Evidence-based anti-viral and immunomodulatory potential of Black cumin (Nigella sativaL.) in COVID-19

Currently, the whole world is facing a life-threatening novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Natural products are well-known for their potential role against viral disease, and some anti-viral agents have been developed to combat these diseases. Herein, the authors investigated the possible effects of this Holy plant Nigella sativaL. (NS), against coronavirus, using evidence-based and mechanistic approaches to conclude the immune-boosting and alleviation of respiratory systemeffects of NS. The pharmacological studies established a prominent role in treating various respiratory, immune systems, cardiovascular, skin, and gastrointestinal disorders. Literature supported the significant anti-viral role and showed an inhibitory role for NS against MHV-A59 CoV (mouse-hepatitis virus–A59) infected Hela, i.e., HeLaCEACAM1a (HeLa-epithelial carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1a) cell. NS is a safe herbal product or dietary supplement and could be an effective and affordable community adjuvant treatment for coronavirus in the current scenario.

Diversity and abundance of pollinators in different winter crops at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Campus, Dhaka

The study was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University campus to document the diversity and abundance of pollinators of five commonly grown winter crops, viz., mustard, coriander, niger, black cumin and linseed from October 2020 to February 2021. A total number of fifteen species was identified under eleven genera, nine subfamilies, nine families and seven super families. The study revealed that honey bees, halictids, nymphalids, coccinellids, butterflies and dipterans of genera Apis, Halictus, Lasioglossum, Aglais, Coccinella, Pieris, Eurema, Musca, Syrphid and Calliphora belonging to the families Apidae, Halictidae, Nymphalidae, Coccinellidae, Pieridae, Muscidae, Syrphidae and Calliphoridae, respectively were present in the field. The species diversity was high in mustard with 15 species while it was low in linseed (5 species). The honey bees, Apis sp. and sweat bees, Halictus sp. were common pollinators of all five oilseed crops, while the housefly, Musca domestica was specific to mustard. The honey bee, Apis sp. was predominant among all the insect pollinators in five oilseed crops. The Species Richness (SR), Shannon-Weaver index (H’), Community dominance and Question of similarity indices were applied to determine the diversity and abundance of pollinators. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 33-42

An Overview on Composition and Therapeutic Potentials of the Black Seed (Nigella sativa)

Nigella sativa is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and produces seeds known as black seed or black cumin. Black seed has been used in various civilization around the world for centuries to treat various ailments. It is widely used in a variety of traditional medical systems, including Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Black seed is considered to be nutritionally dense, with high levels of fat, protein, dietary fibre, calcium, and iron. The seed is known to have a wide range of pharmacological properties which are supported by numerous studies. Extensive research has been carried out over decades to confirm the seed’s anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, antilipidemic, anti-cancer, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective properties etc. Black seed has earned a position among the top ranked evidence-based herbal medicines due to its marvellous healing properties. Studies have revealed that the presence of thymoquinone, a major bioactive component of the seed essential oil, is responsible for the majority of its therapeutic properties. Consumption of the seeds for an extended period of time has been shown to have significant effects on lowering blood glucose levels, improving lipid profiles, and other biochemical parameters. The minor or negligible toxicological effects of black seed and its active constituent, thymoquinone, support its long-term use in traditional food and medicine. Because of their low toxicity, black seed is frequently used in food as a flavouring agent, additive in breads, and pickles. The current review summarises the composition, important pharmacological studies, dosage and toxicity of the Blackseed and its application in food industry.

Insights into the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone against Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapeutic Agents

The drugs used to treat cancer not only kill fast-growing cancer cells, but also kill or slow the growth of healthy cells, causing systemic toxicities that lead to altered functioning of normal cells. Most chemotherapeutic agents have serious toxicities associated with their use, necessitating extreme caution and attention. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies because of their pharmacological activities, minimal side effects, and low cost. Thymoquinone, a major component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa Linn, also known as black cumin or black seeds, is commonly used in Middle Eastern countries as a condiment. It is also utilized for medicinal purposes and possesses antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. This review attempts to compile the published literature demonstrating thymoquinone’s protective effect against chemotherapeutic drug-induced toxicities.