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Microgreens are a new, rapidly growing group of foodstuffs. The decorative function of these is often accompanied by their use in traditional dishes. As microgreens are eaten at very early stages, when the development of the epidermis is at its minimum, the bioavailability of minerals will be found to be higher in microgreens then in mature vegetables. So, microgreens can be an excellent functional food, especially for mineral-deficient populations, although they can also be a source of contaminants such as heavy metals or nitrates and nitrites. The purpose of this study was to measure the levels of selected heavy metals (i.e., cadmium, arsenic, lead, chromium, aluminium, zinc, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium, boron, antimony, thallium, titanium and strontium), as well as nitrates and nitrites, in microgreens at various stage of vegetation, using uncommon oilseed plants like nigella—Nigella sativa L., safflower—Carthamus tinctorius L., and camelina—Camelina sativa L. The examined microgreens of rare oilseed plants may be a source of contaminants and nitrates. The mineral profile of these plants is mainly determined by their genotype. Microgreens' cultivation involves compliance with safety standards and replicable conditions to guarantee that the highest nutritional value is reached at the lowest possible contaminant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to assess the effect of nigella supplementation on blood pressure levels among the adult population. A comprehensive search was carried out through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library by using relevant keywords to find out the randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of nigella administration on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A random-effect model was applied to achieve the overall effect size. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the source of heterogeneity and the effects of the possible moderators. Of the twenty-two trials that were eligible for the present study, seventeen studies consisting of 1048 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that nigella administration could significantly reduce both SBP (−4.58 mmHg; 95%CI: −6.22, −2.94) and DBP (−3.08 mmHg; 95%CI: −4.62, −1.55). Subgroup analysis did not show any superiority between subgroups of variables. Dose-response analysis detected a nonlinear association between dose and duration of administration and change in blood pressure outcomes, highlighting that maximum SBP and DBP reduction was experienced at 2000 mg/day and 8 weeks of nigella administration, respectively. The present study suggests that nigella supplementation can be beneficial for managing blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young shoots are a completely new and rapidly growing group of foodstuffs. Also known as "vegetable confetti", they are a useful addition to commonly consumed meals and often serve a decorative purpose, especially when paired with traditional dishes. Most users are unaware of their invaluable properties as a source of bioactive compounds and add them simply as a dish garnish. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate and compare selected health quality parameters of the young shoots of rare oilseed plants (Nigella sativa L., Carthamus tinctorius L., and Camelina sativa L.), which have not been studied in the literature. They are examined for proximate composition (dry matter, total protein, crude fat, ash, digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber), antioxidative properties (vitamin C, total carotenoids, and total polyphenol content), the content of sixteen selected minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, selenium, barium, iron, lithium, beryllium, nickel, gallium, indium, bismuth, silver) as well as antioxidant activity at two harvest dates. The ready-to-eat young shoots in the phase of intensive growth are characterized by a very high content of the examined components and antioxidant properties, which differ depending on the harvest date and plant species. Significantly higher contents of protein, fat, and some minerals have been found in the young shoots from the first harvest compared to those from the second harvest. The antioxidant properties of the young shoots generally increase with maturity. It was not possible, however, to conclusively assess which species of young shoots show the highest health quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deterioration reduces the quality of seeds. Oilseeds like Nigella are highly susceptible to seed aging. Seed priming enhances the quality of deteriorated seeds by improving germination indices and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This research aimed to investigate the extent of damage caused by accelerated aging treatment on the germination characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activity of Nigella seeds and the possibility of mitigating the adverse effects of aging through hormonal priming with cytokinin. Materials and methods: This research was carried out in the form of a completely random basic design with four replications in the seed technology laboratory of Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2017. The treatments included hormonal priming with cytokinin at five levels (0 (control), 10, 20, 40, and 80 m/l) for two durations (12 and 24 hours), and aging under 100% relative humidity and a temperature of 45 °C at five levels (no aging, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h). Results: The analysis of variance results indicated that germination indices were only influenced by main and two-way effects at the 5% and 1% probability levels, while the three-way interactions, including aging, hormone concentration, and priming duration, were significant for plant growth and longitudinal and weight indices at the 1% probability level. Furthermore, it was evident that the priming treatment mitigated the negative effects of aging, with the concentration of 10 milligrams per liter of cytokinin for a duration of 12 h having the most significant impact among the hormone concentrations used on the measured traits. The highest germination percentage (88%) and the lowest germination percentage (63.33%) were observed at concentrations of 10 and 80 mg/l, respectively. The use of cytokinin at optimal concentration improved catalase activity and protein levels. The results showed that in the control conditions, the activity of the catalase enzyme was 0.76 units per mg of protein and the amount of protein was 0.51 mg/g, which reached 0.97 units per mg of protein and 0.79 mg/g with seed priming. