats and guinea pigs was tested in vitro using isolated uterine horns. The volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds inhibited the spontaneous movements of rat and guinea pig uterine smooth muscle and also the contractions induced by oxytocin stimulation. These effects were concentration-dependent and reversible by tissue washing. These data suggest that this volatile oil may have some anti-oxytocic potential." PMID: 8733115 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 29
The following Nigella Sativa articles excerpts come from the International Pub Med medical journal publications abstracts: J Ethnopharmacol 2002 Feb;79(1):23-6 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Effects of Nigella sativa fixed oil on blood homeostasis in rat.
Zaoui A, Cherrah Y, Alaoui K, Mahassine N, Amarouch H, Hassar M. Departement de Biologie, Faculte des Sciences, Universite Hassan II, Km 8, Route El Jadida, B.P. 5366, Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco
"We investigated the effects of the fixed oil of Nigella sativa seeds in rats by monitoring blood homeostasis and body weight as well as toxicity. Animals were treated daily with an oral dose of 1 ml/kg body weight of the N. sativa seed fixed oil for 12 weeks. Changes in key hepatic enzymes levels were not observed in N. sativa treated rats after 12 weeks of treatment. The serum cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels and the count of leukocytes and platelets decreased significantly by 15.5, 22, 16.5, 35 and 32%, compared to control values, respectively; while haematocrit and haemoglobin levels increased significantly by 6.4 and 17.4%, respectively. In parallel, significant slowdown of the body weight evolution was observed in N. sativa treated animals comparatively to the animal control group. On the other hand, no mortality was noted for ten times the therapeutic dose in mice, during 15 days period after the oil administration (10 ml/kg p.o.). These results support the traditional use of N. sativa seeds as a treatment of the dyslipidemia and the hyperglycaemia, and related abnormalities...." PMID: 11744291 [PubMed - in process]

Research Paper 30
Hum Exp Toxicol. 2003 Apr;22(4):193-203.
Nigella sativa (black cumin) ameliorates potassium bromate-induced early events of carcinogenesis: diminution of oxidative stress.
Khan N, Sharma S, Sultana S.
Section of Chemoprevention and Nutrition Toxicology, Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110 062, India.
Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a potent nephrotoxic agent. In this paper, we report the chemopreventive effect of Nigella sativa (black cumin) on KBrO3-mediated renal oxidative stress, toxicity and tumor promotion response in rats. KBrO3 (125 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhances lipid peroxidation, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, hydrogen peroxide and xanthine oxidase with reduction in the activities of renal antioxidant enzymes and renal glutathione content. A marked increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine has also been observed. KBrO3 treatment also enhances ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and [3H] thymidine incorporation into renal DNA. Prophylaxis of rats orally with Nigella sativa extract (50 mg/kg body weight and 100 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in renal microsomal lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P < 0.001), H2O2 (P < 0.001) and xanthine oxidase (P < 0.05). There was significant recovery of renal glutathione content (P < 0.01) and antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.001). There was also reversal in the enhancement of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, renal ODC activity and DNA synthesis (P < 0.001). Data suggest that Nigella sativa is a potent chemopreventive agent and may suppress KBrO3-mediated renal oxidative stress, toxicity and tumour promotion response in rats.

Research Paper 31
Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1995 Jan;39(1):59-62 Related Articles, Books Post-coital contraceptive efficacy of the seeds of Nigella sativa in rats. Keshri G, Singh MM, Lakshmi V, Kamboj VP. Division of Endocrinology and Medicinal Chemistry, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.
"Hexane extract of the seeds of Nigella sativa L. prevented pregnancy in Sprague-Dawley rats treated orally at 2 g/kg daily dose on days 1-10 post-coitum. Significant antifertility activity was also observed in its column fractions and subfractions. At contraceptive dose, the active hexane extract exhibited only mild uterotrophic activity comparable almost to 0.002 mg/kg dose of 17 varies; is directly proportional to-Ethinylestradiol, but was devoid of any estrogenicity in the immature rat bioassay." PMID: 7705872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 32
Gen Pharmacol 1993 Sep;24(5):1123-31 Related Articles, Books
The cardiovascular actions of the volatile oil of the black seed (Nigella sativa) in rats: elucidation of the mechanism of action.
el Tahir KE, Ashour MM, al-Harbi MM. Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"1. The effects of the volatile oil (V.O.) of the black seed (Nigella sativa) on the arterial blood pressure and heart of urethane-anaesthetized rats were investigated and the effects were compared with those of its constituent thymoquinone (T.Q.). 2. Intravenous administration of V.O. in the dose range (4-32 microliters kg.-1) or T.Q. (0.2-1.6 mg kg-1) to rats decreased the arterial blood pressure and the heart rate in a dose-dependent manner. 3. The effects of V.O. were significantly antagonized by treatment of the animals with cyproheptadine, hexamethonium atropine and by spinal pithing. 4. Treatment of the animals with reserpine (5 mg kg- 1 day-1 for 2 days) significantly antagonized the cardiovascular depressant effects induced by 4 and 8 microliters of V.O. kg-1 but not those induced by the larger doses. 5. T.Q.-induced cardiovascular depressant effects were significantly antagonized by atropine and cyproheptadine but not by reserpine. 6. The results suggested that V.O.-induced cardiovascular depressant effects were mediated mainly centrally via indirect and direct mechanisms that involved both 5-hydroxytryptaminergic and muscarinic mechanisms. The direct mechanisms may be due to the presence of T.Q. in the V.O. The V.O. seemed to possess the potential of being a potent centrally acting antihypertensive agent." PMID: 8270171 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 33
Gen Pharmacol 1993 Sep;24(5):1115-22 Related Articles, Books
The respiratory effects of the volatile oil of the black seed (Nigella sativa) in guinea-pigs: elucidation of the mechanism(s) of action. el Tahir KE, Ashour MM, al-Harbi MM. Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"1. The effect of the volatile oil (VO) of the black seed (Nigella sativa) on the respiratory system of the urethane-anaesthetized guinea-pig was investigated and compared with those of its constituent thymoquinone (TQ). 2. Intravenous administration of VO in the dose range (4-32 microliters kg-1) induced dose-dependent increases in the respiratory rate and the intratracheal pressure. 3. The effects of VO were significantly antagonized by treatment of the animals with mepyramine, atropine and reserpine. They were not antagonized by indomethacin, diethyl carbamazine or hydrocortisone. 4. Intravenous administration of TQ in the dose range (1.6-6.4 mg kg-1) induced significant increases in the intratracheal pressure without any effect in the respiratory rate. 5. The results suggested that VO-induced respiratory effects were mediated via release of histamine with direct involvement of histaminergic mechanisms and indirect activation of muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms. 6. Removal of TQ from VO may provide a potential centrally acting respiratory stimulant." PMID: 8270170 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 34
Ann Allergy 1993 Mar;70(3):237-42 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Inhibition of histamine release from mast cells by nigellone.
