USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC)

USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

কালোজিরা (NIGELLA SATIVA)

ORIGIN

Nigella sativa is believed to have originated in Southwest Asia, particularly the Middle East, with early cultivation in regions spanning:

  • Mediterranean basin

  • North Africa

  • South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)

Archaeological evidence shows its use in Ancient Egypt, where black seeds were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, indicating its importance over 3,000 years ago.

TAXONOMY

  • Kingdom: Plantae

  • Clade: Angiosperms

  • Clade: Eudicots

  • Order: Ranunculales

  • Family: Ranunculaceae

  • Genus: Nigella

  • Species: Nigella sativa L.

EVOLUTION

The genus Nigella evolved within the Ranunculaceae family, one of the oldest angiosperm lineages.

  • Adapted to arid and semi-arid climates

  • Developed aromatic secondary metabolites (e.g., thymoquinone) as chemical defense against herbivores and pathogens

  • Seed dispersal and oil-rich endosperm supported survival in harsh environments

DESCRIPTION

  • Plant type: Annual herb

  • Height: 20–60 cm

  • Leaves: Finely divided, linear, feathery

  • Flowers: Pale blue, white, or light purple with 5–10 petals

  • Fruit: Inflated capsule with multiple compartments

  • Seeds: Small, black, angular, aromatic

The seeds contain volatile oils, responsible for the strong aroma and medicinal properties.

ECOLOGY

  • Climate: Warm temperate to subtropical

  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy to sandy soil

  • Sunlight: Full sun

  • Rainfall: Moderate (200–400 mm)

Nigella sativa is drought-tolerant and thrives in low-input agricultural systems.

CULTIVATION

  • Propagation: Seeds

  • Sowing time: Winter or early spring

  • Spacing: 20–30 cm

  • Harvesting: 120–150 days after sowing, when capsules turn brown

Minimal fertilizer is required; excessive nitrogen reduces oil quality.

TRADITIONAL USES

Ayurvedic Medicine

  • Digestive aid

  • Respiratory disorders

  • Skin diseases

Unani Medicine

  • Liver tonic

  • Immune booster

  • Aphrodisiac

Islamic Tradition

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated:

“Black seed is a cure for every disease except death.”

MEDICINAL USES

Modern and traditional medicine attribute the following benefits:

Major Therapeutic Effects

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Antioxidant

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antidiabetic

  • Antihypertensive

  • Immunomodulatory

Used For

  • Asthma

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Hypertension

  • Arthritis

  • Digestive disorders

  • Skin conditions (eczema, acne)

RESEARCH

Key Bioactive Compounds

  • Thymoquinone (TQ) – main active compound

  • Thymohydroquinone

  • Nigellone

  • Alkaloids (nigellicine, nigellimine)

  • Essential fatty acids

Scientific Findings

  • TQ shows anticancer activity in vitro and in animal models

  • Neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress

  • Promising results in metabolic syndrome and immune regulation

Clinical trials are ongoing, but many findings are preclinical.

BIOLOGY

  • Reproductive system: Self-pollinating, insect-assisted

  • Chromosome number: 2n = 12

  • Life cycle: Annual

  • Seed dormancy: Minimal

Oil content in seeds ranges from 30–40%, depending on genotype and environment.

TOXICITY

Nigella sativa is generally safe at dietary doses.

Possible Side Effects (High Doses)

  • Gastric irritation

  • Hypotension

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Liver or kidney stress (rare, excessive use)

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy (high doses may stimulate uterine contraction)

  • Concurrent use with antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs (monitoring needed)

CONCLUSION

Nigella sativa (Kalojira) is a medicinally valuable plant with deep historical roots and strong scientific interest.
Its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities—driven mainly by thymoquinone—makes it a promising functional food and complementary medicine.

However:

  • It should not replace conventional treatment

  • Standardized dosing and more clinical trials are required

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