@article {2505, title = {Phytochemical Analysis and Pro-Melanogenic Activity of Nigella sativa Extract in B16F10 Cells: A Natural Candidate for Vitiligo Treatment}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {307-313}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {307}, abstract = {

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic depigmentation disorder caused by the selective destruction of melanocytes, with limited effective treatment options, particularly in resource-limited regions. Nigella sativa (black cumin seed, BCS) has traditionally been used for various skin ailments, including pigmentation disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the pro-melanogenic activity of a 96\% ethanol extract of Indonesian BCS (EE BCS) in B16F10 cells. Methods: Phytochemical profiling was performed using gas chromatography{\textendash}mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and thymoquinone (TQ) content was quantified by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cell viability (MTT assay), tyrosinase activity (L-DOPA assay), and melanin content were measured. Results: GC-MS identified 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (E,E) as the predominant compound (45.88\%), while HPLC confirmed a relatively low TQ concentration (0.04\%). EE BCS maintained \>90\% cell viability at concentrations up to 12.50 ppm and exhibited an IC50 of 56.41 ppm. Tyrosinase activity significantly increased at 6.25 ppm (136.40\%; p \< 0.05) and 12.50 ppm (228.10\%; p \< 0.01), accompanied by a significant elevation in melanin content (226.00\%; p \< 0.05 and 266.90\%; p \< 0.01 respectively). Conclusion: EE BCS can effectively promote melanogenesis, despite containing low levels of thymoquinone, potentially through synergistic actions of its phytochemical constituents. Given its region-specific phytochemical richness, Indonesian N. sativa extract holds promise as a natural therapeutic candidate for vitiligo. Further in-vivo and clinical validation is warranted.

}, keywords = {B16F10, Melanogenesis, Nigella sativa, Thymoquinone, Tyrosinase, Vitiligo}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.39}, author = {Dian Pratiwi and Silmi Mariya and Raendi Rayendra and Agus Setiyono} } @article {2501, title = {Synthesis and Characterization of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles using Medicinally important Nigella sativa L. (black Cumin) and their Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and DNA Cleavage Potentials}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {282-288}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {282}, abstract = {

Introduction: The application of nanotechnology in herbal medicine offers promising prospects for drug delivery by enabling targeted, controlled, and efficient delivery of medicinal ingredients, potentially minimizing side effects and improving treatment outcomes. Nigella sativa L. (black Cumin) seed infusions are useful in Asian and African ethnomedicines in remedying stress and inflammatory-related ailments. Objective: On this premise, black Cumin-based silver nanoparticles (BC-Ag NP) were developed and evaluated for their biological potential. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green synthesized using the seed aqueous extract of black cumin (BC). The BC-AgNPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), highresolution transmission electron microscopy analysis (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biological potential of the NPs was based on NO, H2O2, {\textbullet}OH, and O2 {\textbullet}{\textendash} radical scavenging antioxidant, egg albumin denaturation (anti-inflammatory), and DNA cleavage assay methods. Results: The SEM and FESEM revealed spherical-to-cubical-shaped ultrafine BC-Ag NPs with a size of less than 100 nm. The HR-TEM micrograph confirmed each NP to be spherical in shape and within the 10-50 nm range. The X-ray diffractogram showed the crystallinity of the NPs with a sharp peak at 38.12{\textdegree} [reflection index (111)] at an average size of 47 nm. The transformation of metallic silver into elemental silver was validated by EDX analysis, with 97.58\% elemental Ag at ~3 keV acute curve. The BC-Ag NPs showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with IC50 of 87.56 {\textpm} 1.54 and 110.5 {\textpm} 2.27 μg/mL against H2O2 and O2 ._ free radicals, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the NPs was one-third the potency of Diclofenac sodium (standard drug) at IC50 of 103.44 {\textpm} 5.35 μg/mL. Finally, the BC-Ag NPs acted as chemical nucleases to cleave DNA at a 20 mg/mL concentration for 120 minutes. Conclusion: This study has shown that AgNPs biosynthesized with black Cumin seed extract possess notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA cleavage properties and, thus, may be a useful nanomaterial for efficient pharmaceutical delivery.

