Revisiting pharmacological potentials ofNigella sativaseed: A promising option forCOVID-19 prevention and cure

Nigella sativaseed and its active compounds have been historically recognized as an effective herbal panacea that can establish a balanced inflammatory response by suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting healthy immune response. The essential oil and other preparations ofN. sativaseed have substantial therapeutic outcomes against immune disturbance, autophagy dysfunction, oxidative stress, ischemia, inflammation, in several COVID-19 comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, Kawasaki-like diseases, and many bacterial and viral infections. Compelling evidence in the therapeutic efficiency ofN. sativaalong with the recent computational findings is strongly suggestive of combating emerged COVID-19 pandemic. Also, being an available candidate in nutraceuticals,N. sativaseed oil could be immensely potential and feasible to prevent and cure COVID-19. This review was aimed at revisiting the pharmacological benefits ofN. sativaseed and its active metabolites that may constitute a potential basis for developing a novel preventive and therapeutic strategy against COVID-19. Bioactive compounds ofN. sativaseed, especially thymiquinone, alpha-hederin, and nigellidine, could be alternative and promising herbal drugs to combat COVID-19. Preclinical and clinical trials are required to delineate detailed mechanism ofN. sativa's active components and to investigate their efficacy and potency under specific pathophysiological conditions of COVID-19.

Automated summary

Black seed and its active compounds have been historically recognized as an effective herbal remedy that can establish a balanced inflammatory response and promote healthy immune response. They have shown substantial therapeutic outcomes against immune disturbance, autophagy dysfunction, oxidative stress, ischemia, inflammation, and various comorbidities of COVID-19. The bioactive compounds of black seed, especially thymoquinone, alpha-hederin, and nigellidine, could be promising herbal drugs to combat COVID-19, with further preclinical and clinical trials needed to investigate their efficacy and potency under specific pathophysiological conditions of the disease.