Sudhir et al., IJPSR, 2016; Vol. 7(8): 3185-3196.

E-ISSN: 0975-8232; P-ISSN: 2320-5148

IJPSR (2016), Vol. 7, Issue 8 (Review Article)

Received on 17 March, 2016; received in revised form, 27 June, 2016; accepted, 11 July, 2016; published 01 August, 2016

NIGELLA SATIVA SEED, A NOVEL BEAUTY CARE INGREDIENT: A REVIEW

S. P. Sudhir *1, V. O. Deshmukh 2 and H. N. Verma1
Department of Life Sciences 1, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Sarkone Life Sciences 2, Dubai, UAE.
Keywords: ABSTRACT: Nigella sativa seed is one of the spices, which is referred
Nigella sativa , Kalongi, Herbal by Prophet Mohammed as a herb of blessing, which can cure everything
medicinal ingredients, Cosmetics, other than death. Therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa seed has been
Herbal extracts, very well studied by many researchers, but its use in cosmetic science is
Correspondence to Author: not very well studied. Nigella sativa seed is intensively studied for its
S. P. Sudhir chemical composition. It is reported to contains Thymoquinone,
Department of Life Sciences, Nigellimine-N-oxide, Nigellicine, Nigellidine, Nigellone,
Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Dithymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Thymol, Arvacrol, 6-methoxy-
India. coumarin, 7-hydroxy-coumarin, Oxy-coumarin, Alpha-hedrin, Steryl-
Email: [email protected] glucoside, Tannins, Flavinoids, Essential fatty acids, Essential amino
acids, Ascorbic acid, Iron and calcium. Presence of these natural actives
makes Nigella sativa seed as great medicinal herb. Nigella sativa seed has
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, hair growth promoter, sun
protection, anti cancer activity, which make it a novel ingredient for
many cosmetic preparations. This review brings the comprehensive
compilation of researches on Nigella sativa seed in the area of cosmetics
and related fields.

INTRODUCTION: Since the beginning of human After this era, there was a gradual change in
civilization, humans are known to use cosmetics, formats of cosmetics, it became more attractive and
made out of natural materials like herbs, minerals convenient to use, but the dependence on
and animal substances for impressing and attracting processed, synthetic and chemical based actives has
others 1. In modern days, cosmetics have started greatly increased. Daily newer and better actives
turning to be one of the basic needs of human are getting invented across the globe, which are
beings. Modern cosmetic business is almost 400 making cosmetics more efficacious. Many such
billion dollars per annum worldwide. Cosmetic synthetic chemicals used as actives in cosmetic
business has gone through series of transformation. products pose health and safety risk on human
In earlier days, cosmetics used to be crude natural health.
products in the form of fresh crushed leaves, roots,
seeds and extracts of plant parts. As per the International regulations, cosmetic
QUICK RESPONSE CODE should be safe with practically no undesirable
DOI: effects. Safety of cosmetic preparation is most
10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.7(8).3185-96
important as cosmetics are used for longer period
of time than medicines. Recently, there have been
Article can be accessed online on: lots of reports and alerts on serious undesirable
www.ijpsr.com
effects of cosmetics 2. The Scientific Committee on
DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.7 (8).3185-96 Cosmetic Products and Non food products of

