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Antioxidants or free radical scavengers are very im portant in protecting the living cells against any damage induced by free radicals. The effects of Nigella Sa tiva Extract (NSE), Nigella Sativa Oil (NSO) and Vi tamin E (Vit. E) and the combination of NSE or NSO with Vit. E on potassium bromate (KBrO 3)-induced oxidative stress in male rats were investigated. Fo rty nine Sprague Dawley male rats were weighingv 185±5 g and 10-12 weeks old were used to achieve the pres ent study. According to the results, oral administr ation of NSE or NSO alone and in combination with vitamin E exhibited weight gain and feed efficiency ratio and lowered the elevated serum levels of total chol esterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, urea nitrogen, ur ic acid and creatinine. Further, they lowered malondialdehy de and increased the reduction in glutathione conte nt and activities of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD and CAT) in liver tissues. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary intake of NSE or NSO alone an d in combination with Vitamin E could be a potentia l therapeutic in the treatment of related diseases wi th oxidative stress.

Nigella sativa is a potent medicinal plant having remarkable antioxidant property. More than hundred phytochemicals known for this plant, thymoquinone is one of the major active and strong antioxidative phyto-constituent found in it. Thymoquinone being a cyclicdione, reacts with sodium azide to synthesize its analogs α-azido ketones that are versatile with wide variety of reactions. The stress produced due to sodium azide, modulates the antioxidant system (antioxidative property) of the plant. The present study was aimed to observe the effect of sodium azide on antioxidative property and thymoquinone content within Nigella sativa plant. The results revealed the effect of sodium azide with strong positive correlation between percent yield and percent composition of thymoquinone in Ajmer Nigella 1(AN1) and UP Nigella 1 (UP1) in a concentration dependent manner. Minimum percent yield and percent composition of thymoquinone (analyzed by RP-HPLC) were observed (0.823 ± 0.035% for AN1 and 0.530 ± 0.020% for UP1) and (0.022 ± 0.002% for AN1 and 0.012 ± 0.002% for UP1), respectively at 100 μM concentration of sodium azide used. However, a strong negative correlation was observed with the decrease in thymoquinone content, with the increase in antioxidant property (−0.9369 and −0.9526) for AN1 and UP1, respectively. The findings clearly indicate the effect of sodium azide on thymoquinone content and their antioxidant property. The elevated antioxidant property might be due to the elicitation in production of other antioxidants or by the formation of analogs of thymoquinone that are more powerful antioxidants. Therefore, further research is also needed to further explore the interaction of sodium azide with thymoquinone that produce more potent antioxidant analogs and thus may be useful in various therapeutic applications.

The objective of the undergoing work is investigating antitumor therapy potential and antioxidant capacity of Sudanese medicinal planHelianthus annuusL.(Asteraceae), Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), Nigella sativaL. (Ranunculaceae), Sesamum indicumL.(Pedaliaceae) andBalanites aegyptiaca(L.) Del(Zygophyllaceae)by studying the plants seeds fixed oils for their cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted at theSudan National Research Center,Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research Center, Khartoum, Sudan, in June-August, 2013.The five fixed oils cytotoxicity was studied using Brine Shrimp Lethality and ant ioxidant activity by DPPH and Iron Chelating Assays.Obtained results showed thatRicinus communis fixed oil has the highest toxicity with LC

In article results of studying are given in comparative aspect of some characteristics of a grass and seeds of two species of Nigella: N. damascena and N. sativa received from plants, grown up in the conditions of salinization. Influence of salinization on some biometric characteristics of fruits and seeds of the studied plants, on accumulation in elevated part of BAV groups and extractive substances, lipidic fraction in seeds of plants is investigated. More noticeable decrease in the content of extractive substances in a grass and lipidic fraction in seeds at N. sativa plants is noted. On the studied indicators N. damascenа plants appeared more tolerant to a salt stress.

The paper deals with the comparative analysis of data on the effects of salinity caused by the introduction of NaCl, the plants of the two species of Nigella — N. damascena and N. sativa .

Two rare indazole-type alkaloids, nigeglapine (1) and nigeglaquine (2) along with one known compound (3), were isolated from the seeds of Nigella glandulifera. Their structures were confirmed on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR (1H, 13C, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and ESI-MS, and comparison with data in the literature. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of glycosylated indazole-type alkaloids.

Acute o ver dose of p aracetam ol (acetaminophen) causes serious hepatic necrosis. So, this study was conducted to observe the h epatoprotective activity of aqueous and n - hexane extract of Nigella sativa in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats in Dhaka , Bangladesh from 2008 to 2010 . Single dose of parac etamol was administered on day one and rats were sacrificed on day three . Liver damage was evaluated by hepa t ic histology. A queous and n - hexane extract of Nigella sativa was administered orally into two other rat groups through intra - gastric tube for 28 days in wh ich paracetamol was administered orally on day 28 and were sacrificed on day 30. L iver of all rats were excised and processed for light microscopy with a view to histopathological evaluation . The histological examination of th e liver tissues in vehicle treated group and paracetamol - control group of rats showed normal hepatic architecture , centrilobular necrosis, polymorph (neutrophils) infiltration and pyknosis of the hepatocytes respectively . The hepatic architecture of rats p re - treated with aqueous extract of Nigella sativa showed improvement of necrosis with very few pyknotic nuclei when compared to the paracetamol - control group. The hepatic architecture of rats pre - treated with aqueous extract as well as w ith the n - hexane ex tract of Nigella sativa did not show pyknotic nuclei and polymorph infiltration while apparently regenerating hepatocytes , visible under the microscope . Aqueous extract and n - hexane extract of Nigella sativa extended hepatoprotection by reducing oxidative stress in experimental liver damage in ra ts. Furthermore, the protection afforded by the n - hexane extract of Nigella sativa pre - treated group was superior to the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa pre - treated group .