Chakravarty N. Odense University, Denmark.
"Nigellone is the carbonyl polymer of thymoquinone, isolated from Nigella Sativa L. seeds. The polymer is far less toxic but retains much of the pharmacologic properties of thymoquinone, which is the active principle. Our investigations, carried out on rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro, show that nigellone in relatively low concentrations is very effective in inhibiting histamine release induced by the secretagogues: antigen in sensitized cells, compound 48/80, and the calcium ionophore A23187. The mechanism of action seems to be through decreasing intracellular calcium by inhibiting its uptake and stimulating the efflux, and by an inhibition on protein kinase C. There is also indication for a mild inhibition of oxidative energy metabolism contributing to some inhibition of the release." PMID: 7680846 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 35
Cancer Lett 1992 Mar 31;63(1):41-6 Related Articles, Books
Antitumour principles from Nigella sativa seeds.
Salomi NJ, Nair SC, Jayawardhanan KK, Varghese CD, Panikkar KR. Amala Cancer Research Centre, Kerala, India.
"The active principle of Nigella sativa seeds containing certain fatty acids was studied for antitumour activities against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), Dalton's lymphonia ascites (DLA) and Sarcoma-180 (S-180) cells. In vitro cytotoxic studies showed 50% cytotoxicity to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, Dalton's lymphoma ascites and Sarcoma-180 cells at a concentration of 1.5 micrograms, 3 micrograms and 1.5 micrograms respectively with little activity against lymphocytes. The cell growth of KB cells in culture was inhibited by the active principle while K-562 cells resumed near control values on day 2 and day 3. Tritiated thymidine incorporation studies indicated the possible action of an active principle at DNA level. In vivo EAC tumour development was completely inhibited by the active principle at the dose of 2 mg/mouse per day x 10." PMID: 1555206 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 36
Diabetes Res 1991 Dec;18(4):163-8 Related Articles, Books
The effect of a plants mixture extract on liver gluconeogenesis in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
al-Awadi F, Fatania H, Shamte U. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat.
"We have previously reported on plant mixture extract comprising of Nigella sativa, Myrrh, Gum Olibanum, Gum Asafoetida and Aloe to have a blood glucose lowering effect. The present study with streptozotocin diabetic rats is focussed on the mechanism of action, specifically on a) hepatic gluconeogenesis b) activity of key gluconeogenic enzymes, pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Similar studies using a biguanide, phenformin, have been conducted to compare the mode of action of these two compounds. The blood glucose levels (mean +/- SEM) before and after treatment with the plants extract were (16.7 +/- 1.7 mmol/L and 8.5 +/- 1.3 mmol/L) and with phenformin (15.1 +/- 1.3 mmol/L and 10.7 +/- 1.5 mmol/L). The rate of gluconeogenesis in isolated hepatocytes as well as activity of PC and PEPCK in liver homogenates is significantly lowered following treatment with the plants extract. Although phenformin also lowers blood glucose, it does not affect hepatic gluconeogenesis under stated experimental conditions. It is concluded that the anti-diabetic action of the plants extract may, at least partly, be mediated through decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis. The extract may prove to be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)." PMID: 1842751 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 37
J Ethnopharmacol 1991 Sep;34(2-3):275-8 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut Studies on the antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa seed (black cumin). Hanafy MS, Hatem ME. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
"Filter paper discs impregnated with the diethyl ether extract of Nigella sativa seeds (25-400 micrograms extract/disc) caused concentration-dependent inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria represented by Staphylococcus aureus. Gram-negative bacteria represented by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (but not Salmonella typhimurium) and a pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. The extract showed antibacterial synergism with streptomycin and gentamicin and showed additive antibacterial action with spectinomycin, erythromycin, tobramycin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, lincomycin and sulphamethoxyzole-trimethoprim combination. The extract successfully eradicated a non-fatal subcutaneous staphylococcal infection in mice when injected at the site of infection." PMID: 1795532 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 38
Pak Med Assoc 1991 Aug;41(8):185-7 Related Articles, Books
Field trial of Saussurea lappa roots against nematodes and Nigella sativa seeds against cestodes in children.
Akhtar MS, Riffat S. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
"Antinematodal efficacy of Saussurea lappa roots (Qust-e-Shereen) and anticestodal effect of Nigella sativa seeds (Kalonji) was studied in children infected naturally with the respective worms. The activities were judged on the basis of percentage reductions in the faecal eggs per gram (EPG) counts. The 50 mg/kg single dose of S. lappa and equivalent amount of its methanolic extract produced on days 7 and 15 percentage EPG reduction similar to 10 mg/kg of pyrantel pamoate. Similarly, single oral administration of 40 mg/kg of N. sativa, equivalent amount of its ethanolic extract and 50 mg/kg of niclosamide reduced the percentage of EPG counts not significantly different from each other on the days 7 and 15. Therefore, it is conceivable that these indigenous medicinal plants contain active principles effective against nematodes and cestodes. The crude drugs did not produce any adverse side effects in the doses tested." PMID: 1942479 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 39
J Ethnopharmacol 1991 Mar;31(3):283-9 Related Articles, Books
Possible hepatotoxicity of Nigella sativa seeds and Dregea volubilis leaves. Tennekoon KH, Jeevathayaparan S, Kurukulasooriya AP, Karunanayake EH. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
"Aqueous extracts of the seeds of Nigella sativa and mature leaves of Dregea volubilis were administered orally under light ether anaesthesia to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days. Key hepatic enzyme concentrations and histopathological changes in the liver in both treatment groups at the end of 14 days were compared with a control group which received distilled water under identical conditions for 30 days and with a group of normal animals. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase concentrations were significantly increased in both extract groups while serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations were significantly increased following administration of only D. volubilis when compared with either the control or the normal group. Serum alanine aminotransferase concentrations were significantly increased in both extract groups when compared with the normal group but not with the control group. Degenerative changes in hepatocytes were seen following administration of D. volubilis while consistent significant histopathological changes were not evident following administration of N. sativa." PMID: 1676078 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 40
Ethnopharmacol 1991 Jan;31(1):75-83 Related Articles, Books
Modulatory effects of Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa extracts on cisplatin-induced toxicity in mice. Nair SC, Salomi MJ, Panikkar B, Panikkar KR. Amala Cancer Research Centre, Kerala, India.
