Abstract

EXTRACTION AND CHEMICAL TESTS ON NIGELLA SATIVA L. COLLECTED FROM VIDARBHA REGION OF INDIA

Devender Sharma*, Kajal V. Kosankar and Ameya M. Lanjewar

Abstract

Nigella sativa Linn (family- Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant; especially in India this plant is largely used and popular in various Indigenous System of Medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Tibb. Nigella sativa is a wonder and very useful plant which has the potential to cure almost all diseases except death. The medicinal value of the plant has been reported quite long ago and finds its place in Holy Quran. Nigella seed oil is becoming popular in and out of the Islamic world. Composition Nigella Sativa of Family Ranunculaceae contains chemical components like Thymoquinone, alpha hederin which are anticancer in nature. Seeds of Nigella sativa L. (black cumin or black seeds) are widely used in traditional Islamic medicine and for culinary purposes worldwide. So in this article emphasis on the different solvent extraction and its chemical tests have been shown from the seeds collected from Chandrapur, i.e. Vidarbha region of India. The seeds of this medicinal plant are used as astringent, stimulant diuretic and anthelmintic. These are also useful in jaundice, intermittent fever, paralysis and piles.

Keywords: Nigella sativa, Medicinal plant, Thymoquinone, Anticancer, Seeds.