Nigella sativa
has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. The crude oil and thymoquinone (TQ) extracted from
its seeds and oil are effective against many diseases like cancer, cardiovascular complications, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease
etc. It is effective against cancer in blood system, lung, kidney, liver, prostate, breast, cervix, skin with much safety. The
molecular mechanisms behind its anticancer role is still not clearly understood, however, some studies showed that TQ has
antioxidant role and improves body’s defense system, induces apoptosis and controls Akt pathway. Although the anti-cancer
activity of
N. sativa components was recognized thousands of years ago but proper scientific research with this important
traditional medicine is a history of last 2~3 decades. There are not so many research works done with this important traditional
medicine and very few reports exist in the scientific database. In this article, we have summarized the actions of TQ and crude oil
of
N. sativa against different cancers with their molecular mechanisms.