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this research, aging led to a reduction in germination indices, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and seed protein content. The best treatment applied was cytokinin hormone priming for aged Nigella seeds at a concentration of 10 mg/l for 12 h. According to the results, the application of cytokinin at its optimal concentration (10 mg/l) improved the catalase enzyme activity and protein content. Therefore, it can be suggested that hormonal priming with cytokinin helps mitigate the adverse effects of aging in Nigella plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens are a new, rapidly growing group of foodstuffs. The decorative function of these is often accompanied by their use in traditional dishes. As microgreens are eaten at very early stages, when the development of the epidermis is at its minimum, the bioavailability of minerals will be found to be higher in microgreens then in mature vegetables. So, microgreens can be an excellent functional food, especially for mineral-deficient populations, although they can also be a source of contaminants such as heavy metals or nitrates and nitrites. The purpose of this study was to measure the levels of selected heavy metals (i.e., cadmium, arsenic, lead, chromium, aluminium, zinc, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium, boron, antimony, thallium, titanium and strontium), as well as nitrates and nitrites, in microgreens at various stage of vegetation, using uncommon oilseed plants like nigella—Nigella sativa L., safflower—Carthamus tinctorius L., and camelina—Camelina sativa L. The examined microgreens of rare oilseed plants may be a source of contaminants and nitrates. The mineral profile of these plants is mainly determined by their genotype. Microgreens’ cultivation involves compliance with safety standards and replicable conditions to guarantee that the highest nutritional value is reached at the lowest possible contaminant level.

Young shoots are a completely new and rapidly growing group of foodstuffs. Also known as “vegetable confetti”, they are a useful addition to commonly consumed meals and often serve a decorative purpose, especially when paired with traditional dishes. Most users are unaware of their invaluable properties as a source of bioactive compounds and add them simply as a dish garnish. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate and compare selected health quality parameters of the young shoots of rare oilseed plants (Nigella sativa L., Carthamus tinctorius L., and Camelina sativa L.), which have not been studied in the literature. They are examined for proximate composition (dry matter, total protein, crude fat, ash, digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber), antioxidative properties (vitamin C, total carotenoids, and total polyphenol content), the content of sixteen selected minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, selenium, barium, iron, lithium, beryllium, nickel, gallium, indium, bismuth, silver) as well as antioxidant activity at two harvest dates. The ready-to-eat young shoots in the phase of intensive growth are characterized by a very high content of the examined components and antioxidant properties, which differ depending on the harvest date and plant species. Significantly higher contents of protein, fat, and some minerals have been found in the young shoots from the first harvest compared to those from the second harvest. The antioxidant properties of the young shoots generally increase with maturity. It was not possible, however, to conclusively assess which species of young shoots show the highest health quality.

The genera Nigella and Garidella are two members of the Nigelleae tribe. Among all the taxa of the tribe, black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is one of the most important plants concerning economic and medicinal uses. In this study, volatiles were analyzed in detail to elucidate the phytochemical profiles and to understand the taxonomic patterns of secondary metabolites for 19 taxa of Nigella and Garidella collected from Turkey and the neighboring countries. Volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using different polarity columns. Seventeen Nigella and two Garidella taxa were investigated, with 130 volatile oil components characterized. Structural similarities of the compounds were clustered by a machine learning algorithm using the molecular fingerprinting method. Our results depict that the phytochemicals produced by Nigelleae can be classified independently of their chemical families and significantly contribute to genera delimitation by their structural distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the therapeutic role of Nigella sativa has been known for a long time, for optimal utilization of plant parts, the developmental profiling of bioactive constituents and their dependence on germplasm diversity need to be assessed.Different cultivars of Nigella sativa (covering 3 samples from northern states of India and 3 reference samples) were taken to explore the relative accumulation of thymol (Thy) and thymoquinone (TQ) in different plant parts, i.e., stem, leaf, bud, flower, fruit, and seeds. Amongst all N. sativa cultivars, the maximum TQ content was found in the seed (45.3885 ± 0.3616 mg/g