activity which reduce the burden of free radicals, thus preventing cancer (Randhawa
and Alghamdi 2011; Khan et al. 2011; Alenzi et al. 2010). In additions, these
bioactive compounds also promote the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes
including dismutase, catalase, superoxide, and glutathione peroxidase which also
act as antioxidants and consequently maintain cell health (Badary et al. 2003;
Bourgou et al. 2008; Randhawa and Alghamdi 2011).
13.4.5 Anti-inflammatory Activity
Various studies carried out on animal model shows that Nigella seed extract, TQ,
and Nigella seed oil are effective against the inflammation (Ahmad et al. 2013;
Chehl et al. 2009; Aljabre et al. 2015). This activity is due to the decline in
production of NO, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1 and COX-2),
and histone deacetylase (HDAC) along with other pro-inflammatory mediators
including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon
(IFN)-γ, and prostaglandin (PGE2) (Chehl et al. 2009). Application of TQ at topical
areas stimulates the expression of (NAD (P)H)-quinoneoxidoreductase-1,
hemeoxygenase-1, glutathione S-transferases (GSH-ST), and glutamate cysteine
ligase in mice. On the other hand, Nigella seed oil acts through the arachidonate
metabolism by inhibition of 5-LPO and COXs (Aljabre et al. 2015). In the mice
model, it has been shown that TQ reduces the DNA binding of nuclear factor kappa
B through the obstruction of phosphorylation and further degradation of IκBα,
which is a member of cellular protein (Ahmad et al. 2013).
13.4.6 Other Health-Promoting Activity
Apart from above-discussed positive health effects, Nigella essential oil and its
extract also have the ability to improve nerve function (Ahlatci et al. 2014) and
lower the blood pressure ( Hosseini et al. 2013). In addition, Nigella seeds also have
gastro-protective activity (Al-Mofleh et al. 2008; Kanter et al. 2005, El-Dakhakhny
et al. 2000), pulmonary protective activity (Boskabady et al. 2007; Kanter et al.
2009), immunomodulatory activity (Islam et al. 2017; Swamy and Tan 2000),
nephroprotective activity (Yaman and Balikci 2010), antibacterial activity (Kokoska
et al. 2008), and antifungal activity (Khan et al. 2003).
13 Nigella (Nigella sativa) Seed
343
and Alghamdi 2011; Khan et al. 2011; Alenzi et al. 2010). In additions, these
bioactive compounds also promote the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes
including dismutase, catalase, superoxide, and glutathione peroxidase which also
act as antioxidants and consequently maintain cell health (Badary et al. 2003;
Bourgou et al. 2008; Randhawa and Alghamdi 2011).
13.4.5 Anti-inflammatory Activity
Various studies carried out on animal model shows that Nigella seed extract, TQ,
and Nigella seed oil are effective against the inflammation (Ahmad et al. 2013;
Chehl et al. 2009; Aljabre et al. 2015). This activity is due to the decline in
production of NO, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1 and COX-2),
and histone deacetylase (HDAC) along with other pro-inflammatory mediators
including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon
(IFN)-γ, and prostaglandin (PGE2) (Chehl et al. 2009). Application of TQ at topical
areas stimulates the expression of (NAD (P)H)-quinoneoxidoreductase-1,
hemeoxygenase-1, glutathione S-transferases (GSH-ST), and glutamate cysteine
ligase in mice. On the other hand, Nigella seed oil acts through the arachidonate
metabolism by inhibition of 5-LPO and COXs (Aljabre et al. 2015). In the mice
model, it has been shown that TQ reduces the DNA binding of nuclear factor kappa
B through the obstruction of phosphorylation and further degradation of IκBα,
which is a member of cellular protein (Ahmad et al. 2013).
13.4.6 Other Health-Promoting Activity
Apart from above-discussed positive health effects, Nigella essential oil and its
extract also have the ability to improve nerve function (Ahlatci et al. 2014) and
lower the blood pressure ( Hosseini et al. 2013). In addition, Nigella seeds also have
gastro-protective activity (Al-Mofleh et al. 2008; Kanter et al. 2005, El-Dakhakhny
et al. 2000), pulmonary protective activity (Boskabady et al. 2007; Kanter et al.
2009), immunomodulatory activity (Islam et al. 2017; Swamy and Tan 2000),
nephroprotective activity (Yaman and Balikci 2010), antibacterial activity (Kokoska
et al. 2008), and antifungal activity (Khan et al. 2003).
13 Nigella (Nigella sativa) Seed
343