Abstract

NIGELLA SATIVA – AN ETHNOMEDICAL REVIEW

Ajith N. P.*, P. Muthusamy and R. Radha

Abstract

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) commonly known as black seed, have been used for thousands of years as a spice and food preservative, as well as a protective and curative remedy for several disorders. Traditionally, there is a common Islamic belief that blackseed is a universal remedy for all ailments, but cannot prevent aging or death. Blackseed is also known as the curative black cumin in the Holy Bible and is described as Melanthion by Hippocrates and Dioscorides and as Gith by Pliny. During the last two decades, many studies have been conducted, on the effect of N. sativa seed extracts on various body systems in vitro or in vivo. Seed extracts reveal a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including immunopotentiation and antihistaminic, antidiabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Many of these activities have been due to the quinone constituents of the seed.[1]

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