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European Commission provides an opinion on efficacy could be another very interesting subject
safety of each ingredient under use in cosmetics. of study. Natural products of cosmetic values are
Recently certain chemical ingredients like hair present in bark, leaf, flower, root, fruit and seed
dyes3, preservatives 4, 5 and fragrance ingredients 6 hence they can be used in raw crushed forms as
are restricted and banned by the Scientific paste, juices and powder. In many cases extracts
Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non food and oils of plant parts are found to be very
products (SCCP) basis the reported toxic effective. Many herbs are reported to be very
,carcinogenic, allergenic effects. With increased effective in healing scars, improving skin
consumer awareness, now consumers are moving complexion, perfuming of body, cleansing and
towards more natural, no or less chemical based miniaturisation of skin etc.
cosmetics.
Cosmetics can be broadly classified as rinse off and
The reason for this is the effective, soft and leave on cosmetics. Rinse off products are
perceived no undesirable effect nature of shampoo, conditioners, soaps, hand wash, etc.
natural/herbal cosmetics. Cosmetics with while leave on cosmetics are hair cream, hair
natural/herbal actives from particular geographies lotion, hair oil, hair gel, mascara, lipstick, lip gel,
like Azadirachta indica (Neem) from India, nail polish, deodorant, body spray. Toothpaste,
Argania spinosa (Argan) seed Oil from Morocco, mouth wash, intimate wash are also considered as
Olea europaea (Olive) seed oil from Spain are cosmetics.
quite popular. These geographical origin claims
have also got their place in marketing of cosmetics. There is a surge in use of herbs in cosmetics like
This is because natural ingredients of particular herbal face wash, herbal conditioner, herbal soap,
origin showed better efficacy value as compared to herbal shampoo, and many more. Cosmetics with
ingredient of same species originating from other herbal connotation are perceived as safe as
geographies. This may be due to suitable enriching compared to cosmetic made out of processed and
environment for these herbs in a particular synthetic chemical material 1. Following is the list
geography. Relation between geographical origin of herbal ingredients used in cosmetics.
of natural ingredients with their composition and
TABLE 1: HERBAL INGREDIENTS IN COSMETICS 7
Botanical Name and Common Name Form Use
Part Used
Acacia concinna pods Shikakai Powder Shampoo, Soap
Acorus calamus rhizome Sweet Flag Powder/Paste Aromatic, Dusting Powders, Skin Lotions
Allium sativum bulbs Garlic Powder/ Paste Promotes Skin healing
Alpinia galanga rhizome Galanga Powder/Paste Aromatic, In dusting Powders
Avena sativa fruit Oat Powder / Paste Skin tonic / Moisturizer
Azadirachta indica leaves Neem Powder / Paste Tooth Pastes, Soaps, Shampoo
Balsamodendron myrrha gum Myrrh Powder/Paste Soaps , Shampoo
Calendula officinalis flowers Marigold Paste Promotes skin care
Cedrus deodara wood Deodar Powder/Paste Shampoo, Soaps
Centella asiatica plant Gotu Kola Powder/Paste Wound Healing
Cichorium intybus seed Chicory Powder/Paste Relieves sore eyes,Clears Skin of blemishes
Citrus aurantium peel Orange Paste Skin cream, Soap, Shampoo
Citrus lemon peel Lemon Powder Heals skin, Prevents Hair Loss
Coriandrum sativum seed Coriander Powder Anti-inflammatory
Crocus sativus stigma Saffron Liquid Post bath massage
Curcuma longa rhizome Turmeric Powder/Paste Skin cream, Skin lotion Antibacterial
Curcuma zedoaria rhizome Zedoary Powder/Paste Antibacterial, Aromatic
Daucus carota seed Carrot Oil Natural source of Vitamin A
Eclipta alba plant Bhringraj Powder/Paste Shampoo
Glycyrrhiza glabra root Liquorice Powder/Paste Anti-inflammatory
Hedychium spicatum rhizome Kapurkachir Oil Hair Oils

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Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers China rose Paste Shampoo

Iris florentina root Orris Powder Additive to dusting Powder
Lawsonia alba leaves Heena Powder/Paste Shampoo, Hair colour
Matricaria chamomilla flowers Chamomile Powder/Paste Hair Tonic, Relieves sore Limbs
Moringa oleifera seed Benjamin Oil Hair Oils, Suntan Lotion
Prunus serotina bark Wild cherry bark Powder Shampoo
Pterocarpus santalinus bark Red sandal wood Powder/Paste Skin cream
Rubia cordifolia root Manjistha Powder/Paste Wound Healing
Santalum album wood Sandal Wood Powder/Paste Skin Lotion's
Sapindus trifoliatus fruit cortex Soap wort Powder Natural Detergent