"In mice, an extract of Crocus sativus stigmas partially prevented the decreases in body weight, hemoglobin levels and leucocyte counts caused by 2 mg/kg of cisplatin i.p. for 5 days. Treatment with the C. sativus extract also significantly prolonged the life span of cisplatin-treated mice almost three-fold. In contrast, an extract of Nigella sativa seed only tended to protect from cisplatin-induced falls in hemoglobin levels and leucocyte counts." PMID: 2030595 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 41
Nutr Cancer 1991;16(1):67-72 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Inhibitory effects of Nigella sativa and saffron (Crocus sativus) on chemical carcinogenesis in mice. Salomi MJ, Nair SC, Panikkar KR. Amala Cancer Research Centre, Kerala, India.
"Topical application of Nigella sativa and Crocus sativus extracts (common food spices) inhibited two-stage initiation/promotion [dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/croton oil] skin carcinogenesis in mice. A dose of 100 mg/kg body wt of these extracts delayed the onset of papilloma formation and reduced the mean number of papillomas per mouse, respectively. The possibility that these extracts could inhibit the action of 20-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced soft tissue sarcomas was evaluated by studying the effect of these extracts on MCA-induced soft tissue sarcomas in albino mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Nigella sativa (100 mg/kg body wt) and oral administration of Crocus sativus (100 mg/kg body wt) 30 days after subcutaneous administration of MCA (745 nmol x 2 days) restricted tumor incidence to 33.3% and 10%, respectively, compared with 100% in MCA-treated controls." PMID: 1923908 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] J Ethnopharmacol 1980 Mar;2(1):19-22 Related Articles, Books Traditional medicine in health care. Sayed MD. "The state of research on plants used in traditional medicine and its development in Egypt is indicated by the number of scientific institutions devoted to this problem: Universities, the National Research Centre, the Desert Institute and the Horticulture Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. Moreover, the use of certain medicinal plants has been "industrialised', e.g., Ammi visnaga, Cymbopogon proximus, Nigella sativa and Aloe vera. Other plants are under investigation: Urginea maritima, Phytolacca americana and Euphorbia sp. (known for its claimed antitumour properties), Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cynara scolymus and Solanum laciniatum." PMID: 7464176 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 42
Allg Mikrobiol 1980;20(3):177-84 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Rhizosphere fungi of five plants in Egypt.
El-Hissy FT, Abdel-Hafez SI, Abdel-Kader MI.
"75 species which belong to 25 genera were collected during this investigation. All of these fungi were previously isolated from Egyptian soils and other sources. The total count and the number of genera and species in the rhizosphere soil of the 5 plants were regularly higher than in non-rhizosphere soil. The composition of the rhizosphere fungus flora was considerably influenced by the type and the age of the plant. The most prevalent fungi in the rhizosphere of the test plants after 45, 90, and 150 days were as follows: in Helianthus annuus, Stachybotrys atra and Aspergillus niger; in Chrysanthemum coronarium, Cladosporium herbarum, A. sydowii and Penicillium funiculosum; in Nigella sativa, Fusarium moniliforme and A. sydowii; in Datura innoxia, A. fumigatus and A. terreus; in Hyoscyamus muticus, C. herbarum and A. sydowii; and in soil, P. funiculosum, A. terreus and A. niger. The counts of total fungi and most of the common fungal species, except in the case of Datura innoxia, reached their maxima after 90 days and sharply declined after 150 days."
PMID: 7424047 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 43
Indian J Exp Biol 1979 Nov;17(11):1264-5 Related Articles, Books
Antimicrobial & anthelmintic activities of the essential oil of Nigella sativa Linn.
Agarwal R, Kharya MD, Shrivastava R.
PMID: 549848 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 44
Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss 1978;133(6):537-42 Related Articles, Books
Induced chromosomal aberrations in somatic cells of Nigella sativa L. by mitomycin C.
Kumar P, Nizam J.
"A cytological study was carried out on root tips of Nigella sativa L. by treatment with Mitomycin C at 0.001% for six time intervals (10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min). The chromosomal abnormalities were increasingly proportionate to the increase in time of treatment. The seedlings treated with a 0.001% concentration of Mitomycin C for 10 min. did not show any significant effect. At other time intervals, the effect was observed to be quite significant. Beyond 40 min. treatment almost all the cells would become sticky. Thirty minutes' treatment showed significant effect, inducing various types of chromosomal aberrations in the anaphase, such as bridges and fragments of 34.13% and 48.07%, respectively."
PMID: 735507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 45
Pharmazie 1975 Feb;30(2):109-11 Related Articles, Books
Isolation and structure assignment of an antimicrobial principle from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa L. seeds.
El-Fatatry HM.
"Refrigeration of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa L. seeds eventuates in a crystalline substance. The chemical structure of the compound was drawn from its chemical behaviour, as well as from its UV, IR, PMR and mass spectral data. The compound was found to be thymohydroquinone: confirmation of the structure was established via the preparation of its corresponding diacetate ester. The compound was found to have high antimicrobial effect against gram positive microorganisms."
PMID: 238225 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 46
Planta Med 1973 Dec;24(4):375-7 Related Articles, Books
Sterols in the seed oil of Nigella sativa.
Salama RB.
PMID: 4789560 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 47
Indian J Med Sci 1971 Aug;25(8):535-7 Related Articles, Books
Galactogogue action of Nigella sativa.
Agrawala IP, Achar MV, Tamankar BP.
