Anticancer activities of Nigella sativa (Black Cumin)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

Nigella sativa has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. The crude oil and thymoquinone (TQ) extracted from its seeds and oil are effective against many diseases like cancer, cardiovascular complications, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease etc. It is effective against cancer in blood system, lung, kidney, liver, prostate, breast, cervix, skin with much safety. The molecular mechanisms behind its anticancer role is still not clearly understood, however, some studies showed that TQ has antioxidant role and improves body's defense system, induces apoptosis and controls Akt pathway. Although the anti-cancer activity of N. sativa components was recognized thousands of years ago but proper scientific research with this important traditional medicine is a history of last 2~3 decades. There are not so many research works done with this important traditional medicine and very few reports exist in the scientific database. In this article, we have summarized the actions of TQ and crude oil of N. sativa against different cancers with their molecular mechanisms. © African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.

Publication Title

African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines

Volume

8

Issue

5 SUPPL.

First Page

226

Last Page

232

Comments

This article was published in African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Volume 8, Issue 5 SUPPL., Pages 226-232.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.10.

Copyright © 2011 AJO.

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