To clarify the modulatory effects of daily consumption of pomegranate extract (PE), olive oil (OO) and Nagilla sativa oil (NSO) on antioxidant activity, sperm quality and pituitary-testicular axis of adult male wistar rats.Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups, eight rats each. Using rat gastric tubes, 1.0 mL distilled water, 1.0 mL PE, 0.4 mL NSO and 0.4 mL OO were orally administered daily for 6 weeks in the first, second, third and fourth groups, respectively. Reproductive organs, body weight, sperm criteria, testosterone, FSH, LH, inhibin-B, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. At the end of the study protocol, analyses occurred at the same time. Data were analysed by ANOVA test and P0.05 was considered to be a significant value.In all studied groups, malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased accompanied with an increases in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. Rats treated with PE showed an increase in catalase activities accompanied with an increase in sperm concentration which was also observed in NSO group. In PE treated group, sperm motility was also increased accompanied with decreased abnormal sperm rate. NSO, OO and PE treated groups shows an insignificant effect on testosterone, inhibin-B, FSH and LH in comparison with control group.These results show that administration of PE, NSO and OO could modify sperm characteristics and antioxidant activity of adult male wistar rats.

Background and aim of the study: DM represents an important independent risk factor for the development of and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), increasing the risk by 2 to 4 times. According to WHO data, more than 75% of patients with DM die due to vascular accidents. This study investigated the effects of some plants used in Saudi Arabia and some other Arab countries as antidiabetic agents and explores its metabolic effects. Material and Methods: One hundred fifty adult male Albino Rats were divided into six experimental groups each consist of twenty five rats. The first group was considered as a control group. The rest of groups were affected by induction of experimental diabetes by subcutaneous injection of Alloxan. The second group consisted of diabetic rats without any treatment. The third group was treated by the aqueous extract of mixture contains Foenugreek, Nigella sativa and Termis seeds. The fourth group was treated with the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds (100 mg / kg of body weight), while the fifth group was treated with the aqueous extract of Foenugreek seeds (100 mg / kg of body weight). The sixth one was treated with the aqueous extract of Termis seeds (100 mg/kg body weight). After four weeks of treatment, different biochemical parameters were performed including estimation of blood sugar level and serum insulin level. Pancreatic and liver samples were obtained and processed for microscopic and quantitative evaluation after staining the prepared sections with both Heamatoxylin and Eosin as well as special stain for demonstration of the different pancreatic cells in the Islet of the Langerhans. Results: The usage of the mixture or each plant alone corrected the glucose level and insulin level. Microscopically there was definite decrease in the number and diameter of beta pancreatic cells in the diabetic group while the other pancreatic cells were not affected (alpha and delta cells). The use of medicinal plants in the different groups of this study greatly improved such cellular changes and the level of blood sugar level was corrected. Also, improve dyslipidemia present in diabetic rats. The results showed that the activity of the mixture was better when compared with Nigella, Foenugreek or Termis seeds alone. Conclusions: The water extract of the mixture is the most powerful in amelioration hyperglycemia and most of all damage effects of Alloxan on hematological parameters and lipid profile. Also, it can control most of the metabolic risk factors of CAD in diabetic rats. So it is advised to use the plant mixture as an antidiabetic agent rather than the use of each plant separately. Repeating such study with the use of variable doses may be helpful in better evaluation for the required dose.

By definition, urinary retention is called the inability to completely empty urine so that the volume of residual urine after discharge is higher than 100 cc and lower than 200 cc in the elderly. For the treatment of urinary retention, there are different therapeutic methods, such as traditional medicine and complementary therapies. One of the methods of traditional medicine is using medicinal plants. Medicinal herbs are effective on the treatment of many diseases due to their active and antioxidant ingredients. Many native medicinal plants of Iran are effective on the treatment of urinary retention and have diuretic properties. Thus, in this review, the effective medicinal plants of Iranian ethnobotanical resources on hemorrhoid were reported. In the present review study, a search for articles by the keywords hemorrhoid, ethnobotanical, and medicinal plants was done. A search on the databases, such as Scopus, ISI C, S ID, Mega Iran, and a number of other databases was performed. Search the databases, such as databases including Scopus, ISI C, S ID, and a number of other sites were Mgayran. Based on the results obtained, 45 herbs from different parts of Iran are traditionally used to treat urinary retention. Such medicinal plants as chicory, nettles, sorrel, milk, cheese, oleander, wild pistachio, fumitory, jujube, basil, nigella seeds, licorice, etc. are of the effective herbs.

