MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK CUMMIN) SEED EXTRACT: A REVIEW

Abstract

There is now growing attention in the use of natural product in the treatment of many diseases
both acquired and congenital. Nigella Sativa L. (N. sativa) is a family member of the
Ranunculaceae. It is an erect plant that is grown annually in the Mediterranean countries and
some North African countries. It is also cultivated in countries like Malaysia, Iran, India and
China. N. sativa has been in use as traditional medicinal plant for thousands of years. It was
used as remedy for several diseases over two thousand years ago. But recently researchers have
shown that extract of the seeds of N sativa and its oil are of pharmacological benefits, such as
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, it is also beneficial as antihypertensive,
hypoglycaemic, antihistamine, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelminthic and also anti-tumour
remedy. In conclusion this review indicates that the benefit of Nigella sativa (black cumin)
seed extract can be used as a neuro-protective agent in both human and animal.