fresh weight) of the RS cultivar. Seeds of the AN1 cultivar showed the maximum Thy content (2.7853± 0.3535 mg/g fresh weight). The minimum Thy content was found in leaves of Haryana (0.0009 ± 0 mg/g fresh weight) and leaves from RS showed the minimum TQ content (0.0029 ± 0.0001 mg/g fresh weight). There are indications that mature seeds are the best source for both Thy and TQ, followed by fresh seeds collected from the intact fruit of N. sativa. In addition, Thy (precursor) and TQ (product)contentin many plant parts are inversely related to each other, especially in the buds. This indicatedthe interdependence of these two bioactive constituents, but not necessarily in all plant parts. It appears that there might be another functional precursor (in addition to Thy)leading to TQ biosynthesis (speculated to be Carvacrol) in Nigella. Such relative dominance of bioactive compounds and their precursors may be used for designing formulations and setting biotransformation experiments for further value addition. [Display omitted] • Spatiotemporal profiling of Thy and TQ in terms of yield/content or productivity was done. • Germplasm diversity in content of Thy and TQ was investigated in six different cultivars of N. sativa. • Analysis of variance was done to observe the interdependence in Thy and TQ. • Correlation between Thy and TQ content was observed to explore metabolic dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comprehensive assessment of the varieties of Nigella sativa and Nigella damanscena under the agro-climatic conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Volga region. The experimental work was carried out in 2019–2021 on the experimental field of FSBRI the Penza Research Institute of Agriculture. Climatic conditions during the years of study of Nigella were characterized as dry. The hydrothermal coefficient ranged from 0.67 in 2019 to 0.92 units in 2021. The duration of the growing season of nigella averaged 98–113 days. The number of capsules per plant and the seed weight per plant had the greatest influence on the formation of the seed yield of nigella, the share of influence of which was 27.6 and 29.2%. The productivity indicators of one plant were in the range of 1.36–2.32 g, and the variability of this trait was 33.4%. The highest weight of seeds from one plant 2.23 and 2.32 g was noted in the Iskra and Chernyi Barkhat varieties. The 1000 seed weight varied from 2.58 (Diva) to 3.53 g (Iskra). The highest yield in the conditions of the Penza oblast was noted in the varieties Vitol'dina, Yalita, and Znakharka, the yield of which was 1.22‒1.25 t/ha. The average oil content in Nigella seeds was 38.89%. According to the fat content, the varieties Yalita and Vitol'dina stood out; their oil content was 41.82 and 40.95%. The varieties Yalita, Znakharka, and Krymchanka were characterized by the greatest stability over the years, and the value of the variety stability indicator (VSI) for them was 1.41–1.45. In the composition of the oil, the largest share was linoleic and oleic acids, the content of which reached 47.98–64.27 and 16.91–29.52%. In addition, the fatty acid composition of nigella contained two more saturated fatty acids: lauric and capric. Their content was 0.18–0.46 and 0.04–2.30%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella plant genus has potential as anti-HIV. One species of Nigella, Nigella sativa has been reported to have HIV-1 protease enzyme inhibitory activity. This research aims to determine the compounds of the Nigella genus that have activity as HIV-1 protease enzyme inhibitory activity through molecular docking method by Autodock Vina and to compare interaction stability through molecular dynamics simulations by AMBER. The metabolite of the Nigella genus was obtained from the KnapSack website, and enzyme model was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (3NU3). The results of molecular docking found the lowest affinity energy of Nigella compound is Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite (-13.4 kcal/mol). Meanwhile, the affinity energy of the ligand native (Amprenavir) was -12.1 kcal/mol. The lowest affinity energy of Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite might be predicted to have potency as an HIV-1 Protease inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulation showed Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) value of Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite with the amino acid active site is 0.4064 Å for ASP:25 and 0.5667 Å for ASP: 125. Whereas RMSF ligand native with the amino acid active site, ASP: 25 is 0.3647 Å and ASP: 125 is 0.3639 Å. The higher RMSF value of Nigellidine 4-O-sulfite describes the lower interaction stability than the ligand native.

The tribe Nigelleae Schröd. (Ranunculaceae) worldwide distribution has been studied taxonomically, based on morphological, palynological and seed morphological characters, as well as chromosome counts. Extensive field works have been carried out in Turkey, Greece, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Portugal and in Northern Cyprus. Moreover, the specimens of major herbaria in Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Syria and Iran as well in Europe have been examined. This study represents the most comprehensive monograph of the tribe based on field work across its nearly entire distributional range, complemented by examination of over 980 specimens from 25 herbaria and our collections with nomenclatural contributions. Eighteen species are recognized under three genera, namely Garidella Tourn. ex L. (2 speices), Komaroffia Kuntze (2), and Nigella L. (14). Four new combinations have been proposed here as Komaroffia bucharica (Schipcz.) Dönmez, Nigella arvensis L. var. aristata (Sibthorp & Smith) Dönmez & Uğurlu, N. oxypetala Boiss. var. latisecta (P.H.Davis) Dönmez & Uğurlu and N. oxypetala var. lancifolia (Hub.