Bu çalışmada kolesterollü yüksek yağlı diyet ile beslenen sıçanlarda çörek otunun (Nigella sativa) etken maddesi olan Timokinon'un intraperitoneal (i.p.) yolla uygulamasının testis dokusunda GDNF ekspresyonu üzerine etkisinin immunohistokimyasal ve Western blot yöntemleri ile belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.Araştırma materyali olarak daha önceden çiftleşmemiş 40 günlük 40 adet erkek sıçan (Sprague Dawley) kullanılmıştır. Sıçanlardan 1 haftalık alışma sürecinden sonra rastgele seçilerek kontrol (n=8), sham (n=8), timokinon (n=8), kolesterollü yüksek yağlı diyet (KYYD) (n=8) ve kolesterollü yüksek yağlı diyet + timokinon (KYYD+T) (n=8) olmak üzere 5 grup oluşturulmuştur. Kontrol, sham ve timokinon grubundaki sıçanlar standart pelet yem ve çeşme suyu ile KYYD ve KYYD+T grubundaki sıçanlar günlük enerji miktarının %65'i oranında tereyağı ve %2 kolesterol karıştırılmış pelet yem ile 8 hafta boyunca beslendi. 8 haftanın sonunda timokinon ve KYYD+T grubundaki sıçanlara 14 gün boyunca günlük olarak i.p. yolla 8 mg/kg oranından timokinon uygulaması yapılırken sham grubundaki sıçanlara aynı süre boyunca i.p olarak serum fizyolojik uygulandı. Deney süresi boyunca tüm gruplardaki sıçanların haftalık, timokinon, sham ve KYYD+T grubundaki sıçanların ise günlük olarak canlı ağırlıkları, deney sonunda ise tüm gruplardaki sıçanların canlı ağırlıkları alındıktan sonra servikal dislokasyon yolu ile testis dokuları alındı. Alınan testis dokularının da ağırlıkları ölçüldü. Biyokimyasal analizler için tüm gruplardaki sıçanlardan kan örnekleri alındı. Kontrol, sham, timokinon, KYYD ve KYYD+T gruplarına ait sıçanların testis dokularının normal histolojik yapıda olduğu görüldü.Sonuç olarak, kolesterollü yüksek yağlı diyet ile beslenmenin, canlı ağırlık, testis ağırlığı ve seminifer tübül çapları ile serum total kolesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, trigliserid ve leptin gibi biyokimyasal değerleri arttırmasına rağmen timokinon uygulaması ile bu değelerin istatistiksel olarak kontrol grubuna benzer değerlere ulaşması timokinonun canlı ağırlık, testis ağırlığı ile biyokimyasal değerlerin normal değerlere gerilemesinde tedavi edici bir ajan olarak kullanılabileceğini düşündürdü. Hem kolesterollü yüksek yağlı diyet grubu hem de timokinon uygulanan gruptaki ratların testis dokusunda GDNF ekspresyonunun azalması kolesterol, yağlı diyet ve timokinonun bu büyüme faktörü üzerinde inhibe edici bir etkiye neden olduğu sonucuna varıldı.Anahtar Sözcükler: Kolesterol, Yüksek yağlı diyet, Timokinon, GDNF, İmmünohistokimya, Western blot, Testis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of thymoquinone (Nigella sativa), an active ingredient in the high fat diet with cholesterol, on GDNF expression in the testis by immunohistochemical and Western blot methods.Forty male, 40 days rats (Sprague Dawley), previously unmated, were used the study as material. Control (n = 8), sham (n = 8), thymoquinone (n = 8), high fat diet with cholesterol (n = 8) and high fat diet with cholesterol + thymoquinone (KYYD + T) (n = 8). At the end of 8 weeks, the rats in the thymoquinone and KYYD + T groups were treated daily for 14 days with i.p. The rats in the sham group were given saline as i.p. for the same period of time with the administration of 8 mg / kg thymoquinone. Body weights of rats in all groups were measured weekly throughout the experiment. The body weights of the rats in the thymoquinone, sham and KYYD + T groups were measured on a daily basis. At the end of the experiment, testis tissues were taken by cervical dislocation after the body weights of the rats in all groups were measured. Also, the weights of the testes were measured. Blood samples were taken from the rats in all groups for biochemical analyzes. Testicular tissues of control, sham, thymoquinone, KYYD and KYYD + T rats were found to be in normal histological structure.As a result, cholesterol increased biochemical values such as serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, triglyceride and leptin, as well as body weight, testis weight and seminiferous tubule diameter. However, with thymoquinone administration, these values were statistically similar to the control group. Thymoquinone could be used as a therapeutic agent that the body weight, testicular weight and biochemical values declining to normal values. The decrease in GDNF expression in testicular tissue of rats in both the high fat diet with cholesterol group and the thymoquinone group showed in an inhibitory effect of cholesterol, high fat diet and thymoquinone on GDNF.Keywords: Cholesterol, High fat diet, thymoquinone, GDNF, Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, Testis. 79

Bu araştırma; broyler rasyonlarına belirli oranlarda ilave edilen kekik yağı ve çörek otu yağının performans etkisi (canlı ağırlık, canlı ağırlık artışı, yem tüketimi, yemden yararlanma oranı-YYO, mortalite ve Avrupa Üretim Etkinlik Faktörü-EPEF), karkas randımanı, organ ağırlıkları, jejunum ve ileumun histomorfolojik parametreleri ve sekumdaki kısa zincirli yağ asitlerinin (SCFA) konsantrasyonları üzerine olan etkisini incelemek amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir.Araştırmada bir günlük 216 adet (Ross 308) erkek civicv kulanılmış olup her biri 54 civcivden oluşan 4 grup ve herbir altgrup 6 civcivden oluşan 9 alt gruba rastgele ayrılmıştır. Civcivler 42 gün süre ile mısır ve soya küspesi temelli rasyonlar ile beslenmişlerdir. Kontrol grubu temel rasyon ile beslenirken, deneme grupları ise temel rasyona sırasıyla 250 mg/kg kekik ekstraktı, 100 mg/ kg çörek otu ekstraktı, 250 mg/kg kekik ekstraktı ile 100 mg/ kg çörek otu ekstraktı birlikte kullanılmıştır. Tüm deneme grubu rasyonları ROSS (2014) tarafından önerilen besin madde ihtiyaçlarını karşılayacak veya bir miktar aşacak düzeyde formüle edilmiştir. Araştırmanın 42. gününde her alt gruptan 1 adet civciv (her bir gruptan toplam 9 adet) ince bağırsaklarda ve sekumda yapılan çeşitli analizler amacıyla uygun yöntemler ile kesilmiştir.Araştırmanın 42. gününde gruplar arasında canlı ağırlık, canlı ağırlık artışı, yem tüketimi, yemden yararlanma oranı-YYO, dışkı nem ve dışkı amonyak düzeyleri, mortalite ve Avrupa Üretim Etkinlik Faktörü-EPEF açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulunamamıştır. BT grubunda hiçbir dönem için ölüm görülmemiştir. Ayrıca gruplar arasında çeşitli karkas parametreleri, iç organ ağırlıkları, dışkı nem ve amonyak düzeyi açısından önemli bir farklılık görülmemiştir.Araştırmanın sonunda alınan bağırsak numunelerinden jejenuma ilişkin kontrol ve deneme gruplarında (T, B, BT) villus yüksekliği, kript derinliği ve VY: KD oranı incelendiğinde gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulunamamıştır. Araştırmanın 42. gününde alınan bağırsak numunelerinden ileuma ilişkin kontrol ve deneme gruplarında (T, B, BT) villus yüksekliği, kript derinliği ve VY: KD oranı yönünden incelendiğinde gruplar arasında villus yüksekliği ve VY: KD oranı yönünden istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulunamaz iken krip derinliği yönünden gruplar arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur (P