If we review the above list, we can easily notice Persian Name: Siah Dana
that there are many plants which are commonly Punjabi Name: Kalvanji
used as spices and foods also used as cosmetic
ingredients. Plants like Citrus aurantium (Orange) Urdu Name: Kalonji
peel, Citrus lemon (Lemon) peel, Coriandrum
sativum (Coriander) seed, Crocus sativus (Saffron) All though above are common synonyms referred,
stigma, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) rhizome are there is a lot of confusion about the name of
extensively used in beauty products 8, 1. Nigella Nigella sativa seed. In many regions like Central
sativa seed is one amongst the favorite spice in Asia and Northern India, seed is called black
Middle East, Asia and Europe. cumin, black caraway and black onion seed but
there is no botanical relation between Nigella
Its utility as medicinal herb is very well known, but sativa seed and seed of any of these kind. Many
its potential as cosmetic ingredient is still little time these resembling seed forms part of
known. In this article, we are attempting to review commercially available stock and used as
the use of Nigella sativa seed for various cosmetic adulterants.
applications, so that cosmetics scientists can use
Nigella sativa seed as an active ingredient for Morphology:
developing new cosmetic products, which are Nigella sativa herb grows to 20–25 cm tall, with
efficacious and safe. finely divided, linear leaves. Leaves are divided
into linear segments 2 to 3 cm long. Leaves are
Nigella sativa Plant: opposite in pairs on either side of the stem. Upper
Occurrence: leaves are long as compared to lower leaves, they
Nigella sativa plant is an annual herbaceous plant are petiolate and flowers grow terminally on its
of family Ranunculaceae, it is abundantly grown in branches. The flowers are colored pale blue and
the Middle east, Eastern Europe, Western Asia. white, with 5 to 10 petals and are quite delicate.
The fruit is a large inflated capsule composed of
Synonyms: three to seven united follicles. Seeds are black,
triangular in shape, 2 to 3 mm long. Fruit has
English: Fennel flower Black cumins, Love-in-a- pungent odor when crushed, contains good amount
mist., nutmeg flower, Roman coriander of fixed and essential oil.
Arabic: Habatut Barakah Shooneez, Habba Sauda,
Habb al-barka Till date there are 21 different species of black seed
reported 9. But Nigella sativa is the most studied
Sankrit: Krishana – Jiraka, Upakunchika species, followed by Nigella damascene and
German: Schwarzkümmel Nigella arvensis. Identification of various species
of black seed is quite difficult and hence use of
Chinese: Pei hei zhong cao
DNA bar coding has been proposed to
French: Cheveux de Vénus, Nigelle
differentiating various species and varieties.
Hindi: Kalonji.
Marathi: Kalonji Jire

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FIG. 1 : FLOWERS OF NIGELLA SATIVA 10 FIG. 2: FRUIT OF NIGELLA SATIVA 11