-Mor.) Dönmez & Uğurlu. Status of three names have been changed. Lectotypes of Komaroffia integrifolia and K. bucharica have been selected and incorrect lectotypification for K. bucharica is discussed. Twenty new synonyms have been proposed here, most of which belong to the Nigella arvensis complex. Although there are various generic and infrageneric treatments of Komaroffia and Garidella, both of them have been recognized here as separate genera in the tribe Nigelleae as they were accepted by some previous authors. Keys for identifiying the genera, species and infraspecific taxa have been prepared. Chromosome numbers are given, based on our novel data and the pertinent literature. Additionally, descriptions, synonymies, water colour illustrations, distribution maps, taxonomic notes and lists of all specimens examined are provided for each taxon. Based on the literature, herbarium specimens and field observations, IUCN threat categories have been proposed for the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This is a study of glamour, its complexities and its relationship with and role within celebrity culture. We explore glamour in the context of Nigella, the London-born TV cook, food writer and self-proclaimed ‘domestic goddess’ of British culinary culture. In our study we consider the interconnections between glamour, specifically Italian-style retro-glamour, and performativity in Nigella’s career. We also address the role of embodiment and authenticity in the masquerade of femininity. Our analysis focuses on Nigella’s glamour over time, considering its creation, enactment and reaffirmation following scandal. We conclude by speculating on glamour’s complex and ambivalent relationship with celebrity culture, and the role of vulnerability in creating authentic and enduring glamour in contemporary consumer society. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present work aims to study physical, techno-functional and antioxidant properties of black cumin seeds protein isolate (BCSPI) and its hydrolysates (BCSPH). BCSPI and BCSPH were characterized by high contents of protein (78.4–83.5%). Thermal characterization by DSC showed that the denaturation temperature (Td) increased from 90.7 to 131.9 °C. BCSPI was characterized by the lowest Td. The highest Td was observed for BCSPH with a hydrolysis degree (DH) of 14.74%. The enzymatic hydrolysis was found to enhance protein solubility. BCSPH (lowest DH = 12.58%) exhibited significantly higher emulsifying and foaming properties than BCSPI. The above observation was probably relating to the decrease of interfacial tension from 28.50 to 25.67 mN/m (BCSPH).Antioxidant activities of BCSPI and BCSPH were assessed in vitro through different antioxidant tests. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, BCSPH with higher DH (19.63%) exhibited significantly the greatest scavenging activity (90.82%) towards DPPH radical. Antioxidant activities were improved with the increase of the degree of hydrolysis. The obtained data suggest that the choice of the hydrolysis degree can improve the functional and the antioxidant activities of protein isolate. Overall, BCSPH have peculiar techno-functional and antioxidant properties which promote their use in food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products as natural dietary proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella is a small genus of the family Ranunculaceae, which includes some popular species due to their culinary and medicinal properties, especially in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Western, and Central Asia. Therefore, this review covers the traditional uses and phytochemical composition of Nigella and, in particular, Nigella sativa. The pharmacological studies reported in vitro, in vivo, and in humans have also been reviewed. One of the main strength of the use of Nigella is that the seeds are rich in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and provide an extra-source of dietary phytochemicals, including the bioactive thymoquinone, and characteristics saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Among Nigella species, N. sativa L. is the most studied plant from the genus. Due to the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties, the seed and seed oil from this plant can be considered as good candidates to formulate functional ingredients on the basis of folklore and scientific knowledge. Nonetheless, the main limations are that more studies, especially, clinical trials are required to standardize the results, e.g. to establish active molecules, dosage, chemical profile, long-term effects and impact of cooking/incorporation into foods.

The present study involves the preparation and characterization of antibacterial nanofibers made from nigella/PVA mixer along with silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were efficiently synthesized by reduction of AgNO3 while alcoholic extraction process was used to extract the medicinal constituents form nigella. Then the resulting solution was electrospun into nanofibers by electrospinning technique under optimum processing conditions. The developed nanofibrous mat was characterized by bacterial assay, moisture management tester (MMT), thermal analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and FTIR to evaluate its antibacterial, moisture, thermal, morphological, and bonding behavior. The agar diffusion method had been used to evaluate the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria revealing the formation of inhibition zone with a value around 18.66 ± 2 mm. Besides, the developed nanomat showed enhanced moisture and thermal properties having average diameter of 223 ± 20.5 nm. In addition, the presence of characteristic peaks in FTIR spectra revealed all the desired components are present in the developed nanofibrous mat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rhabdomyolysis, or destruction of skeletal muscle, is the release of the contents of skeletal muscle cells into the plasma, which can be filtered through the glomeruli and lead to acute renal failure by various mechanisms.One of the experimental models for inducing rhabdomyolysis in laboratory animals is intramuscular injection of glycerol. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of kidney damage caused by rhabdomyolysis. Methods and Materials: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, rhabdomyolysis, Nigella sativaextract (200 & 400 mg/kg) + rhabdomyolysis, thymoquinone (15 mg/kg) + rhabdomyolysis. The duration of the study was seven days and on the third day of the study, 50% glycerol (10 ml/kg) was injected intramuscularly into both legs. Serum and urine samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study and serum samples were collected on day four of the study (24 hours after glycerol injection). On the last day of the study, the kidneys were collected and animals were humanly killed. Results: In the rhabdomyolysis group, on day four (24 hours after glycerol injection), serum levels of CPK, urea and creatinine showed a significant increase compared to the control group. On the last day of the study, in rhabdomyolysis group serum CPK levels did not differ significantly, but serum urea and creatinine concentrations, GFR and urea clearance showed a significant decrease and urinary output a significant rise compared to the control animals. MDA concentration of kidney tissue in the rhabdomyolysis group showed a significant increase compared to the control group. Conclusion: The present study showed that total Nigella sativaextract and thymoquinone had a good protective effect on renal function in animals with rhabdomyolysis. It is possible that part of these beneficial effects of Nigella sativaextract and thymoquinone is due to their antioxidant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of chemical mutagens EMS, NMU and a new mutagen DG-2 on the traits of Nigella damascena L. variety Bereginya in the generation M1. It was found that the treatment of love-in-a-mist seeds with these substances changed such characteristics as plant survival, plant height, and the number of seeds per plant. The greatest influence on these indicators was exerted by nitrosomethylurea. In our study, all chemical mutagens led to a decrease in plant survival and mainly caused plant oppression. In all treatments, a decrease in the total plant height was revealed in comparison with the control. In some cases the number of seeds per plant has decreased. The tested mutagens caused the appearance of morphoses in plants with a frequency of 3.87% to 0.48%, characterized by a change in color and shape of the leaves and the plant dwarfism. The appearance of plants with altered characteristics in the M1 generation assumes hereditary mutations of a different nature in the subsequent generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants have been pivotal in traditional and modern medicine globally, with historical evidence supporting their therapeutic applications. Nigella ( Nigella sativa L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family and is cultivated in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western and Central Asia. The medicinal use of plants dates back thousands of years, documented in ancient writings from various civilizations. Alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and tannins found in plants exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities., Methodology: This study specifically examines the pharmacological potential of Nigella sativa L., emphasizing thymoquinone-a compound with diverse nutraceutical benefits. The extraction, characterization, and quantification of thymoquinone, alongside other physicochemical parameters, were carried out using ethanol through Soxhlet extraction procedures on five nigella varieties. HPLC analysis was performed to determine the maximum accumulation of thymoquinone in the released variety of the plant and the chemical composition of the seed oil isolated from Nigella sativa L., varieties utilized in the study was determined through GC-MS analysis., Results: The research revealed that the Ajmer nigella-20 variety stands out, exhibiting elevated levels of thymoquinone (0.20 ± 0.07%), antioxidants (76.18 ± 1.78%), and substantial quantities of total phenols (31.85 ± 0.97 mg GAEg -1 seed) and flavonoids (8.150 ± 0.360 mg QE 100 g -1 seed) compared to other varieties. The GC-MS profiling showed the presence of 11 major compounds in the studied varieties, with p-cymene, longifolene, and myristic acid identified as the major chemical compounds present in the oil., Conclusion: The observed variations among Nigella varieties indicate the Ajmer nigella-20 variety as particularly promising for thymoquinone and bioactive compound extraction. This study underscores Nigella's potential as a source of pharmacologically active compounds, highlighting the need for further exploration in therapeutic applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 Y et al.)

Cold pressed oils obtained from chia (Salvia hispanica L.), milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.), nigella (Nigella sativa L.), and white and black varieties of poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) seeds were character­ized. The nutritional quality was determined based on the analysis of fatty acids, tocochromanol and phytos­terol contents, as well as antioxidant activity and general physico-chemical properties. Among the oils analyzed the fatty acid composition most beneficial for health was found in chia seed oil, with 65.62% of α-linolenic acid and the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 1:3.5. Other oils studied were rich sources of linoleic acid (18.35-74.70%). Chia seed oil was also distinguished by high contents of phytosterols, mainly β-sitosterol (2160.17 mg/kg oil). The highest content of tocochromanols was found in milk thistle oil with dominant α-tocopherol (530.2 mg/kg oil). In contrast, the highest antioxidant activity was recorded for nigella oil (10.23 μM Trolox/g), which indi­cated that, in addition to tocopherols, other antioxidants influenced its antioxidant potential.