İkincil tiroid ameliyatlarında adezyon nedenli komplikasyonlar ilk cerrahiye göre daha yüksek orandadır. Adezyon önleyici bariyer kullanımı ile bu komplikasyon oranları azaltılabilir. Bu çalışmamızda sıçanlarda deneysel tiroidektomi modeli sonrasında gelişen adezyonları engellemede veya azaltmada tiroid cerrahisinde daha önce denenmemiş olan beta-aminopropionitril (BAPN), Contractubex® jel (CT), çörek otu yağı (ÇOY), aloe vera yağı (AVY) ve soya yağı (SY)'nın etkinliklerini araştırdık.Otuz altı adet Wistar-Albino ırkı dişi sıçan altışarlı altı gruba ayrıldı. Tüm deneklere sağ subtotal tiroidektomi yapıldı. Grup 1 (n=6)'e ameliyat lojuna 0,1 ml BAPN, grup 2 (n=6)'ye loja 0,1 ml CT, grup 3 (n=6)'e loja 0,1 ml ÇOY, grup 4 (n=6)'e loja 0,1 ml AVY, grup 5 (n=6)'e loja 0,1 ml SY lokal olarak uygulandı. Kontrol grubuna (n=6) ise bir şey uygulanmadı. Tüm sıçanlar 14. gün sakrifiye edilerek adezyonlar, gruplardan habersiz bir cerrah tarafından makroskopik (0: adezyon yok, 1: spontan ayrılan, 2: traksiyonla ayrılan, 3: diseksiyonla ayrılan) ve gruplardan habersiz bir patolog tarafından histopatolojik (lenfosit, histiosit, fibroblast, vasküler proliferasyon, kollajen, yabancı reaksiyonu – 0: yok, 1: hafif artış, 2: orta artış, 3: yaygın artış) olarak skorlandı.BAPN grubunda makroskopik adezyon skoru kontrol grubundan anlamlı (p=0.015) olarak daha düşüktü. CT, ÇOY, AVY ve SY grupları ile kontrol grubu arasında makroskopik skor açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık görülmedi (p>0.05). Tüm gruplar ile kontrol grubu arasında histopatolojik inceleme skoru açısından, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık yoktu (p˃0.05).Makroskopik adezyonu istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde azaltan BAPN, özellikle ikincil tiroid cerrahi adayı olabilecek riskli hastalarda cerrahi sonrası adezyonları azaltarak komplikasyon oranını düşürebilir. Bu sonuçları destekleyecek ve klinik uygulamalara yön verecek daha geniş kapsamlı deneysel çalışmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Complementary thyroid surgery has higher rates of complications than primary surgery because of postoperative tissue adhesions. These rates of complications can be lowered using anti-adhesive barriers. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of beta aminopropionitrile (BAPN), Contractubex gel (CT), nigella sativa oil (NSO), aloe vera oil (AVO) and soybean oil (SO) in preventing and reducing adhesions after an experimental thyroidectomy model.Thirty six female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into six groups of equal size. Right subtotal thyroidectomy was performed on all the rats. For Group 1, 0.1 ml of BAPN; for Group 2, 0.1 ml of CT; for Group 3, 0.1 ml of NSO; for Group 4, 0.1 ml of AVO and for Group 5, 0.1 ml of SO was applied locally on the operation site. No substance was applied to the control group. All the rats were sacrificed on the postoperative 14th day. The adhesions in the surgical site were scored macroscopically (0: no adhesions, 1: spontaneous dehiscence, 2: dehiscence by traction, 3: dehiscence by dissection) by a surgeon and histopathologically (lymphocyte, histiocyte, fibroblast, vascular proliferation, collagen and foreign body reaction – 0: none, 1: mild increase, 2: medium increase, 3: severe increase) by a pathologist, both of whom were blinded to the groups.In the BAPN group, macroscopic adhesion score was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.015). No statistically significant difference was observed between the macroscopic scores of the control group and the CT, NSO, AVO or SO groups (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference in the histopathological examination scores was present between the control group and any of the intervention groups (p>0.05).Having significantly reduced postoperative adhesions, BAPN could potentially prevent complications especially in high risk patients for complementary thyroid surgery. Larger experimental studies are needed to verify these results and guide clinical practice. 60

Bu çalışma sıçanlarda radyoterapiyle oluşan serbest radikallerin zararlı etkilerinin önlenmesinde çörek otu yağının koruyucu etkilerinin tespit edilmesine yönelik deneysel bir çalışmadır. Çalışmada ortalama ağırlıkları 200 ± 20 gram arasında olan 36 adet Wistar-Albino cinsi erkek sıçan kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada 2 kontrol grubu ile 2 de deney grubu oluşturulmuştur. Çalışmada her bir grupta nitrik oksit sentaz (NOS), nitrik oksit (NO•), peroksinitrit (ONOO-), malondialdehit (MDA) ve ksantin oksidaz (XO) değerleri araştırılmıştır. Çalışmadan elde edilen değerler SPSS for Windows version 22 paket programı ile analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan istatistiksel analizler neticesinde iyonize radyasyon verilen grupta NO, ONOO-, MDA düzeyleri, NOS ve XO aktiviteleri diğer tüm gruplarla karşılaştırıldığında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede yüksek olduğu tespit edildi. Bununla birlikte ÇOY verilen grubun kontrol grubunda NOS ve NO değerlerinin diğer gruplardan daha düşük olduğu, ONOO- ve MDA değerlerinin ise daha yüksek olduğu, gruplar arasındaki farkın anlamlı olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Elde ettiğimiz bulgular çörek otu yağının sıçanlarda radyasyona bağlı tükürük bezinde oluşabilecek oksidatif hasara karşı antioksidan etksinin olduğu göstermektedir.Anahtar sözcükler: Radyasyon, Radyoterapi, Çörek otu, Oksidatif stres, Nitrostatif Stres This study is an experimental study conducted to determine the protective effects of black seed oil in the prevention of harmful effects of free radicals generated by radiotherapy in rats. In the study, 36 male Wistar-Albino rats weighing 200 ± 20 grams were used. In the study, 2 control groups and 2 experimental groups were formed. In the study, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO•), peroxynitrite (ONOO--), malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) values were investigated in each group. The values obtained from the study were analyzed with SPSS for Windows version 22 package program. As a result of the statistical analyses it has been determined that NOS, NO, peroxynitrite, malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) values were found to be significantly higher in ionized radiation group than all the groups. On the other hand NOS and MDA values were higher in the control group given black seed oil than the other groups, if the ONOO-- and MDA were higher, the differece between the groups was not significant. Considering these results, it can be said that the oil of black seed oil is antioxidantly effective as radioprotective agent.Key words: Radiation, Radiotherapy, Black seed, Oxidative stress, Nitrozatif stress 73