FIG.3 : BROKEN FRUIT WITH NIGELLA SATIVA SEED 12 FIG. 4 : SEED OF NIGELLA SATIVA

Cultivation and collection: Rich contents of natural products provide profound

Nigella sativa plant is an annual herb cultivated therapeutic value to Nigella sativa seeds and its
mostly during the winter season. It is cultivated on derivative. In many studies, Nigella sativa seeds
heavy and light soil. Period of sowing is October to has proved to be anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-
November and harvesting is April to May. Its yield histaminic, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant,
is approximately 300kg/acre to 400 kg/acre. immune stimulant, anti-hypertensive, anti-
asthmatic, hypoglycemic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral,
Seeds are sown in upper soil as germination, get anti-fungal and anti-parasitic 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19.
delayed if sown deep inside. It does not need
frequent irrigation. The crop is harvested when the Nigella sativa seed found to be contents variety of
fruit/capsule turn yellowish. After harvesting and chemicals 20, these chemicals are significantly
proper drying, it can be threshed by trampling with therapeutic in nature.
a tractor or proper thresher. After threshing, the
seeds are properly stored in bags or containers 13. - 32-40% of fixed oil (consists of unsaturated
fatty acids like Linoleic, Linolenic,
Chemical composition: Arachidonic, Eicosadienoic, Oleic acid,
Nigella sativa seed is extensively studied herbal Almitoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic and
medicine by many researchers. They have reported Myristic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Cycloartenol,
the discovery of many active principles like Cycloeucalenol, Sterol esters and Sterol
Thymoquinone, Nigellimine-N-oxide, Nigellicine, glucosides).
Nigellidine, Nigellone, Dithymoquinone,
Thymohydroquinone, Thymol, Arvacrol, 6- - 0.4-0.45% of volatile oils (Consists of
methoxy-coumarin, 7-hydroxy-coumarin, Oxy- Nigellone, Thymoquinone, Thymo
coumarin, Alpha-hedrin, Steryl-glucoside, Tannins, hydroquinone, Dithymoquinone, Thymol,
Flavinoids, Essential fatty acids, Essential amino Carvacrol, α & β-pinene, d-limonene, d-
acids, Ascorbic acid, Iron and calcium 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

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citronellol, p-cymene and 2-(2- - Alkaloids like Nigellicine, Nigellidine,

methoxypropyl)-5-methyl-1,4-benzenediol). Nigellimine-N-oxide.

- 16-19.9% of protein consists of amino acids - Coumarins consists of 6-methoxy-coumarin,

like Arginine, Glutamic acid, Leucine, 7-hydroxy-coumarin, 7-oxy-coumarin.
Lysine, Methionine, Tyrosine, Proline and
Threonine - Saponins consists of Alpha-Hedrin, Steryl-
glucosides, Acetyl-steryl-glucoside.
- Carbohydrates (33.9%) Fiber (5.5 %), Water - Minerals like Calcium, phosphorous,
(6 %) potassium, sodium and iron.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF KEY ACTIVES REPORTED IN NIGELLA SATIVA OIL 21

FIG.5 :THYMOQUINONE FIG. 6 : THYMOL FIG.7: THYMOHYDROQUINONE

FIG. 8 : NIGELLICINE FIG. 9 : NIGELLIMINE FIG. 10 : DITHYMOQUINONE

FIG.11 : NIGELLAMINE FIG. 12 : NIGELLIDONE-4-SULPHATE

FIG.13 : ALPHA HEDERIN FIG. 14 : p-CYMENE

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Toxicological profile: Its medicinal properties provide Nigella sativa seed

In various studies, Nigella sativa seed and its the status of best candidate as medicinal and
constituents are found to be quite safe. cosmetic ingredient.

In a study Nigella sativa seed oil was given orally Antibacterial:

to mice for 90 days to check chronic toxicity. It is In a clinical study to check the antibacterial
observed that there are no changes in key hepatic property of Nigella sativa seed extract, 40
enzyme levels like alanine-aminotranferase, neonates infected with pustules staphylococcal skin
aspartate-aminotransferase, and gammaglutamyl- infections were treated with Nigella sativa seed
transferase. Histological study showed that there extract (33%) and it was found that Nigella sativa
was no change observed in the tissues of heart, seed extract is as effective as standard drug
liver, kidneys and pancreas. LD50 values of Nigella Mupirocin 27.
sativa oil were observed to be 26.2-31.6 and 1.86-
2.26 respectively when administered in single dose In few studies Nigella sativa seed was found to be
orally and intraperitoneally in mice. This key more effective on Gram +ve bacteria than Gram –
hepatic enzyme stability and organ integrity ve bacteria 28 - 30.
directly demonstrate low toxicity with wide margin
of safety of therapeutic dosage of Nigella sativa oil Antibacterial property of Nigella sativa seed is due
21. In another toxicological study after intra- to the presence of actives like Thymoquinone,
peritoneal injection and oral ingestion showed Thymohydroquinone and Thymol. It is observed
LD50 for Thymoquinone to be 104.7 mg/kg (89.7 that these actives showed considerable antibacterial
to 104.7) and 870.9 mg/kg (647.1-109.8) activity against Gram +ve bacteria as compared to
respectively. LD50 in rats was found to be 57.5 Gram –ve bacteria species. Only one out of 13
mg/kg (45.6-69.4) and 794.3 mg/kg (469.8-1 strains of S.epidermidis tested for inhibition was
118.8) after intra-peritoneal injection and oral observed to be not sensitive to Nigella sativa seed
ingestion respectively. It shows that the LD50 Oil.
values reported for Nigella sativa seed Oil and
actives like Thymoquinone after intra-peritoneal Nigella sativa seed oil was found to be effective
injection and oral administration are 10-15 times against 17 strains out of 18 strain of coagulase
and 100-150 times greater than doses of negative Staphylococci which to be resistant to a
Thymoquinone reported for its anti-oxidant, anti- number of antibiotics. Importantly Nigella sativa
inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. seed oil could inhibit Streptococcus pyogenes,
which was resistant strain to Erythromycin. Nigella
In a study, acute and chronic toxicity of Nigella sativa seed oil was also found active against
sativa actives (Seed Oil and Thymoquinone) were multidrug resistant strains of Streptococcus aureus
studied on laboratory animals, where practically no and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 29.
or non significant toxicity was observed , hence
Nigella sativa seed and its derivative can be Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis are
considered as safe, particularly when given orally responsible for human dental caries and bad breath
22, 23, 24, 25
. odor. In a study where two Nigella sativa extracts
were evaluated for in-vitro antibacterial activity
Cosmoceutical Potential: against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus
Nigella sativa seed has been referred as „Habba Al mitis using agar well diffusion method, it is
Sauda‟ or „Habba Al Barakah‟ in Arabic literatures. observed that ethanolic extract showed highest
Abu Huraira narrated that Prophet Muhammad said zone of inhibition (12.7mm and 10.4mm) against
“Use the black seed, which is a healing for all Streptcocus mutans and Streptococus mitis
diseases except As-Sam(Death)” 26. respectively, while the inhibition zone of ether
extract was found to be 6.3mm and 5.1mm against
Above belief triggered lots of studies on Nigella Streptcocus mutans & Streptococus mitis
sativa seed in the area of therapeutics. respectively 30.

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In a study where antibacterial activity of aqueous TQ (0, 1, 2 and 5 mg/kg) for 40 days. Free
infusions and aqueous decoctions of three seed like Thymoquinone showed its activity against both
kalonji (Nigella sativa, Ranunculaceae), cumin Fluconazole susceptible and resistant Candida
(Cuminum cyminum, Umbelliferae) and poppy seed albicans, but Liposomal TQ was showed best
(Papaver somniferum, Papaveraceae) were antifungal activity, which had imparted ∼100% and
investigated against 188 oral bacterial isolates ∼90% survival of mice infected with Fluconazole
belonging to 11 different genera of Gram +ve and susceptible and resistant Candida albicans
Gram -ve microorganisms using disc diffusion respectively 38.
method. Decoction of cumin showed highest
antibacterial potential, with inhibition of 73% of Hair loss:
the tested microorganisms, followed by aqueous Robert W. Lebling and Donna Pepperdine MH 21 in
decoctions of Nigella sativa seed with inhibition of the book Natural Remedies of Arabia mentioned
51% of the tested microorganisms and poppy seed the use of Nigella sativa seed powder along with
was found to be inhibiting only 14.4% of tested Arugula juice, Olive oil, Vinegar in Saudi Arabia
microorganism 31. for hair fall control 33.