PMID: 5167246 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 48
Arzneimittelforschung 1965 Oct;15(10):1227-9 Related Articles, Books
Studies on the Egyptian Nigella sativa L. IV. Some pharmacological properties of the seeds' active principle in comparison to its dihydro compound and its polymer.
el-Dakhakhny M.
PMID: 4380349 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 49
J Egypt Med Assoc 1965;48:Suppl:187-202 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
The antibacterial properties of the Nigella sativa l. seeds. Active principle with some clinical applications.
Toppozada HH, Mazloum HA, el-Dakhakhny M.
PMID: 5873673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 50
J Egypt Med Assoc 1965;48:Suppl:187-202 Related Articles, LinkOut
The antibacterial properties of the Nigella sativa l. seeds. Active principle with some clinical applications.
Toppozada HH, Mazloum HA, el-Dakhakhny M.
MeSH Terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*
Antibiotics/therapeutic use
Antibiotics/pharmacology*
Human
Oils, Volatile/pharmacology*
Otitis Externa/drug therapy
Plants, Medicinal*

Substances:
Oils, Volatile
Antibiotics
Anti-Infective Agents
PMID: 5873673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 51
Phytomedicine. 2002 Jan;9(1):69-74.
Acute and chronic toxicity of Nigella sativa fixed oil.
Zaoui A, Cherrah Y, Mahassini N, Alaoui K, Amarouch H, Hassar M.
Universite Hassan II, Faculte des Sciences, Departement de Biologie, Maarif, Morocco. zaouiazeddine@hotmail.com
We investigated the toxicity of the fixed oil of Nigella sativa L seeds in mice and rats through determination of LD50 values and examination of possible biochemical, hematological and histopathological changes. The acute toxicity of Nigella sativa fixed oil was investigated in mice. LD50 values, obtained by single doses, orally and intraperitoneally administered in mice, were 28.8 ml/kg body wt. p.o. [26.2-31.6] and 2.06 ml/kg body wt. i.p. [1.86-2.26], respectively. Chronic toxicity was studied in rats treated daily with an oral dose of 2 ml/kg body wt. for 12 weeks. Changes in key hepatic enzymes levels, including aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotranferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase and histopathological modifications (heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas) were not observed in rats treated with Nigella sativa after 12 weeks of treatment. The serum cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels and the count of leukocytes and platelets decreased significantly, compared to control values, while hematocrit and hemoglobin levels increased significantly. A slowing of body weight gain was also observed in Nigella sativa treated rats, as compared to control animals. The low toxicity of Nigella sativa fixed oil, evidenced by high LD50 values, key hepatic enzyme stability and organ integrity, suggests a wide margin of safety for therapeutic doses of Nigella sativa fixed oil, but the changes in hemoglobin metabolism and the fall in leukocyte and platelet count must be taken into consideration.
PMID: 11924767 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 52
J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jan;79(1):23-6.
Effects of Nigella sativa fixed oil on blood homeostasis in rat.
Zaoui A, Cherrah Y, Alaoui K, Mahassine N, Amarouch H, Hasar M.
Departement de Biologie, Faculte des Sciences, Universite Hassan II, Km 8, Route El Jadida, B.P. 5366, Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco.
We investigated the effects of the fixed oil of Nigella sativa seeds in rats by monitoring blood homeostasis and body weight as well as toxicity. Animals were treated daily with an oral dose of 1 ml/kg body weight of the N. sativa seed fixed oil for 12 weeks. Changes in key hepatic enzymes levels were not observed in N. sativa treated rats after 12 weeks of treatment. The serum cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels and the count of leukocytes and platelets decreased significantly by 15.5, 22, 16.5, 35 and 32%, compared to control values, respectively; while haematocrit and haemoglobin levels increased significantly by 6.4 and 17.4%, respectively. In parallel, significant slowdown of the body weight evolution was observed in N. sativa treated animals comparatively to the animal control group. On the other hand, no mortality was noted for ten times the therapeutic dose in mice, during 15 days period after the oil administration (10 ml/kg p.o.). These results support the traditional use of N. sativa seeds as a treatment of the dyslipidemia and the hyperglycaemia, and related abnormalities; however, indicate a relative toxicity of this plant. Acute and chronic toxicity, and the mode of the action of the N. sativa fixed oil must be studied.
PMID: 11744291 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 53
J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jan;79(1):1-11.
The effect of Nigella sativa oil against the liver damage induced by Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice.
Mahmoud MR, El-Abhar HS, Saleh S.
Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt.
It has been reported that Nigella sativa oil possesses anticestode and antinematode actions. Besides, it produced a hepatoprotective effect in some models of liver toxicity. Therefore, our aim in this work was to study the effect of the Nigella oil (N.O) on Schistosomiasis mansoni infected mice. The oil was given in two dose levels (2.5 and 5 ml/kg, orally for two weeks) either alone or in combination with praziquantel (PZQ), the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Three aspects of drug action were investigated, the effect on Schistosomiasis mansoni infection, the effect on liver functions, and on redox state. The parasitological investigation included worm distribution, oogram pattern and ova count. Furthermore, liver granuloma diameters were measured. The biochemical parameters were the serum level of L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), albumin (Alb) and total protein. Moreover, to assess the antioxidant capability of the Nigella oil, four parameters were studied, viz., liver lipid peroxide (LPD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and the activity of the defence enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). When the oil was given alone, it reduced the number of S. mansoni worms in the liver and decreased the total number of ova deposited in both the liver and the intestine. Furthermore, it increased the number of dead ova in the intestinal wall and reduced the granuloma diameters markedly. When N.O was administered in combination with PZQ, the most prominent effect was a further lowering in the dead ova number over that produced by PZQ alone. Concerning the biochemical parameters, infection of mice with S. mansoni produced a pronounced elevation in the serum activity of ALT, GGT, with a slight increase in AP level. However, it tended to reduce serum albumin level. These changes were accompanied with an alteration in the liver contents of LPD and GSH along with a significant decline in the activity of the cytosolic SOD and LDH. Administration of Nigella sativa oil succeeded partially to correct the previous changes in ALT, GGT, AP activity, as well as the Alb content in serum. However, it failed in the liver to restore either LPD and GSH content or LDH and SOD activities to normal level. These results suggest that Nigella sativa oil may play a role against the alterations caused by S. mansoni infection, an effect which may be induced partly by improving the immunological host system and to some extent with its antioxidant effect.