Nigella glanduliferaseeds are used as a spice or remedy for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate analgesic (writhing test), anti-inflammatory (ear-induced edema, vascular permeability test), antioxidant, and antitumor activities of total saponins from this plant (TSN). TSN (6, 12, and 24 mg/kg) were exhibited analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). In D-galactose-induced ageing model, TSN significantly increased the plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (P<0.05) and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared to control group (P<0.05). DPPH radical scavenging effect of TSN was also found. Moreover, TSN (20 mg/mL) showed 86.75% and 88.26% inhibition of the growth on Bel-7402 and Hela cells, respectively. Five compounds were further isolated and identified from TSN as Nigella A, B, C, D, and nigeglanoside, of which the content of Nigella A was60.36±1.25 g/100 g TSN by HPLC-ELSD method. Altogether, these results suggest that TSN could be considered as a potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant agent.

Two new compounds with five known compounds have been isolated from EtOH extract of the seeds of Nigella glandulifera. On the basis of their spectroscopic and chemical evidence, the new compounds were elucidated as methoxynigeglanine (1) and 6-methoxythymol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4). Compounds 1-4 showed moderate antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 32-250 µg/mL.

This study aimed to investigate the molecular and bio-functional properties of protein fractions from Nigella damascena and Nigella arvensis, including the albumin, globulin, glutein-1, glutein-2 and prolamin fractions. Protein subunits were not observed in globulin and prolamin fractions. No peaks appeared in RP-HPLC chromatograms of globulin for either species. Two predominant peaks were observed in the RP-HPLC profiles of all protein fractions. Proteins separated by RP-HPLC have potential inhibitory and antioxidant activities in all fractions. Optimum ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant activities of proteins separated by RP-HPLC were observed in glutein-2 and albumin, respectively, for both species. For pepsin and combined pepsin-trypsin hydrolyses, the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) was obtained in glutein-2 fraction of Nigella arvensis. Highest ACE-inhibitory activity of hydrolyzed protein fractions was found at 4h via pepsin hydrolysis in globulin fraction of Nigella damascena. Highest antioxidant activities of hydrolyzed protein fractions were found in glutelin-2 for both species.

Three new alkaloids namely 8-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-one (1), 4-aminonigellidine (2), and N-[(4-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methyl)]phenylurea (3), along with six known ones (4-9), were isolated from the seeds of Nigella glandulifera. The structures of 1-3 were determined through spectroscopic analyses (HRESIMS, 1D/2D NMR). Compound 1 was a rare isoquinolinone alkaloid with phenyl substituted at C-8.

Angiosperm evolution involves a major transition from spiral to whorled arrangements of floral organs. Examination of the genetic programs specifying floral organ identity in Nigella damascene, a species of Ranunculaceae with spiral flowers, illuminates the molecular basis of how spiral flowers can have flexible numbers of floral organs.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The use of Nigella sativa, a potent herbal medicine, continues to increase worldwide as an alternative treatment of several chronic diseases including hyperlipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Forty patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, participated in the trial and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control receiving powdered Nigella sativa or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Changes in anthropometric variables, dietary intakes, thyroid status, serum VEGF and Nesfatin-1 concentrations after 8 weeks were measured. Treatment with Nigella sativa significantly reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies decreased while serum T3 concentrations increased in Nigella sativa-treated group after 8 weeks. There was a significant reduction in serum VEGF concentrations in intervention group. None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group. In stepwise multiple regression model, changes in waist to hip ratio (WHR) and thyroid hormones were significant predictors of changes in serum VEGF and Nesgfatin-1 values in Nigella sativa treated group (P

This study aims to evaluate the cardiovascular effect of Nigella sativa L. aqueous extract (NSAE) in normal rats. The in vivo experiment showed that the intravenous injection of NSAE at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight produced a dose dependent reduction in the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) (p

The study aims to evaluate the toxicity and biological activity of Nigella sativa and Coumarin extracts on the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis. Data indicated that mortality percentage of 2nd instar larvae gradually increased with increasing the concentration used of the two tested plant extracts. The mortality percent were ranged from 6 to -25, 11-49 and 18-65% after 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment with Nigella sativa, respectively, while the mortality percentages ranged from 11-38, 19-58 and 25-74% after 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment with Coumarin, respectively . After 48 hrs Coumarin gave the lowest consumed leaf area (cm2) treated 48 hrs than Nigella (as antifeedant effect). Taking into account larval survival after treatment by Nigella or Coumarin. It was observed that the larval feeding on food treated by either Nigella or Coumarin affected the larval duration, and had a significant latent effect on the pupal duration. Larval treatment by Coumarin treated larvae had shorter than Nigella. Results indicated that, Nigella sativa revealed reduction in invertase activity, but Coumarin had no effect on invertase . In contrast, Coumarin caused significant increase in the activity of trehalase, while Nigella sativa did not cause change on trehalase. Both plants extracts resulted in significant increase in amylase activity of larvae treated of S. littoralis larvae compared to untreated one. Also, Coumarin and Nigella caused significant reduction of total protein.