Imam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jauziyah in his book Telogen effluvium is a condition where thinning or
Medicine of the Prophet mentioned the use of black shedding of hair occurs due to early entry of hair in
seed for improving oral health when used with the telogen phase. In the study Nigella sativa seed,
vinegar 32. which has Thymoquinone (TQ) as a primary active
and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Robert W. Lebling and Donna Pepperdine MH in a by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, such as
book „Natural Remedies of Arabia‟ mentioned the cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin D2 was used. 20
use of Nigella sativa seed powder decoction as patients affected by Telogen effluvium were
gargle for control of toothache, tonsil and larynx selected for the double-blind, placebo-controlled
pain 33. and randomized study. 10 of these patients were
treated with a lotion containing 0.5% Nigella
Antifungal: sativa, daily for three months, while the other ten
Diethyl ether extract of Nigella sativa seed patients were treated with placebo daily for three
observed to be effective against Candida albicans months. Assessment of improvement was done
34
. In animal study, growths of Candida yeasts in using video dermatoscopic analysis (Trichoscan
several organs were inhibited by the ether extract of Dermoscopy Fotofinder®) and examination by
Nigella sativa 35. In vitro study showed that three independent dermatologists, before treatment
Thymoquinone can inhibit the growth of (T0), after three months of treatment (T3) and at
Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani, this activity the six months follow-up (T6).
was comparable to amphotericin-B 36. Growth
Inhibitory activity of Thymoquinone was reported Significant improvement in 70% patients treated
to be more efficient than Amphotericin-B and with Nigella Sativa was observed. A Significant
Griseofulvin against Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in increment of hair density and hair thickness was
vitro. There was 100% inhibition of the growth of seen in Videodermatoscopic analysis in patients
S. brevicaulis with Thymoquinone 1 mg/ml, while treated with Nigella sativa. It was also observed
Amphotericin-B 1 mg/ml inhibited only 70% that Nigella sativa reduced the inflammation in the
growth 30. The ether extract of Nigella sativa was majority of patients affected by Telogen
found to inhibit dermatophytes isolated from effluvium39.
sheepskin infection 37.
In a clinical study where hair oil containing Kala
In a study Fluconazole susceptible and resistant Jera oil (Nigella sativa), Narkal oil (Cocos
Candida albicans infections in mice were treated nucifera), Amloki (Emblica officinalis), Henna
with various doses of Fluconazole (0, 5, 10, 20 and (Lawsonia alba), Durba Ghas ( Cynodon dactylon),
40mg/kg), free Thymoquinone (TQ) and Liposomal Mathi (Trigonella foenumgraecum) was studied for

