Abstract

THERAPEUTIC & PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF NIGELLA SATIVA LINN. IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: A REVIEW

Nasreen Aklaque* and Dr. Wajeeha Begum

Abstract

The seed of Nigella sativa Linn. from family Ranunculaceae commonly known as kalonji or Shooneez are used in Unani system of medicine and other traditional medicine. The use of Nigella Sativa for the treatment of human illnesses is since time-immemorial. Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) too made specific statements on 65 medicinal plants, herbs and shrubs while making prescriptions for the sick people. Among the plants he prescribed Nigella sativa is the most important. About this plant he said, “Black seed is a remedy (cure) for all diseases (ailments) except death”. This Prophetic statement generated tremendous interest among the world‟s scientific community. The researchers conducted laboratory experiments using intact animals and clinical trials using human volunteers to substantiate the validity of the statement. However, it is amazing that the researchers after carrying out hundreds of researches around the globe finally concluded that the Prophe‟s statement is one hundred per cent true & explored that kalonji may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics, and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.

Keywords: Astringent, Emenogogue, Immunomodulator, Nigella sativa, Pharmacogical & Therapeutic.