Nigella sativa var. hispidula
Nigella sativa var. hispidula, commonly known as a variant of black cumin, is a potent medicinal herb prized for its therapeutic properties. Rich in bioactive compounds like thymoquinone, it offers significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. This botanical variety is increasingly studied for its potential in supporting holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Nigella sativa var. hispidula
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Ranunculaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Nigella as the variety hispidula.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Ranunculaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nigella | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Nigella sativa var. hispidula, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as black cumin or black caraway, while in Arabic, it is commonly called habbat al-barakah or habbat al-sawda. In Hindi, it is known as kalonji, and in Turkish, it is referred to as çörek otu.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific and limited geographical range within certain regions of Asia. It can be found growing naturally across parts of Central Asia, specifically within the country of Turkmenistan. Furthermore, its distribution extends into Western Asia, where it is located in Iran. These two nations represent the primary habitats for this particular variety. Consequently, its occurrence is concentrated within these specific territorial boundaries.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central Asia | Turkmenistan | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Iran | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Nigella sativa var. hispidula, is primarily valued for its small, black, angular seeds, which are the most significant medicinal component of the species. Each individual seed is rich in essential oils and bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties. When harvested, these seeds are collected and processed for use in various traditional remedies, making the seed the most crucial part of the plant for pharmacological applications.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seed | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Nigella sativa var. hispidula has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include p-hydroxy-acetophenone, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| p-hydroxy-acetophenone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-hydroxybenzaldehyde | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-hydroxybenzoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Nigella sativa var. hispidula has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiarthritic, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiarthritic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |