Nigella sativa
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin or black seed, is a highly revered medicinal plant used for centuries in traditional healing. Renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, these small black seeds offer diverse therapeutic benefits, supporting immune health, digestion, and metabolic function in various holistic practices.
- Scientific name: Nigella sativa
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, it is further categorized under the family Ranunculaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Nigella.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Ranunculaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nigella | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is noted within the territories of Germany as well as the Czechia-Slovakia region. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found growing throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically in France. The species also extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is established in Bulgaria. Finally, its range continues further south into the coastal and inland areas of Greece.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Belarus | WCVP |
Chemicals
Nigella sativa has 145 reported phytochemicals identified across 325 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include thymoquinone, Thymoquinone, flavonoids, thymol, oil.
- Total chemicals
- 145
- Scientific sources
- 325
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| thymoquinone | 52 | ★★★★★ |
| Thymoquinone | 22 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| thymol | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| oil | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| carvacrol | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| linoleic acid | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| saponins | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| fatty acids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| p-cymene | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
Activities
Nigella sativa has 59 reported activities identified across 303 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 59
- Scientific sources
- 303
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 53 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 27 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 22 | ★★★★★ |
| Antidiabetic | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| Analgesic | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| Neuroprotective | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| Bronchodilator | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antiviral | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Nigella sativa has 295 reported medicinal uses identified across 550 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, oxidative stress, inflammation, COVID-19, hypertension.
- Total uses
- 295
- Scientific sources
- 550
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 29 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 19 | ★★★★★ |
| inflammation | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| COVID-19 | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| hypertension | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| breast cancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| neurodegenerative diseases | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| asthma | 7 | ★★★★☆ |