Nigella sativa L. seeds are rich sources of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Nigella seed extract as natural antioxidant compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) during accelerated oxidation of edible vegetable oils at 120 °C. The modifications during heating were monitored by 3D-front-face fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence spectra were obtained with excitations from 280 to 500 nm and emission wavelengths from 300 to 550 nm and analysed using independent components analysis. Decomposition products formed during heating were also evaluated by means of 1H-NMR spectroscopy and classic chemical methods such as anisidine value and viscosity. The results of the study clearly indicate that the natural seed extract at a level of 800 ppm exhibited antioxidant effects similar to those of the synthetic antioxidant BHT at a level of 200 ppm and thus contributes to an increase in the oxidative stability of the oil.

Six new flavonol glycosides, nigelflavonosides A-F (1-6), together with a known compound (7) were isolated from the whole plant of Nigella glandulifera Freyn et Sint (Ranunculaceae). Structure elucidation, especially the localization of the glycosyl or acetyl groups, and complete (1)H- and (13)C-NMR assignments of these compounds were carried out using one- and two-dimensional NMR measurements, including (1)H- and (13)C-NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, TOCSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY, in addition to HRESI-TOF-MS experiments.

Floral organogenesis in Helleborus thibetanus and Nigella damascena was examined and compared using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and the putative relationships of Helleborus and Nigella were analysed. H. thibetanus and N. damascena share some features of floral phyllotaxis and development of the sepals, petals, stamens and carpels, which are also found in other members of Ranunculaceae. However, they differ strongly in the number and degree of fusion of the carpels: in H. thibetanus, the two carpels are slightly united at the base, whereas, in N. damascena, the gynoecium is syncarpous and the five carpels are united throughout the ovary. Differences are also noted in petal development. The blade of the young petal of H. thibetanus develops two bulges which become connate and then fuse with the blade at the sides, developing more quickly than the blade and forming a tubular petal. In N. damascena, a single ridge is formed on the petal blade which develops into the smaller adaxial labium of the bilabiate petal, whereas the blade itself develops into the larger abaxial labium bearing two pseudonectaries. The outermost stamens are delayed in development in Helleborus, but not in Nigella. Although the results from our investigation are preliminary, differences in floral development characters suggest that Helleborus and Nigella may not be closely related and possibly support placement into separate tribes. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 166, 431–443.

The species of the genera Milichia and Milichiella in the Oriental region and Seram Is. are taxonomically investigated. Three new species, Milichia linealis sp. nov. from the Philippines, Milichiella sulawesiensis sp. nov. and Milichiella nigella sp. nov. from Indonesia, are described. New distributional data of Milichiella bakeri Aldrich from Indonesia and M. spinthera Hendel from Indonesia, Nepal and Thailand are given. Keys to the species of Milichia and Milichiella in the Oriental region and Seram Is. are provided.

2 Abstract: The present study has been carried out to determine the effects of Nigella saitva on the lipid profile in cardiac patients visited at Ch. Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Multan. The age of the subjects was 26-69 years. The eighty subjects were divided into two groups (interventional and non-interventional) through random stratification (n = 40/group) by weight. The interventional group given Nigella sativa and statin, non- interventional group given statin daily. Both groups were advised to take the recomended doses regularly for a period of six months and the patients were on usual care. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after two and six month's treatment. In interventional group, cholesterol decreased by (-14.58%), LDL (-23.00%), VLDL (-15.16%) and triglycerides (-15.16%) significantly (p 0.05) after the treatment, whereas there was significant increase (p

Laboratory experiments was conducted to evaluate the adverse action of six plant powders (red pepper, nigella, kidney bean, green peas, cumin and clove), three chemical insecticides (pirimiphos methyl ,spinosad and lufenuron) and four environmental temperatures (10,15,25 and 40 oC)against the insect species under study, Trogoderma granarium using an incubator. Two types of packages ,glass jars and plastic bags were also used for investigating the effect of package kind on the tested insect under the four tested temperatures The capacity of packaging were studied to prevent tested insect from infesting wheat grain ,two assay methods were used ,package of one layer and package of two layers. Percentage of damage was estimated. The results revealed that the two layer bags greatly reduced the damage of wheat grain by T. gnanarium adults compared to that of one layer only. Results demonstrated that the high mortality percentages of T. granarium adults were found in polyethylene bags after 3 and 7 days of exposure periods at 40 ,25,15 and 10 oC respectively. The highest mortality was found with 10 oC followed by 40,15 and 25 oC . The effect of three tested factors together(kind of package, temperatures and insecticides) was higher than that of the two factors of package and temperatures only. The obtained data also revealed that pirimiphos-methyl had the highest effect on T. granarium adults compared to spinosad and lufenuron. Lufenuron produced the least effect on the tested insect species among the tested insecticides.

Nigella sativa, lupin and artichoke seed oils have been investigated. The oils were subjected to detailed studies using gas chromatographic analysis (GLC) for fatty acids (FA, as methyl esters) and whole sterols (as silyl derivatives). Whereas, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for determination of molecular species of triacylglycerols (TAG), four sterol lipids (free and acylated sterols, FS and AS, and free and acylated sterylglycosides, FSG and ASG, as their anthroylnitrile derivatives) as well as tocopherol patterns (T). The results showed that the three seed oils are rich in oleic and linoleic acids whereas, lupin had high linolenic acid content. It was found that the TAGs of the three oils showed some similarity with sunflower oil. Lupin oil had higher sterol content and it was very rich in campe- and β-sitosterol. Nigella sativa oil had a high content of isofucosterol, whereas artichoke oil was unique in having a high content of 5-stigma-, 7-stigma-, and avena- sterol. Concerning the FS and AS, Nigella sativa oil had the highest content, whereas artichoke oil had the highest content of FSG and ASG. Nigella sativa and lupin oils contained over 90 % γ-T while, artichoke oil comprised about 100 % α-T. It is recommended to use the three oils as healthy oils and folk medicine.