Several species of fungi were isolated from maize seeds. The highest frequency was genus Aspergillus of three species: Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. parasiticus. Poisoned medium method were Applied of five different plant extracts Nigella seeds, pomegranate peels, (Eucalyptus and Euphorbia leaves) and Ginger roots were used to reducing the growth rate of fungi by measured radial growth rate divided by time, the first growth rate (0-2 days), second growth rate (2-4 days) and third growth rate (4-6 days). A decrease in the growth rate of A. flavus and A. niger was observed by using Nigella and Ginger, while all plant extracts reduced the growth rate of A. parasiticus. The growth rate of the three species A. flavus, A. niger and A. parasiticus it was no significant difference among three growing stages of the first growth rate, then decreased sharply at the second growth rate and returned to rise at the third growth rate compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold pressed oils obtained from chia (Salvia hispanica L.), milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.), nigella (Nigella sativa L.), and white and black varieties of poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) seeds were characterized. The nutritional quality was determined based on the analysis of fatty acids, tocochromanol and phytosterol contents, as well as antioxidant activity and general physico-chemical properties. Among the oils analyzed the fatty acid composition most beneficial for health was found in chia seed oil, with 65.62% of a-linolenic acid and the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 1:3.5. Other oils studied were rich sources of linoleic acid (18.35-74.70%). Chia seed oil was also distinguished by high contents of phytosterols, mainly ß-sitosterol (2160.17 mg/kg oil). The highest content of tocochromanols was found in milk thistle oil with dominant a-tocopherol (530.2 mg/kg oil). In contrast, the highest antioxidant activity was recorded for nigella oil (10.23 µM Trolox/g), which indicated that, in addition to tocopherols, other antioxidants influenced its antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibberellic acid (GA3), a plant growth regulator, is widely used in agriculture in many countries to accelerate the growth of fruits and vegetables. We designed histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies to evaluate the deleterious effects of GA3 on the livers of adult pregnant rats and their offspring and to assess the possible ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa Linn. (NsL.oil) against these effects. Twenty-four pregnant albino rats were utilized, randomly divided into four groups: The first group was used as a negative control group, while the second group (positive control group) was provided NsL.oil at a dose of 100 mg/kg of bodyweight. Animals in the third group (GA3 group) were provided 200 ppm of GA3 dissolved in distilled water from the 7th day of pregnancy until 1 day after delivery. Animals in the last group (GA3 + NsL.oil group) were provided GA3 and NsL-oil at the same doses as mentioned above. One day after delivery, each group of lactating mothers and their pups were sacrificed. Liver specimens were subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. The livers of rats from the GA3 group showed various degenerative changes, being predominant in the livers of the mothers compared with the offspring. The pathological changes in the livers of the offspring suggested transplacental passage of GA3. The results reveal that GA3 ingestion induced a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in the serum of both groups of mothers and their pups, with a significant increment in lipid peroxidation as evidenced by enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with significant decrements in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymatic activities in comparison with control groups in the liver of mothers and their offspring. Histopathological examination showed hydropic degeneration and inflammatory cellular infiltration. Additionally, there was fibrosis around the portal area. Moreover, immunolocalization revealed downregulation of the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl-2 in hepatocytes and upregulation of the expression of the apoptotic marker Bax in the treated group. Concomitant use of NsL.oil along with GA3 exerted a considerable reversing effect on histopathological and biochemical changes in the livers of mother groups and their pups. The results of the present study highlight the consequences of exposure to GA3 during pregnancy on hepatic tissue in both mothers and their offspring. Furthermore, the study suggests use of NsL.oil as a potential protective strategy against GA3-induced liver toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Elaborate petals are present in many flowering plants lineages and have greatly promoted the success and evolutionary radiation of these groups. How elaborate petals are made, however, remains largely unclear. Petals of Nigella (Ranunculaceae) have long been recognized as elaborate and can thus be an excellent model for the study of petal elaboration.Here, by conducting detailed morphological, micromorphological, anatomical, developmental and evolutionary studies on the petals of Nigella species, we explored the processes, general patterns and underlying mechanisms of petal elaboration.We found that petals of Nigella are highly complex, and the complexity can be reflected at various levels. We also found that evolutionary elaboration of the Nigella petals is a gradual process, involving not only modifications of pre‐existing structures but also de novo origination of new characters. Further investigations indicated that the elaboration and diversification of Nigella petals were accomplished by modifying the ancestral trajectory of petal development, a process known as developmental repatterning.Our results not only provide new insights into the development and evolution of elaborate petals, but also highlight the necessity of conducting multiple‐level investigations for understanding the processes, patterns and underlying mechanisms of plant evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding volatiles oil (cumin oil, basil oil, nigella sativa oil and their mix) on some physical and sensory characteristics of minced and frozen stored (for 1, 15, 30 and 45 days) chicken meat. The dietary treatments were involved T1 control