Research

Nigella sativa (Kalaunji) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The seeds of N. sativa have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine, mentioned in one of the Prophetic hadith.

Integral Research claims that the wonder benefits of Kalaunji ( Nigella sativa)

One of the oldest spices known to be used, nigella seeds are also mentioned in the Bible’s Old Testament.

Nigella has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ) which is a major active chemical component of the essential oil. Black seeds are also used in food like flavoring additive in the breads and pickles because it has a very low level of toxicity. The seeds of N. sativa and their oil have been widely used for centuries in the treatment of various ailments throughout the world.

Latest Research by Prof. Iffat Zareen Ahmad, from the Department of Bioengineering at Integral University, has now found out that not just the seeds or oil extract from nigella, but its sprouts are found to be the most active pharmacological agent against many disorders.

Professor Iffat is carrying out research on the protective role of Nigella sativa sprout on liver with special emphasis on liver carcinoma. This is the first ever research to report the pharmacological activity of N.sativa sprout. The study elaborates the mechanism of the cytotoxicity of N. sativa and its sprouts on liver cancer cell line using in silico and in vitro approaches. The outcomes of the project can be utilized to get patients a more effective hepatoprotective agent than the seed. Studies from her laboratory show that nigella sativa may offer immune-boosting and antioxidant benefits.

Professor Zareen says, “The research is to find out the specific day of germination of N. sativa seed in which it is most active pharmacologically as an anti-mycobacterial agent". N. sativa seed is already reported as a potent inhibitor of many pathogenic and clinical microbes.

Integral University is pleased to have the engrossed team of Ms. Heena Tabassum and Mr. Abdul Mabood, Research Scholars working under the supervision of Prof Iffat Zareen Ahmad, Department of Bioengineering, on the beneficial project that represented the university at the Zonal Student Research Convention at the national level.

Prof. Iffat has been awarded with this prestigious research project from the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, and has been acclaimed and recognized globally. This research is greatly contributing to the existing knowledge of this plant in the area of medical research of herbal medicine. It has the potential for the development of a new, effective and safe drug for many diseases. It is a common ingredient of many Indian cuisines in which it is used as a flavoring agent, it is also an important dietary medicine.

Integral Times is a publication of Integral University Media & Communications.