PMID: 11744288 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 54
Mutat Res. 2002 Apr 26;516(1-2):11-7.
Cytogenetic studies on Nigella sativa seeds extract and thymoquinone on mouse cells infected with schistosomiasis using karyotyping.
Aboul-Ela EI. epartment of Genetics and Cytology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. aboul_ela@hotmail.com
The protective effect of Nigella sativa seed extract and its main constituents thymoquinone (TQ) was studied on mouse cells infected with schistosomiasis. Bone marrow cells in the in vivo experiments and spleen cells in the in vitro one were used to evaluate the potentially protective effect of these natural compounds on the induction of chromosomal aberrations. Karyotyping of the mice cells illustrated that the main abnormalities were gaps, fragments and deletions especially in chromosomes 2, 6 and some in chromosomes 13 and 14. Both N. sativa extract and TQ were considered as protective agents against the chromosomal aberrations induced as a result of schistosomiasis.
PMID: 11943605 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Research Paper 55
Planta Med. 2002 May;68(5):465-6.
The hypoglycemic effect of Nigella sativa oil is mediated by extrapancreatic actions.
El-Dakhakhny M, Mady N, Lembert N, Ammon HP.
A plant mixture containing extracts of Nigella sativa possesses blood glucose lowering effects, but the direct antidiabetic effect of Nigella sativa is not yet established. Therefore, the effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on blood glucose concentrations was studied in streptozotocin diabetic rats. In addition, the effect of NSO, nigellone and thymoquinone were studied on insulin secretion of isolated rat pancreatic islets in the presence of 3, 5.6 or 11.1 mM glucose. NSO significantly lowered blood glucose concentrations in diabetic rats after 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The blood lowering effect of NSO was, however, not paralleled by a stimulation of insulin release in the presence of NSO, nigellone or thymoquinone. The data indicate that the hypoglycemic effect of NSO may be mediated by extrapancreatic actions rather than by stimulated insulin release.
PMID: 12058330 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 56
J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):161-4.
Nigella sativa oil, nigellone and derived thymoquinone inhibit synthesis of 5-lipoxygenase products in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from rats.
El-Dakhakhny M, Madi NJ, Lembert N, Ammon HP.
Department of Pharmacology, Alexandria Medical Faculty, Alexandria, Egypt.
In the present study, Nigella sativa oil (NSO), nigellone (polythymoquinone) and derived thymoquinone were studied to evaluate their effect on the formation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) products from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL).NSO produced a concentration dependent inhibition of 5-LO products and 5-hydroxy-eicosa-tetra-enoic acid (5-HETE) production with half maximal effects (IC(50)) at 25+/-1 micro g/ml, respectively 24+/-1 micro g/ml. Nigellone caused a concentration-related inhibition of 5-HETE production (IC(50): 11.9+/-0.3 micro g/ml). Moreover thymoquinone, the active principle of NSO inhibited the production of 5-LO products (IC(50): 0.26+/-0.02 micro g/ml) and 5-HETE production (IC(50): 0.36+/-0.02 micro g/ml) in a similar way. The effects are probably due to an antioxidative action. The data may in part explain the effect of the oil, its derived thymoquinone and nigellone in ameliorating inflammatory diseases.
PMID: 12065147 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 57
Nahrung. 2002 Aug;46(4):240-4.
Characterization of phospholipid composition of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed oil.
Ramadan MF, Morsel JT.
Institute of Food Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, TIB 4/3-1, D-13355 Berlin, Germany. fawz1530@mailszrz.zrz.tu-berlin.de
Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed oil was extracted with two different solvents, n-hexane (H) and a mixture of chloroform/methanol (CM) (2:1, by volume). Amount of total lipid (TL) was higher in the CM miscelle (39.2% of seed fresh weight) than in the H extract (37.9%). Chemical characteristics as well as fatty acid profile of the TL extracts were compared and the analysis revealed that the major fatty acid was linoleic acid C18:2n-6 (ca. 57% of total fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)) followed by oleic acid C18:1n-9. Palmitic acid C16:0 was the major saturated fatty acid and detected in appreciable level. Chromatography on a silica column with solvent of increasing polarity yielded 96.1-97.2% neutral lipids (NL) and ca. 3% of polar lipids. Gas liquid chromatography with flame ionization detector (GLC/FID) showed that the major fatty acid present in all lipid classes was C18:2n-6 followed by C18:1n-9 and C16:0 acids, respectively. Phospholipid (PL) classes were separated via normal-phase HPLC. Separation was achieved on a silica column by gradient elution from isooctane/2-propanol (6:8, by volume) to isooctane/2-propanol/water (6:8:0.6, by volume) lasting 35 min with UV detection at 205 nm. The major individual PL classes were found to be phosphatidylcholine (PC; ca. 46-48% of total PL) followed by phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), respectively. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were isolated in smaller quantities. The level of saturated fatty acids, namely palmitic C16:0 and stearic C18:0 acids, was considerably higher in PL classes than in the corresponding triacylglycerols. Characterization of PL profile from Nigella sativa L. seed oil as well as the development of new source of PL was the primary aim of this study.
PMID: 12224418 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 58
J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2002 Sep;21(3):341-6.
Inhibition of methylnitrosourea (MNU) induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis by orally administered bee honey and Nigella grains in Sprague Dawely rats.
Mabrouk GM, Moselhy SS, Zohny SF, Ali EM, Helal TE, Amin AA, Khalifa AA.
Oncology Diagnostic Unit, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.
We studied the protective effect of bee honey and Nigella grains as nutraceuticals on the oxidative stress and carcinogenesis induced by methylnitrosourea (MNU) in Sprague Dawely rats. Four groups of animals were used and fed ad-libitum. The first group was a control (n=8), the second (n=8), the third (n=15) and the fourth groups (n=12) were injected MNU (single i.v. dose 50 mg/kg body weight). After one week the third and fourth groups were given orally 0.2 g ground Nigella grains and 0.2 g Nigella with 5 g honey/rat/day, respectively. After six months all animals were sacrificed except two from the second group (MNU-injected rats) that died one-week before the end of the experiment. We observed that MNU injected in the second group produced a variety of oxidative stresses ranging from severe inflammatory reaction in lung and skin to colon adenocarcinoma in four out of six animals. There was an associated elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in sera obtained from animals of this group compared to the control one. Nigella sativa grains given orally protected against MNU-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis by 80% (12/15) and combated this effect by lowering MDA and NO. Whereas honey from bees and Nigella sativa together protected 100% (12/12) against MNU-induced oxidative stress, carcinogenesis and abolished the NO and MDA elevations shown in sera of animals who did not receive these nutrients. These results showed that supplementation of diet with honey and Nigella sativa has a protective effect against MNU-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and carcinogenesis.