Paracetamol is the widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It causes hepatotoxicity in therapeutic dose for prolonged time. It can induce centrilobular hepatic necrosis in large over doses. Nigella sativa (kalajira) is a medicinal plant has a protective role against hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the present study was designed to observe the protective role of Nigella sativa on paracetamol induced liver damage biochemically in Long Evans rats. The experiment was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical college, in the period of July 2003 to June 2004. Sixty matured Long Evans rats of either sex, age of 10-12 weeks and weighing between 150-200 gm were used in this study. They were divided into four equal groups. Group A was vehicle (distilled water) control group, Group B was Nigella oil treated group, Group C was paracetamol treated group and Group D was Paracetamol & Nigella sativa oil treated group. Paracetamol in a single dose of 3gm/kg body weight orally causes hepatotoxicity which was assessed bio-chemically. Nigella sativa oil at a dose of 800mg/kg body weight was administered orally for 4 weeks. It was found that significant elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin level in paracetamol treated group. It was observed that 4 weeks oral treatment of Nigella sativa oil in Group D, decrease the level of serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin. The result revealed that Nigella sativa oil able to give protection against paracetamol induced liver damage. However, more sophisticated biochemical studies like glutathione content and malondialdehyde level should be studied further. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18677 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):52-54

The physicochemical properties of crude Nigella seed (Nigella sativa L.) oil which was extracted using Soxhlet, Modified Bligh–Dyer and Hexane extraction methods were determined. The effect of different extraction methods which includes different parameters, such as temperature, time and solvent on the extraction yield and the physicochemical properties were investigated. The experimental results showed that temperature, different solvents and extraction time had the most significant effect on the yield of the Nigella oil extracts. The fatty acid (FA) compositions of Nigella seed oil were further analyzed by gas chromatography to compare the extraction methods. The C16:0, C18:1 and C18:2 have been identified to be the dominant fatty acids in the Nigella seed oils. However, the main triacylglycerol (TAG) was LLL followed by OLL and PLL. The FA and TAG content showed that the composition of the Nigella seed oil extracted by different methods was mostly similar, whereas relative concentration of the identified compounds were apparently different according to the extraction methods. The melting and crystallization temperatures of the oil extracted by Soxhlet were −2.54 and −55.76 °C, respectively. The general characteristics of the Nigella seed oil obtained by different extraction methods were further compared. Where the Soxhlet extraction method was considered to be the optimum process for extracting Nigella seed oil with a higher quality with respect to the other two processes.

The objective of this paper is to study the effect of coating temperature and its duration on germination percentage of some medical and aromatic crops (fennel, caraway, coriander, nigella and guar) seeds. The main results in this study can be summarized in the following points: The fennel, caraway, coriander, nigella and guar seeds germination decreased by 22.5 – 22.9, 22.8 – 24.4, 18.9 – 29.8, 20.1 – 27.5 and 18.1 – 23.7 % by increasing coating temperature from 40 to 70 Co. Meanwhile, the fennel, caraway, coriander, nigella and guar seeds germination decreased by 16.7 – 35.4, 17.1 – 36, 16.6 – 32.3, 15.2 – 32.2 and 14.3 – 29.8 % by increasing coating time from 30 to 60 min. The maximum fennel, caraway, coriander, nigella and guar seeds germination of 98.1, 96, 98, 100 and 100 % were obtained with coating temperature of 40 Co and coating time of 30 min. Meanwhile, the minimum fennel, caraway, coriander, nigella and guar seeds germination of 63.38, 61.43, 66.3, 67.76 and 70.2 % were obtained with coating temperature of 70 Co and coating time of 70 min.

Aims: To evaluating the preferable properties and concentrations of Genuine Nigella sativa and Thyme as oil low cost additive biocompatible antibiotic materials of denture base acrylic powder inre-lation to the commercially available heat cure acrylic resin material. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty acrylic resin Major heat cured samples were prepared without additives (Control), and with additives (A pure natural oil of Nigella sativa and Thyme 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) to eva-luate transverse strength, indentation hardness, color property, residual monomer, dimensional accura-cy, porosity, measurement of IR spectra, and anti–microbial–sensitivity tests. Results: Results showed a significant difference to P= 0.05. The addition of Thyme and Nigella oil increased the transverse strength, and hardness of the denture base materials, no porosities, an increase in residual monomer elution at 1st day, and both additives Nigella and Thyme oil act as antibacterial materials. Conclusions: The additives materials of pure natural oil of Nigella sativa and Thyme with concentration of 1.5% were recommended to give a proper properties, and as antimicrobial after curing of the acrylic resin denture base, but Thyme oil showed no effect on the color after curing in relation to Nigella sativa

Objective: Formulate a nanocarrier for enhancing the anti-inflammatory activity of thymoquinone (Tq), a major active constituent of Nigella sativa.Methods: Nanoformulation of Tq was developed by low energy emulsification techniques. NanoTqs were pre-screened by different thermodynamic stability tests, followed by in vitro release, zeta potential, viscosity, the transmittance (%), globule size distribution and ex vivo studies. The morphology of the optimized NanoTq was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which revealed fairly spherical shape and good correlation with particle size distribution study. The formulation used for assessment of the anti-inflammatory potential and permeability enhancement contained mixture of essential oil of Nigella sativa: Capryol 90 (3:7, 10%, v/v), Tween 80 (21.75%, v/v), PEG 400 (7.25%, v/v) and double distilled water (61%, v/v).Results: The in vitro permeation of Tq from optimized formulations was found extremely significant (p

α-Hederin, a natural triterpene saponin and its derivative kalopanaxsaponin I (ksI) exhibit cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines and IN VIVO tumors. We studied the genetic variants contributing to the activity of these two anticancer compounds. Cell lines derived from 30 trios of European descent (Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Human, CEPH; CEU) and 30 trios of African descent (Yoruban, YRI) were used. Cytotoxicity was determined as inhibition of cell growth at increasing concentrations of α-hederin or ksI for 24 h. In comparison to the European, the Yoruban populations revealed a higher sensitivity to α-hederin and to ksI that can be attributed to several unique SNPs. These SNPs are located near 111 and 130 genes in the European and the Yoruban populations, respectively, raising the possibility that some of these genes contribute to the differential sensitivity to these compounds.

