Abstract

Increased generation and accumulation of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant systems can result in oxidative stress. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant properties of black seeds (Nigella sativa). To find pertinent papers, searches were conducted using reference lists, Web of Science, Medline/PMC/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, among other web-based resources. Black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation has been demonstrated in several preclinical and clinical studies to decrease lipid peroxidation and raise levels of antioxidant enzymes. There are several ways in which black seeds (Nigella sativa) can exhibit antioxidant activity: they can do this by reducing oxidative stress and free radical formation, scavenging superoxide and other reactive oxygen species, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, inhibiting nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), upregulating genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, lowering malondialdehyde levels, elevating total antioxidant capacity levels, and enhancing antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and many more. For individuals suffering from chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cancer, and many more, black seeds (Nigella sativa) may thus be used as an adjuvant therapy in addition to standard drugs.

Keywords: Black seeds, Nigella sativa, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Antioxidant enzymes, Lipid peroxidation.