}, keywords = {Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, DNA cleavage, Nigella sativa, Silver nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.35}, author = {Ayodeji O. Oriola and Pallab Kar and Adebola O. Oyedeji} } @article {2372, title = {The Effects of Increasing Doses of Nigella Sativa and Conjugated Estrogen on Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase (B-ALP), Procollagen Type 1 N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP), Carboxy Terminal Crosslinked Telopeptide of Type 1 Collagen (CTX-1), and Osteoprotege}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, pages = {1-5}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

Introduction: Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. Hormone therapy for post-menopausal osteoporosis has side effects, prompting the development of Nigella sativa (black cumin) as an alternative treatment. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of administering Nigella sativa and conjugated estrogen as osteoporosis therapy in rats treated with bilateral oophorectomy, which have been verified as having osteoporosis based on bone biomarkers. Materials and Methods: This study involved 72 female Wistar rats divided into six groups: K+ (positive control), K- (negative control), P1 (receiving conjugated estrogen), P2 (receiving 100 mg/kg BW of Nigella sativa), P3 (receiving 200 mg/kg BW of Nigella sativa, and P4 (receiving 400 mg/kg BW of Nigella sativa. After inducing post-menopausal osteoporosis through bilateral oophorectomy, the treatment groups received therapy for 28 days. Bone biomarkers such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), procollagen type 1 n-terminal propeptide (P1NP), carboxy-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured using ELISA. Results: The 400 mg/kg BW administration of Nigella sativa significantly increased bALP and P1NP levels, indicating higher osteoblast activity. At the same dose, Nigella sativa also increased OPG levels, suppressing osteoclastogenesis in bone resorption. However, 100-400 mg/kg BW/day of Nigella sativa did not reduce CTX-1 levels, nor did it inhibit osteoclasts in bone resorption. Estrogen conjugation also increased OPG levels but did not significantly affect bALP and P1NP levels. Conclusion: Nigella sativa at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW significantly increases osteoblast activity and OPG levels. Estrogen conjugation increases OPG levels but does not affect bALP and P1NP. Nigella sativa can potentially serve as an effective alternative therapy for osteoporosis through a mechanism different from conjugated estrogen.

}, keywords = {B-ALP, Bone biomarkers, Estrogen conjugation, Nigella sativa, Osteoporosis rats}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2024.16.175}, author = {Herpramanto Dwi Susetyo and Sri Ratna Dwiningsih and Widjiati and I Wayan Arsana} } @article {2143, title = {Cardioprotective Effects of Thymoquinone on Myocardial Fibrosis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {October 2023}, pages = {924-927}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {924}, abstract = {

Introduction: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the active ingredients in herbal plants such as Nigella sativa which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties thus may inhibits cardiac fibrosis formation. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Thymoquinone as a cardioprotective agent in suppressing the extent of fibrosis in Wistar rats induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: This post-test only control study used 30 Wistar rats which were divided into 5 groups: saline, LPS-induced cardiac fibrosis, LPS-induced cardiac fibrosis treated with TQ 10 mg/mL, LPS-induced cardiac fibrosis treated with TQ 20 mg/mL, and LPS-induced cardiac fibrosis treated with TQ 40 mg/mL. Serum IL-6, GSH, and cTnT levels were measured using ELISA, and Mason{\textquoteright}s trichrome staining was used to assess myocardial fibrosis. Results: The LPS10+TQ20 and LPS10+TQ40 groups exhibited significantly lower levels of IL-6 compared to the LPS10+TQ10 group (p \< 0.05). GSH levels did not show a significant decrease in the TQ groups across different doses (p=0.771). The TQ-treated group demonstrated lower cTnT levels compared to the LPS-only group (p\<0.05). Thymoquinone treatment resulted in reduced fibrosis area compared to the LPS10 group (p\<0.05). Conclusions: TQ has a promising cardioprotective effect on the formation of cardiac fibrosis in Wistar rats induced with LPS.

}, keywords = {Cardiac Fibrosis, Lipopolysaccharide, Nigella sativa, Oxidative stress.}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.176}, author = {Saugi Abduh and Purwanto Bambang and Dirgahayu Paramasari and Soetrisno} } @article {1205, title = {Anti-inflammatory Activity of Nigella sativa oil Mediated Silver Nanoparticles}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {August 2020}, pages = {1086-1092}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {1086}, abstract = {