Sixty male Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups, 15 each, were designed as I-control rats, II-rats orally intubated with Nigella sativa oil (1 ml/kg b.wt./day) for 5 days/week, III-whole body gamma irradiated rats with the estimated LD50/30 (4 Gray) and IV-rats daily intubated with Nigella sativa oil then subjected to whole body gamma irradiation, to investigate the radioprotective potential of Nigella crude oil against hemopoietic adverse effects of gamma irradiation.Irradiation resulted in significant reduction in hemolysin antibodies titers and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction of irradiated rats, in addition to significant leukopenia and significant decrease in plasma total protein and globulin concentrations and depletion of lymphoid follicles of spleen and thymus gland. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration with a significant decrease in plasma glutathione peroxidase, catalase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities were recorded. Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil before irradiation considerably normalized all the above-mentioned criteria; and produced significant regeneration in spleen and thymus lymphoid follicles.Our results strongly recommend Nigella sativa oil as a promising natural radioprotective agent against immunosuppressive and oxidative effects of ionizing radiation.

An investigation on formulation of body scrub from Nigella sativ a seed has been carried out. The purpose of this investigation was to determine which formula stability optimal. Body scrub made emulsi which were amulsified by anionic group sulphate emulsifier, anionic group amine emulsifier, and nonionic emulsifier than determined the stability of body scrub with stress condition. Parameters investigated were emulsi type, viscocity and droplet size determined. The results showed that emulsi type from three formulas were oil in water (o/m) emulsion both before and after stress condition. Droplet size showed increased after stress condition. Viscocity from three formulas after stress condition showed reduced significantly (α = 0.01) but body scrub with anionic group sulphate emulsifier showed reduction only in α = 0.05. The conclusion showed that body scrub with anionic group sulphate emulsifier was relative the most stable emulsion. Keywords : Emulsifier , Nigella sativa seed, stability

An extensive phytochemical investigation of the polar fractions of a methanolic extract of Egyptian medicinal food, black cumin (seeds of Nigella sativa L.) led to the isolation of two new triterpene saponins, named sativosides A and B (1-2), along with four known saponins (3-6). Sativoside A (1) is the first example of saponins containing 18-ene triterpene aglycon not only in this Nigella genus but also in the family Ranunculaceae. The structure of the new saponins was elucidated mainly by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR data, together with HRFABMS and acid hydrolysis. Three compounds (1-3) showed the significant inhibition effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-induced production of IL-6 in a human mast cell (HMC-1) line.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the role of flavonoinds of Nigella sativum seeds to reduce theeffect of hydrogen peroxide on electrocardiography in rabbits. Eighteen adult male rabbits were divided intothree equal groups (6\group) and were treated for six weeks as follows: first group (control), which were givenordinary tap water, second treated group (T1), animals in this group given 0.5%H2O2 in drinking water andthird treated group (T2) was handled as in T1 plus oral intubation of flavonoinds (27.5mg\Kg B.W).Electrocardiography was recordings from rabbits after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment. The results conducted thatH2O2 treated group (T1) showed significant increased in P-R interval, R-voltage and significant decreased in Twavevoltage and heart beats. While treatment of animals with flavonoinds of Nigella sativum seeds causedsignificant decrease in P-R interval and R-voltage with an increase in T-wave voltage and heart beats, direct toward their control levels. It was concluded that the flavonoinds of Nigella sativum can ameliorate the deleteriouseffects of hydrogen peroxide on electrocardiography .More studies are needed to convince these findings.

The study was carried out to investigate into the effect of concomitant administration of the crude and the n-hexane extract of Nigella sativa (kalajira) upon streptozotocin-induced diabetic adult male rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 1 while crude nigella powder in deionized water and the n-hexane extract of nigella were administered orally concomitantly from day 1 to 21. Rats were sacrificed on day 22. The serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations that were elevated in diabetic rats were normalized or near normalized by the crude nigella or the n-hexane extract administration; while the elevated serum triglyceride concentrations of the diabetic rats were brought down to lower than control values. The pancreatic GSH was closer to control value, and pancreatic histology suggested reappearance of I² cells. The crude nigella concomitant to streptozotocin (STZ+Nc) administration appeared to provide better alleviation compared to the n-hexane extract of nigella concomitant to streptozotocin (STZ+H) administration.

Macro and micromorphological properties of intact and mature seeds of 12 taxa (species and varieties) belonging to Nigella L. (Ranunculaceae) was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Material studied covers 11 species of 15 Turkish Nigella. Studied taxa were divided into two types. Type I has ovate to orbicular seeds that includes four species. Type II has triquedrous seeds and includes seven species. Type II was subdivided into two. Type IIa has triquedrous to subpyramidal seeds (five species) and Type IIb has triquedrous to subglobose seeds (two species). Further segregation was performed micromorphologically and an identification key of studied Nigella taxa was given. Studied Nigella taxa have a diverse macro and micromorphological characters that utilize to separate them from each other to assess the systematics of Nigella.

Essential oils are the volatile fraction of aromatic and medicinal plants after extraction by steam or water distillation. They have been used for their pharmaceutical potential since early times, and even now are still subject to a great deal of attention, as is clear from the increasing number of publications each year on this subject. This review presents both fundamental and recent studies concerned with the role of Nigella species essential oils and their major constituents, thymoquinone and beta-elemene, as potential chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive anti-cancer agents. The mechanism of action and the factors which determine the concentrations of these major constituents in the essential oil are also reviewed.