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its hair fall control activity in 90 patient. It was compared with tazarotene (0.1%) gel (the standard
found that hair falls reduced to 76%, 72%, 67%, positive control), which showed a (90.03•+/-
59%, 32%, 0% on 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 2.00%) degree of orthokeratosis. The ethanolic
days, 75days and 90days by using this experimental extract of Nigella sativa seed found to have better
herbal hair oil over purified coconut oil 40. antiproliferant activity with IC50 239 μg/ml, when
compared with Asiaticoside with IC50 value of
Skin infections: 20.13μg/ml 42.
Robert W. Lebling and Donna Pepperdine MH in
the book Natural Remedies of Arabia mentioned Nigella sativa seed and its oil are found to be very
the use of Nigella sativa seed powder and honey effective in promoting wound healing in farm
mix for acne treatment and clear facial 33. animals 43. In animal testing, staphylococcal skin
infection in mice was treated with Nigella sativa
Imam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jauziyah in his book seed and its oil, found to enhance healing by
Medicine of the Prophet mentioned the use of black reducing total and absolute differential WBC
seed burnt mixed with waxes along with henna or counts, bacterial expansion and tissue impairment,
its oil for treatment of skin ulcers. It is also local infection and inflammation 44.
mentioned that Nigella sativa seed, when mixed
with vinegar had been in use for dandruff and In a clinical study, where Nigella sativa oil lotion
ailments like leprosy and black pigmentation 32. 10% was applied for two months, mean lesion
count of papules and pustules was found to be
Vitiligo is one of the autoimmune skin diseases reduced significantly.
which destroy the melanocytes of the skin,
resulting white patches on the skin. A study was In the test group, the response to treatment was
conducted, where the efficacy of Nigella sativa graded as good in 58%, moderate in 35% and no
seed and fish oil were tested against vitiligo lesions response in 7%. The satisfaction of patients with
of the patients. The study medications with Nigella treatment was found to be full in 67%, partial in
sativa seed oil were applied two times a day by 28%, and no satisfaction in 5%. While in the
patients on their lesions. The improvement in control group, the lesions showed no significant
lesions was checked by the Vitiligo Area Scoring reduction after two months and the response to
Index (VASI). Application of Nigella sativa seed treatment was good in 8%, moderate in 34%, and
oil proved to be useful as the mean score of VASI no response in 58%. The satisfaction of patients
decreased from 4.98 to 3.75 in patients, while with treatment in this group was full in 8%, partial
VASI decreased from 4.98 to 4.62 in the case of in 24%, and no satisfaction in 68%. During the
those using topical fish oil. Nigella sativa seed oil study, there were no side effects reported in the
found to be more efficient regarding percent group treated with Nigella sativa oil lotion 10%.
improvement observed in the area of head, neck, The researcher attributed the results to the
upper extremities. There was no adverse effect antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-
reported by the patients. Nigella sativa seed oil inflammatory effects of Nigella sativa oil 45.
seed was found more efficient in comparison to the
fish oil 41. The molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory
and antioxidative activities of thymoquinone had
Antipsoriatic activity of ethanolic extract of Nigella been studied. When pretreatment of female HR-1
sativa seed was evaluated by using mouse tail hairless mouse skin was done with thymoquinone,
model and in vitro antipsoriatic activity by SRB it attenuated 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate
Assay using HaCaT human keratinocyte cell lines. (TPA)-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2
The experimental ethanolic extract of Nigella (COX-2). Thymoquinone diminished nuclear
sativa seed created a quite significant epidermal translocation and the DNA binding of nuclear
differentiation, from its degree of orthokeratosis factor-kappa-B (NF-jB) via the blockade of
(71.36•+/-2.64) when compared to the negative phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of
control (17.30+/-4.09%). This effect can be IjBa in TPA-treated mouse skin. Thymoquinone