Aim: The aim of the study was to employ Nigella sativa oil in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of the Nigella sativa oil mediated silver nanoparticles. Background: The introduction of Nanoparticles (NPs) has transFigured many fields like medicine, nutrition and electronics. The usage of nanotechnology in medicine particularly for drug delivery is revealed to have numerous benefits. Nanoparticles are being used to decrease toxicity and side effects that drugs may impose to the patient. Nigella sativa is considered as a miracle seed. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antihypertensive activity. Plant mediated biological synthesis of nanoparticles is simple and eco-friendly method. This work therefore was aimed to synthesize Nigella sativa oil mediated silver nanoparticles and evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: Nigella sativa oil mediated silver nanoparticles were synthesised by short term (1 day) interaction of Nigella sativa seed extract (1 ml) with 2mM AgNO3 solution and centrifuged to obtain silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterised by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Further the oil mediated AgNPs were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by in vitro and in vivo methods. Results: Nigella sativa oil mediated AgNPs were biofabricated with ease and exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity compared to standard. Conclusion: This study concludes that Nigella sativa seed oil mediated silver nanoparticles have the potential to be used as an effective antioxidant. Hence, it may be used in many medicinal applications to treat inflammation.

}, keywords = {Anti- Inflammatory effect, Nigella sativa, Rananculaceae, SEM analysis, Silver nanoparticles}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2020.12.153}, author = {Sheik Shehensha and M Vijaya Jyothi} } @article {477, title = {Phytochemical Analysis of Nigella sativa L. Utilizing GC-MS Exploring its Antimicrobial Effects against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {December 2017}, pages = {99-105}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {99}, abstract = {

Introduction: The alarming increase in bacterial strains resistant to existing antimicrobial agents has demanded alternative strategies. Medicinal plants are now considered as an alternative treatment because of their secure choice in several diseases. Among them, Nigella sativa is a promising traditional herb having rich medical background. The aim of the study is to perform phytochemical analysis of Nigella sativa L. Utilizing Gas chromatographic\–mass spectrometric (GC/MS) exploring its antioxidant and antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant (MDR) gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Methods: Total phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid content of N. sativa seed extracts and its commercially available oil were determined. Their radical scavenging activity using DPPH was also tested. The antibacterial activity of N. sativa seed extracts and its oil against MDR gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains was studied using disc diffusion test and the biofilm formation assay. GC-MS studies were also performed. Results: Among the different preparations used, N. sativa oil showed the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activity against highly resistant gram-positive bacteria with the greatest suppression of biofilm formation, which was attributed to its high bioactive contents. Conclusion: This study indicates that N. sativa extracts and its oils can be used as natural antibacterial agents to treat infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria.

}, keywords = {Antibacterial, Antioxidant, GC-MS analysis, Multidrug resistant bacteria, Nigella sativa}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2018.1.18}, url = {http://fulltxt.org/article/404}, author = {Fatima A. Saleh and Nada El-Darra and Karim Raafat and Iman El Ghazzawi} } @article {145, title = {Antimicrobial Effects of Thymoquinone on Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {8}, year = {2015}, month = {December 2015}, pages = {168-170}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {168}, abstract = {

Background: Parasitic infections are a major difficulty in tropical and subtropical countries. Traditionally medicinal plants have been used in folk medicine to treat parasitic infections and are a valuable source of novel anti-parasitics. Objective: In our search for therapeutic alternatives to anti- protozoal chemotherapy, thymoquinone, the active ingredient of Black cumin (Nigella sativa) was examined. Materials and Methods: Thymoquinone was tested against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia using in vitro susceptibility assays and the mortality of the parasites were then obtained using the standard calculations. The compound was also tested for 48 and 72 hours on both parasites. Results: The current study indicate that the mortality of TQ showed 85.5\%, 91.5\% and 96.8\% mortality on E. histolytica for 25 ppm at 24 hr, 48 and 72 hr, respectively, with IC50 2\¥10-19,. On the other hand, this natural compound showed a mortality of 82.83\%, 91.76\% and 96.62\% mortality on G. lamblia for 25 ppm at 24 hr, 48 and 72 hr, respectively, with IC50 4.8\¥10-5. Metrondizole powder gave 70.9\% mortality at 156 ppm at the same times. Conclusion: The current results indicate that TQ is more potent on E. histolytica compared to G. lamblia. Further pharmacological studies were needed to help in the clinical presentation of thymoquinone.

}, keywords = {Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia., Nigella sativa, Prophetic Medicine, Thymoquinone}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2016.2.12}, author = {Bassem Yousef Sheikh and Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha and Waleed Syaed Koko and Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab} }