ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES OF NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK CUMIN)

Authors

  • Md. Asaduzzaman Khan Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan410013, China
  • Han-chun Chen Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
  • Mousumi Tania Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
  • Dianzheng Zhang 1. Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China 2. Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging, Philadelphia College of Osteopa

Keywords:

Traditional medicine, Nigella sativa, Thymoquinone, Antioxidant, Anti-cancer mechanism

Abstract

Nigella sativa has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. The crude oil and thymoquinone (TQ) extracted from its seeds and oil are effective against many diseases like cancer, cardiovascular complications, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease etc. It is effective against cancer in blood system, lung, kidney, liver, prostate, breast, cervix, skin with much safety. The molecular mechanisms behind its anticancer role is still not clearly understood, however, some studies showed that TQ has antioxidant role and improves body’s defense system, induces apoptosis and controls Akt pathway. Although the anti-cancer activity of N. sativa components was recognized thousands of years ago but proper scientific research with this important traditional medicine is a history of last 2~3 decades. There are not so many research works done with this important traditional medicine and very few reports exist in the scientific database. In this article, we have summarized the actions of TQ and crude oil of N. sativa against different cancers with their molecular mechanisms.

Author Biographies

Md. Asaduzzaman Khan, Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan410013, China

Doctoral Research Fellow Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan410013, China

Han-chun Chen, Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China

Professor Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China

Mousumi Tania, Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China

Doctoral Research Fellow Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China

Dianzheng Zhang, 1. Department of Biochemistry School of Biological Science and Technology Central South University Changsha, Hunan 410013, China 2. Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging, Philadelphia College of Osteopa

Assistant professor Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA

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Published

2011-05-09

How to Cite

Khan, M. A., Chen, H.- chun, Tania, M., & Zhang, D. (2011). ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES OF NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK CUMIN). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5S), 226–232. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/1143

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Section

Review

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