PMID: 12385575 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 59
Biol Trace Elem Res. 2002 Oct;89(1):65-73.
Serum trace elements status of rabbits supplemented with Nigella sativa, vitamins C and E, and selenium against damage by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.
Gunduz H, Dede S, Agaoglu ZT, Atasoy N, Mert N.
School of Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Yuzuncu Yil, Van, Turkey.
In this study, we investigated the effects of Nigella sativa, vitamins C and E, and selenium on the levels of trace elements in the serum of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-injected rabbits. The rabbits were separated into one control and three experimental groups, each consisting of eight rabbits. MNNG was administered to all rabbits at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Group A received a suspension of N. sativa, group B received a combination of vitamins C and E and selenium, and group C received MNNG without any additional treatment. Group D did not receive any treatment and acted as control. The concentrations of serum zinc, copper, and iron were determined for groups A, B, C, and D. The zinc levels were 155.3+/-25.8, 304.7+/-14.22, 117.2+/-27.9, and 87.0+/-8 ng/dL for groups A-D, respectively; copper was measured at 234.8+/-31.9, 214.3+/-14.2, 196.5+/-19.3, and 359.2+/-19.9 ng/dL and iron levels were 276.3+/-10.71, 260.8+/-7.15, 211.2+/-13.47, and 223.4+/-9.5 ng/dL, in the stated group order. There were statistically significant differences between groups (p<0.05). The results obtained in this work may be of use for monitoring and preventing the nocive effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and similar carcinogens.
PMID: 12413052 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Research Paper 60
Res Vet Sci. 2002 Dec;73(3):279-82.
Isulinotropic properties of Nigella sativa oil in Streptozotocin plus Nicotinamide diabetic hamster.
Fararh KM, Atoji Y, Shimizu Y, Takewaki T.
Department of Physiology and Pathogenetic Veterinary Sciences, The United Graduate School, Gifu University, Japan.
The present study was designed to investigate the possible insulinotropic properties of Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa) oil in Streptozotocin plus Nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus in hamsters. Nicotinamide was injected intraperitoneally 15min before injection of Streptozotocin intravenously. Oral treatment with N. sativa oil began 4 weeks after induction of diabetes. Serum insulin was measured by enzymeimmunoassay. Islets insulin was stained using anti-insulin monoclonal antibody. Significant decrease in blood glucose level together with significant increase in serum insulin level were observed after treatment with N. sativa oil for 4 weeks. Big areas with positive immuno-reactivity for the presence of insulin were observed in the pancreases from N. sativa oil-treated group compared to non-treated one using immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, our data show that the hypoglycemic effect of N. sativa oil in Streptozotocin plus Nicotinamide diabetic hamsters resulted, at least partly, from a stimulatory effect on beta cell function with consequent increase in serum insulin level. These results indicate that N. sativa oil has insulinotropic properties in type 2-like model.
PMID: 12443686 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

Research Paper 61
Phytother Res 2000 Aug;14(5):323-8 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa essential oil.
Burits M, Bucar F. Institute of Pharmacognosy, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Austria.
"The essential oil of black cumin seeds, Nigella sativa L., was tested for a possible antioxidant activity. A rapid evaluation for antioxidants, using two TLC screening methods, showed that thymoquinone and the components carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol demonstrated respectable radical scavenging property. These four constituents and the essential oil possessed variable antioxidant activity when tested in the diphenylpicrylhydracyl assay for non-specific hydrogen atom or electron donating activity. They were also effective.OH radical scavenging agents in the assay for non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liposomes and the deoxyribose degradation assay. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil obtained from six different samples of Nigella sativa seeds and from a commercial fixed oil showed that the qualitative composition of the volatile compounds was almost identical. Differences were mainly restricted to the quantitative composition. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd."
PMID: 10925395 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 62
Biol Pharm Bull 2001 Mar;24(3):307-10 Related Articles, Books
Hematological studies on black cumin oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa L. Enomoto S, Asano R, Iwahori Y, Narui T, Okada Y, Singab AN, Okuyama T. Department of Natural Medicine and Phytochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan.
"The methanol soluble portion of black cumin oil, which is prepared by compression of seeds of Nigella sativa L., showed inhibitory effects on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. By bioactive assay of AA-induced platelet aggregation, the methanol soluble part was purified to isolate a new compound 2-(2-methoxypropyl)-5-methyl-1,4-benzenediol (1) and two known compounds, thymol (2), carvacrol (3), having very strong inhibitory activity. Further, we then examined the isolated compounds (1-3) and eight related compounds by the screening test for AA-induced platelet aggregation. Compounds possessing aromatic hydroxyl and acetoxyl group had more potent activity than aspirin, which is well known as a remedy for thrombosis." PMID: 11256491 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 63
Biomed Sci Instrum. 2003;39:365-70.
Delayed apoptosis upon the treatment of Hep-2 cells with black seed.
Corder C, Benghuzzi H, Tucci M, Cason Z.
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
Nigella sativa (Black seed, BS) has been used to promote health and fight disease for centuries. The objectives of this investigation were: (1) to study whether agents such as cortisol and LPS alone or in combination induce cellular (Hep-2, laryngeal carcinoma) damage with time in culture (24, 48, and 72 hours) using apoptosis as a marker, (2) to determine if an immune stimulant such as BS, can protect Hep-2 cells from insult and ultimately thwart the programmed cells death mechanism. A total of 54 Hep-2 cell/tubes (50,000 cells per tube) were divided into six equal groups. Group one served as untreated control, while groups 2-6 were treated with either cortisol (10 ng/ml), LPS (10 micrograms/ml), BS (25 micrograms/ml), or a combination of LPS and cortisol and cortisol plus LPS plus BS, respectively. At the end of each phase the cells were harvested, heat fixed and stained with H&E to evaluate morphological changes. Immunohistochemistry, using antibodies against caspace-3 to evaluate cells undergoing apoptosis was conducted in all groups. The results of this study showed evidence of cells undergoing apoptosis at different magnitudes in all groups. However, the most dramatic change was seen in groups containing cortisol and LPS alone or in combination. This was supported by the fact that there were several adaptive responses observed in all phases. In addition, the exposure of BS to cells pretreated with cortisol and LPS showed evidence of protection against the progressive apoptosis.