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also attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt, c-Jun- sativa oil is having SPF value of 1.05 with ultra
N-terminal kinase, and p38mitogen-activated boot star rating of 2. Rating of 2 is considered as
protein kinase, but not that of extracellular signal- having a real sunscreen activity 49.
regulated kinase-1/2. Moreover, topical application
of thymoquinone-induced the expression of
hemeoxygenase - 1, NAD(P)H - quinone oxido Antioxidant Properties:
reductase - 1, glutathione – S - transferase and Antioxidant property of foods, herbal and dietary
glutamate cysteine ligase in mouse skin 46. supplements play a critical role in prevention of
degenerative diseases mainly cancers,
In vivo and ex vivo study where emulsion of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The
seedcake extracts of Nigella sativa have been concentration of polyphenolic compounds is
evaluated using a pH meter, corneometer, directly proportional to an antioxidant property of
tewameter, methyl nicotinate model of micro- foods, herbal and dietary supplements.
inflammation in human skin and tape stripping of
the stratum corneum found to reduce skin irritation In a study where essential oil of Nigella sativa seed
and improved the skin hydration and epidermal was tested for a possible antioxidant activity using
barrier function as compared with placebo. The two TLC screening methods, showed that
basis which the researchers suggested the potential Thymoquinone, Carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-
use of an emulsion of seedcake extracts of Nigella terpineol demonstrated respectable radical
sativa in anti-aging, moisturizing cosmetics 47. scavenging property. These four constituents and
the essential oil possessed variable antioxidant
In randomized controlled double-blinded clinical activity when tested in the diphenyl picrylhydrazyl
trial, new cases of hand eczema in 18-60 years of assay for a non-specific hydrogen atom or electron
age in three therapeutic groups (Nigella sativa, donating activity. They were also effective as
Betamethasone and Eucerin) were asked to apply hydroxyl radical scavenging agents in the assay for
medications twice a day and for 4-week period, non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liposomes and
which resulted in changes in severity and improved the deoxyribose degradation assay 50.
life quality, this was assessed at the interval of 0th
day, 14th and 28th days of the study by Hand Preservative Property:
Eczema Severity index (HECSI) and Dermatology Due to the antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa
Life Quality Index (DLQI) respectively. Nigella seed, it was evaluated for its natural preservative
sativa and Betamethasone showed significantly property where Jordanian Nigella sativa seed was
more rapid improvement in cases of hand eczema used as a preservative for safe storage of date
as compared with Eucerin (P = 0.003 and P = 0.012 pastes. In experiments, the post-processing
respectively). Nigella sativa and Betamethasone development of contaminating microorganisms
ointments caused significant decreases in DLQI present in stored date pastes was controlled
scores compared with Eucerin (P < 0.0001 and P = adequately with 100, 200, and 400 ppm of
0.007 respectively). There was no significant Jordanian Nigella sativa. Amongst this
difference observed in mean DLQI and HECSI of concentration 400 ppm was found to be preserving
the Nigella sativa and Betamethasone groups over sensory quality attributes of dates, paste regarding
time (P = 0.38 and P = 0.99 respectively), which color, flavor, texture and taste during four months
showed that Nigella sativa might have the same of storage at room temperature. This was
efficacy as Betamethasone in the improvement of comparable with 400 ppm of sodium benzoate as
life quality and decreasing the severity of hand preservatives 51.
eczema 48.
The effect of Nigella sativa seed (1% and 3%) and
Sun Protection: oil (0.3% and 1%) were studied on some food
In a study, cream with 0.5% Nigella sativa oil was poisoning, pathogenic bacteria and total bacterial
tested for in vitro sun protection factor. It was count (CFU/g) in soft white cheese (prepared from
observed that the formulation with 0.5% Nigella raw ewe's milk and laboratory pasteurized ewe's

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Sudhir et al., IJPSR, 2016; Vol. 7(8): 3185-3196. E-ISSN: 0975-8232; P-ISSN: 2320-5148

milk). The soft white cheese was inoculated with act as the best candidate for natural hair growth
Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella melitensis and promoter.
Escherichia coli at a concentration of 1×106
CFU/ml. Cheese samples were checked for the Looking at active like Thymoquinone, which also
bacterial count at 0th, 2nd, 4th and 6th days of storage provide sun protection, Nigella sativa oil can be
at refrigerator temp. developed as Sun protective active.

Results showed that there was significant decrease Its strong actions against cariogenic bacteria like
(P<0.05) in the total bacterial count, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and
Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella melitensis and Candid albicans make Nigella sativa seed oil as
Escherichia coli count in cheese samples treated best natural ingredients for mouthwash and
with Nigella sativa seed (1% and 3%) and oil toothpaste. Nigella sativa seed has enriched
(0.3% and 1%) with pronounced concentration phenolic compound contents, which makes it
dependent inhibition. In contrast, to control cheese perfect remedies against oral infections.
samples which exerted significant increase in
bacterial counts as it reached 2.8×107, 2.95×106, REFERENCES:
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How to cite this article:

Sudhir SP, Deshmukh VO and Verma HN: Nigella Sativa Seed, a Novel Beauty Care Ingredient: A Review. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2016;
7(8): 3185-96.doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.7(8).3185-96.
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