treatment, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were basal diets with 0.04 of cumin oil, basil oil, nigella sativa oil and their mixture respectively while T6 was basal diet with 0.01% of antioxidants (BHA). The results showed that supplemented treatment with volatiles oil had lower thawing and cooking loos values (P <0.01) with a significant improving in the ability of meat to catch water, as well as an improvement in the degrees of sensory evaluation of the characteristics of the color, flavored, tenderness, freshness and the general acceptance of minced and stock frozen chicken meat for 45 days. In conclusion, the addition of volatile oils to the diets achieved the best physical and sensory results of minced and frozen chicken meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Display omitted] • The N. arvensis complex is a monophyletic group but containing polyphyletic taxa. • Demographic modelling uncovered disparate modes of (sub)speciation in this complex. • The present-day island configuration is insufficient to explain the episodic diversification. • Calling into question this complex as a purported example of non-adaptive radiation. The continental-shelf islands of the Aegean Sea provide an ideal geographical setting for evolutionary-biogeographical studies but disentangling the relationships between palaeogeographical history and the times, orders of modes of taxon divergence is not straightforward. Here, we used phylogenomic and population genomic approaches, based on orthologous gene sequences and transcriptome-derived SNP data, to reconstruct the spatial–temporal evolution of the Aegean Nigella arvensis complex (Ranunculaceae; 11 out of 12 taxa). The group's early diversification in the Early/Mid-Pliocene (c. 3.77 Mya) resulted in three main lineages (Greek mainland vs. central Aegean + Turkish mainland/eastern Aegean islands), while all extant taxa are of Late Plio-/Early Pleistocene origin (c. 3.30–1.59 Mya). Demographic modelling of the outcrossing taxa uncovered disparate modes of (sub)speciation, including divergence with gene flow on the Greek mainland, para- or peripatric diversification across eastern Aegean islands, and a 'mixing–isolation–mixing (MIM)' mode of subspeciation in the Cyclades. The two selfing species (N. stricta , N. doerfleri) evolved independently from the outcrossers. Present-day island configurations are clearly insufficient to explain the spatial–temporal history of lineage diversification and modes of (sub)speciation in Aegean Nigella. Moreover, our identification of positively selected genes in almost all taxa calls into question that this plant group represents a case of 'non-adaptive' radiation. Our study revealed an episodic diversification history of the N. arvensis complex, giving new insight into the modes and drivers of island speciation and adaption across multiple spatiotemporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher consumption of fruit, herbs, spices, and vegetables is well known and practical strategy to cure human cancers owing to their presence of bioactive compounds. Among these, Nigella sativa is a promising source of bioactive compounds including thymoquinone, monoterpenes, p-cymene and α-piene etc. Thymoquinone has been found effective to inhibit the different cancer stages such as proliferation, migration and invasion. It also acts as anticancer agent against different human cancers such as breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, oral, bone, head and neck, cervical, liver and lung. It significantly mediated miR-34a up-regulation, enhanced the levels of miR-34a through p53, and down controlled Rac1 expression. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis, regulates the levels of pro- and anti- apoptotic genes. It also has been known to lower the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IKKα/β and reduces the metastasis as well as also lowered the ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. Thymoquinone inhibits the metastasis through activation of JNK and p38. The present review article highlights the anticancer perspectives of thymoquinone in human by various pathways and use of this compound as diet based therapy has proven new pharmacological agent against several types of cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to continuous rise in antibiotic resistance, there is a need for alternative treatment options to reduce the levels of oral pathogens for the maintenance of oral as well as overall health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial potential of tinctures of Spilanthes oleracea and propolis, Nigella seed oil, and an ethanolic extract of black garlic on microorganisms involved in oral diseases. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration assay and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration assay were used in this study. Inhibition effects against total human salivary bacteria were also determined. Our results show that all of the preparations tested had potent antimicrobial activities. When measured 10 min after exposure, even low concentrations of the propolis tincture were found to have killed more than 99% of salivary bacteria, whereas Spilanthes tincture and black garlic extract killed more than 90% and Nigella seed oil more than 60% of the pathogens. This suggests that all preparations are promising candidates for the use in oral health care products and that all have the potential to control biofilm associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) is well known for its benefits in the field of traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and investigate the antimicrobial activity of cold pressed oil (CO) and essential oil (EO) of Nigella sativa L. on food-borne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. The microdilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Nigella sativa crude oil (CO) and essential oil (EO) against 4 Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) and 3 Gram-negative (Salmonella Hartford, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) foodborne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria occurring in food products. Total fatty acid composition of CO was analysed by GLC, while the EO was analysed by GC-MS to detect its active compounds. The results showed that the major fatty acid of CO was palmitic acid (C16:0), as saturated fatty acid, however, linoleic acid (C18:2) was the main unsaturated fatty acid. The major compounds of the EO were p-cymene and thymoquinone. The inhibition on all tested