PMID: 12724921 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 64
Biomed Sci Instrum. 2003;39:371-6.
The role of black seed in the proliferation and biochemical marker levels of Hep-2 cells.
Hansen JT, Benghuzzi H, Tucci M, Cason Z.
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
For centuries, people in the Middle East and Southeast Asia have used Nigella sativa, also known as black seed (BS), for its homeopathic effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the role BS might have on the metabolic biomarkers of the Hep-2 cell line. The experimental design entailed six groups of five wells each (50,000 cells). Groups II through VI were treated with BS, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cortisol, LPS + cortisol, and BS + LPS + cortisol, respectively. Group I was the untreated control group. At the end of 24, 48, and 72 hours, the total cell count, protein and MDA levels were measured by following standard lab protocols. Data collected from this study revealed that Hep-2 cells exposed to LPS and cortisol (group V) resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation compared to the control. BS treatment induced a higher proliferation rate than group V. Similar trends were observed in the metabolic behavior of Hep-2 cells as evidenced by the total protein and MDA levels. The exposure of BS showed a shift in the metabolic pathways. In conclusion, this study showed that exposure to LPS resulted in an alteration in the metabolic function and this phenomenon was further escalated under stressful conditions (increased cortisol exposure). In addition, the use of BS reversed the traumatic condition.
PMID: 12724922 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 65
Phytother Res. 2003 Feb;17(2):183-6.
The in vivo antifungal activity of the aqueous extract from Nigella sativa seeds.
Khan MA, Ashfaq MK, Zuberi HS, Mahmood MS, Gilani AH.
Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi-74800, Pakistan.
The effect of an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds was studied on candidiasis in mice. An intravenous inoculum of Candida albicans produced colonies of the organism in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Treatment of mice with the plant extract (6.6 mL/kg equivalent to 5 mg of estimated protein, once daily for 3 days) 24 h after the inoculation caused a considerable inhibitory effect on the growth of the organism in all organs studied. A 5-fold decrease in Candida in kidneys, 8-fold in liver and 11-fold in spleen was observed in the groups of animals post-treated with the plant extract. Histopathological examination of the respective organs confirmed these findings. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds exhibits inhibitory effect against candidiasis and this study validates the traditional use of the plant in fungal infections. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 12601685 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 66
J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Feb;84(2-3):251-8.
Gastroprotective activity of Nigella sativa oil and its constituent, thymoquinone, against gastric mucosal injury induced by ischaemia/reperfusion in rats.
El-Abhar HS, Abdallah DM, Saleh S.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kaser El-Aini Street, 11562 Cairo, Egypt.
Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced gastric lesion, is known to be linked with free radical (FR) formation. Therefore, this model was used to assess the antioxidant effects of Nigella sativa oil (N.O) and thymoquinone (TQ) on gastric mucosal redox state and gastric lesions, 1 and 24 h after reperfusion. Male Wistar rats were subjected to I/R and were injected with either N.O (2.5 and 5 ml/kg, p.o) or TQ (5, 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o). The results showed that I/R elevated the levels of lipid peroxide (LPX) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), while decreased those of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These biochemical changes were accompanied by an increase in the formation of gastric lesions, which was reduced by either treatment. N.O tended to normalize the level of LDH, GSH and SOD. However, its effect to restore LPX was only seen 24 h after reperfusion. Moreover, the aforementioned parameters were nearly reinstated by TQ. On the other hand, high doses of TQ (50 and 100 mg/kg) severely reduced the GSH content, 1 h after reperfusion. These results indicate that both N.O and TQ possess gastroprotective effect against gastric lesions which may be related to the conservation of the gastric mucosal redox state. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
PMID: 12648823 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 67
Mol Cell Biochem. 2003 Mar;245(1-2):127-39.
Intracellular glutathione depletion and reactive oxygen species generation are important in alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis of P388 cells.
Swamy SM, Huat BT.
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
alpha-Hederin, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin isolated from the seeds of Nigella sativa, was recently reported to have potent in vivo antitumor activity against LL/2 (Lewis Lung carcinoma) in BDF1 mice. In this study we observed that alpha-hederin caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in apoptosis of murine leukemia P388 cells. In order to evaluate the possible mechanisms for apoptosis, the effects of alpha-hederin on intracellular thiol concentration, including reduced glutathione (GSH), and protein thiols, and the effects of pretreatment with N-acetlycysteine (NAC), a precursor of intracellular GSH synthesis, or buthionine sulfoxime (BSO), a specific inhibitor of intracellular GSH synthesis, on alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis were investigated. It was found that alpha-hederin rapidly depleted intracellular GSH and protein thiols prior to the occurrence of apoptosis. NAC significantly alleviated alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis, while BSO augmented alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis significantly. The depletion of cellular thiols observed after alpha-hederin treatment caused disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)) and subsequently increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in P388 cells at an early time point. Bongkrekic acid (BA), a ligand of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator, and cyclosporin (CsA) attenuated the alpha-hederin-induced loss of deltapsi(m), and ROS production. Thus, oxidative stress after alpha-hederin treatment is an important event in alpha-hederin-induced apoptosis. As observed in this study, permeability transition of mitochondrial membrane occurs after depletion of GSH and precedes a state of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Further, we observed that alpha-hederin caused the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytosol, leading to caspase-3 activation. Our findings thus demonstrate that changes in intracellular thiols and redox status leading to perturbance of mitochondrial functions are important components in the mechanism of alpha-hederin-induced cell death.
PMID: 12708752 [PubMed - in process]

Research Paper 68
J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Mar;85(1):7-14.
Effect of Nigella sativa on blood hemostatic function in rats.
