PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF NIGELLA SATIVA (KALONJI)

Abstract

Nigella Sativa (Kalonji) is extensively grown in many countries including Pakistan. These have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries.

Its effects are due to its constituent's thymoquinone and thymohydroxyquinone. Thymoquainone reduces the duration of tonic-clonic seizures. Nigella Sativa possesses anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. Its seeds extract reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressures and blood lipids. Reduction in blood glucose, leucocyte and platelet counts has been reported. Thymoquinone has gastroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. Its seeds are potential immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, antibacterial and antiprolifertive agents. Aqueous extract of Nigella Sativa increases weight of reproductive organs, spermatogenesis, and secretion of seminal vesicles and prostate. This extract also has antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antioxidant effects.

To conclude, the seeds of Nigella Sativa in addition to their use as spices possess a variety of Pharmacological actions.