bacteria of EO was 10 times higher than of CO, and the lowest concentration value was observed in case of Bacillus subtilis (0.003%). Hence, results reinforce the ambition to apply Nigella sativa oils in food as natural preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight Barbarine male lambs were used to investigate the effect of dietary Nigella sativa seeds (NSS) on meat fatty acids and oxidative stability in two different feeding systems (high- or low-concentrate). Dietary treatments were planned to offer: 70% barley hay and 30% concentrate (LC); LC + 12 g/day of NSS (LCN); 30% barley hay and 70% concentrate (HC); HC + 12 g/day of NSS (HCN). NSS increased intramuscular fat only in the low-concentrate system ( P = 0.039); accordingly, the content of 14:0, c -9 14:1, t -9 18:1, t -11 18:1 and both individual and sum of odd and branched chain fatty acids were greater in LCN than LC meat. TBARS in raw meat increased from 0 to 3 days of refrigerated storage regardless NSS supplementation. From 3 to 6 days, TBARS further increased only in the meat from lambs not receiving NSS. At 6-days storage, TBARS were lower ( P < 0.05) in the meat of lambs receiving NSS compared to the meat of lambs not receiving NSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The most commonly used plant source of β-elemene is Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen & C. Ling (syn. of Curcuma aromatic Salisb.) with its content in supercritical CO2 extract up to 27.83%. However, the other rich source of this compound is Nigella damascena L. essential oil, in which β-elemene accounts for 47%. In this work, the effective protocol for preparative isolation of β-elemene from a new source—N. damascena essential oil—using high performance counter-current chromatography HPCCC was elaborated. Furthermore, since sesquiterpens are known as potent antimicrobials, the need for finding new agents designed to combat multi-drug resistant strains was addressed and the purified target compound and the essential oil were tested for its activity against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and mycobacterial strains. The application of the mixture of petroleum ether, acetonitrile, and acetone in the ratio 2:1.5:0.5 (v/v) in the reversed phase mode yielded β-elemene with high purity in 70 min. The results obtained for antimicrobial assay clearly indicated that N. damascena essential oil and isolated β-elemene exert action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Ra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Background and Aims Disentangling the relative roles of past fragmentation (vicariance), colonization (dispersal) and post-divergence gene flow in the genetic divergence of continental island organisms remains a formidable challenge. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) were used to (1) gain further insights into the biogeographical processes underlying the Pleistocene diversification of the Aegean Nigella arvensis complex; (2) evaluate the role of potential key factors driving patterns of population genetic variability (mating system, geographical isolation and historical contingencies); and (3) test the robustness of conclusions previously drawn from chloroplast (cp) DNA. * Methods Genetic diversity was analysed for 235 AFLP markers from 48 populations (497 individuals) representing 11 taxa of the complex using population genetic methods and Bayesian assignment tests. * Key Results Most designated taxa are identifiable as genetically distinct units. Both fragmentation and dispersal-driven diversification processes occurred at different geological time scales, from Early to Late Pleistocene, specifically (1) sea barrier-induced vicariant speciation in the Cyclades, the Western Cretan Strait and Ikaria; and (2) bi-regional colonizations of the 'Southern Aegean Island Arc' from the Western vs. Eastern Aegean mainland, followed by allopatric divergences in Crete vs. Rhodos and Karpathos/Kasos. Outcrossing island taxa experienced drift-related demographic processes that are magnified in the two insular selfing species. Population genetic differentiation on the mainland seems largely driven by dispersal limitation, while in the Central Aegean it may still be influenced by historical events (island fragmentation and sporadic long-distance colonization). * Conclusions The biogeographical history of Aegean Nigella is more complex than expected for a strictly allopatric vicariant model of divergence. Nonetheless, the major phylogeographical boundaries of this radiation are largely congruent with the geography and history of islands, with little evidence for ongoing gene exchange between divergent taxa. The present results emphasize the need to investigate further biological and landscape features and contemporary vs. historical processes in driving population divergence and taxon diversification in Aegean plant radiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black cumin is an annual oilseed crop, native to the Mediterranean region and widely used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Reduced seed germination and early seedling growth under saline conditions are considered as major factors limiting the establishment of crops. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salinity due to NaCl on germination of black cumin seeds. A set of experiments was conducted under completely randomized design with four replications of 200 seeds at two different suboptimal germination temperatures (15 and 20 °C) in the dark for 16 days. In order to create salt stress conditions during the germination process, five solutions were used (0 as control, 80, 160, 240 and 320 mM NaCl). The germination performance was evaluated by final germination percentage and mean germination time. The effect of salinity on seed germination percentage and mean germination time was significant at p<0.01. Germination of the controls was 96% and 95% at 15 °C and 20 °C, respectively. The presence of NaCl, regardless of temperature, reduced germination. This reduction was more severe at 15 °C (15%, and 19% germination in cases of 80 and 160 mM concentration respectively) than at 20 °C (65% at 80 mM salinity level) and no germination was observed from 240 mM onwards. The mean germination time increased with increased NaCl levels, especially at the lower temperature of 15 °C. The overall results of this experiment showed the inhibitory effects of salt stress on seed germination parameters of black cumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]