Al-Jishi SA, Abuo Hozaifa B.
Department of Physiology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 2114, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia.
Nigella sativa (NS) is consumed excessively in Saudi Arabia and Gulf Countries but few studies were conducted on its effects on hemostasis. The effects of NS on blood coagulation and some liver function tests of normal adult male albino rats were investigated. Equivalent (180mg NS/kg rat/day), half, double, and triple doses of NS powdered seeds incorporated in a flour dough were administered for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Controls received plain flour dough. At the end of each feeding period, platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), levels of fibrinogen, antithrombin III (AT III), and albumin, and activity levels aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were determined. As compared to the control, the equivalent dose of NS induced significant hyperfibrinogenemia (14%) after 4 weeks while the double dose induced significant transient PT prolongation (7.8%) and TT reduction (13%) after 2 weeks and the triple dose induced significant transient APTT reduction (16%), and TT reduction (13%) after 1 week. There was an increase in the albumin level and ALT activity paralleling that of fibrinogen. No changes were noticed in platelet count, AT III level, and AST activity. In conclusion, NS within the doses used seems to induce transient changes in the coagulation activity of rats.
PMID: 12576196 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Research Paper 69
Phytother Res. 2003 Apr;17(4):299-305.
Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa.
Ali BH, Blunden G.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, King Saud University, Buraydah, Al Gaseem 81999, Saudi Arabia.
The seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black seed or black cumin, are used in folk (herbal) medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases and conditions that include asthma, diarrhoea and dyslipidaemia. This article reviews the main reports of the pharmacological and toxicological properties of N. sativa and its constituents. The seeds contain both fi xed and essential oils, proteins, alkaloids and saponin. Much of the biological activity of the seeds has been shown to be due to thymoquinone, the major component of the essential oil, but which is also present in the fi xed oil. The pharmacological actions of the crude extracts of the seeds (and some of its active constituents, e.g. volatile oil and thymoquinone) that have been reported include protection against nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by either disease or chemicals. The seeds/oil have antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial and antineoplastic activity. The oil decreases blood pressure and increases respiration. Treatment of rats with the seed extract for up to 12 weeks has been reported to induce changes in the haemogram that include an increase in both the packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb), and a decrease in plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. The seeds are characterized by a very low degree of toxicity. Two cases of contact dermatitis in two individuals have been reported following topical use. Administration of either the seed extract or its oil has been shown not to induce significant adverse effects on liver or kidney functions. It would appear that the beneficial effects of the use of the seeds and thymoquinone might be related to their cytoprotective and antioxidant actions, and to their effect on some mediators of inflammation.Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID: 12722128 [PubMed - in process]

Research Paper 70
Transfus Apheresis Sci. 2003 Aug;29(1):85-91.
Membrane differential filtration is safe and effective for the long-term treatment of Refsum syndrome--an update of treatment modalities and pathophysiological cognition.
Straube R, Gackler D, Thiele A, Muselmann L, Kingreen H, Klingel R.
Department of Nephrology/Dialysis, General Hospital, Center for Nephrology and Extracorporal Therapy Bochum and Rosenheim, Apheresis Research Institute Cologne, Ludenscheid/University of Bonn, Paulmannshoher Strasse 14, 58515, Ludenscheid, Germany
Refsum's disease is a complex and difficult to diagnose storage disease caused by complex autosomal recessive peroxisomal disorder in which mutations of phytanolyl/pristanoyl-CoA-hydroxilase are the main cause. Poorly metabolised phytanic acid (PA), pristanic acid (PrA) and picolenic acid (PiA) accumulates in fatty tissues, myelin sheaths, heart, kidneys and retina, leading to retinitis pigmentosa, peripheral dissociative polyneuropathy, cerebellar ataxia ("sailors" walk), renal, cardiac and liver impairment. 65% of plasma PA and PrA is localized within VLDL, LDL and HDL lipoprotein particles. Dietatry restriction of PA is mostly not sufficient to prevent acute attacks and stabilize the progressive course. LDL and VLDL bound PA/PrA can be effectively eliminated from plasma with extracorporal LDL-apheresis using membrane differential filtration. Mostly additive malnutrition will become worse the clinical picture. Latest experience with black cumin oil (nigella sativa) in a dose of 3 g/day shows a support and a regression of some malnutrition effects in PA restricted dietary and a supportive effect to MDF.
PMID: 12877898 [PubMed - in process]

Research Paper 71
Imunopharmacology 1995 Aug;30(2):147-55 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut Nigella sativa: effect on human lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic activity.
Haq A, Abdullatif M, Lobo PI, Khabar KS, Sheth KV, al-Sedairy ST. Department of Biological and Medical Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"The effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seeds and their soluble fractions were studied in vitro on lymphocyte response to different mitogens and on polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic activity. No stimulatory effect of N. sativa was detected on lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin-A or pokeweed mitogen. A stimulatory effect of N. sativa was noticed on the lymphocyte response to pooled allogeneic cells. This effect was more pronounced when the low molecular weight (< 10 kDa) fraction was used and varied from one normal individual to another (25% to 825%). N. sativa enhanced the production of interleukin-3 by human lymphocytes when cultured with pooled allogeneic cells or without any added stimulator. N. sativa did not, however, enhance or suppress interleukin-2 secretion by mitogen activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Interestingly, N. sativa increased interleukin-1 beta, suggesting therefore, that it has an effect on macrophages. It also suppressed the leukocyte chemiluminescence activity using phorbol myristate acetate and Zymosan as stimulants. No effect of N. sativa or its fractions was, however, noticed on bacterial phagocytosis or killing when Staphylococcus aureus was used, indicating that the decrease in chemiluminescence activity in the presence of N. sativa is not relevant to the bactericidal activity." PMID: 8530256 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

I am an asthmatic, but thankfully I dont suffer with attacks (used to as a child) and I find
that since taking the oil, if I get a cold, it is quickly dispelled - normally it would settle on my
chset and before long, I'd end up with a chest
infection but not now.

A few months ago I suffered a gum infection and abcess (extremely painful) and in
the end I was given 3 sets of antibiotics to get rid of it, because I ended up being
allergic to the first one. After the gum infection and abcess had cleared, I was left with
very little