The Roles of Nigella Sativa Seed Extract (NSSE) or Powder (NSSP) on Metabolic Syndrome

Nigella sativa seed (NSS), also known as black seed (BS), black cumin, kalonji, black caraway, or habat al baraka (blessed seed), have gained attention for their potential therapeutic effects in managing metabolic syndrome (MS). Black seeds contain fatty acids (35-40%), carbohydrates (30-37%), proteins (20-23%), ash (5-8%), fibers (3-7%), phenolics (1.5-3.5%), minerals (1.5-3.5%), and DNA/RNA (<1%). Although BS contains ~ 1% volatile oils such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, and p-cymene, most of the BS studies orbit around thymoquinone (TQ). The medicinal importance of the major components of BS, including carbohydrates, proteins, and phenolics, is currently evolving. The different bioactive components of Nigella sativa seed extract (NSSE) or Nigella sativa seed powder (NSSP) block MS through a variety of mechanisms, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-dyslipidemic, antidiabetic, anti-hypertensive, and hepatoprotective activities. MS is a cluster of metabolic conditions, such as high blood sugar, dyslipidemia, obesity, and high blood pressure, that occur together, increasing the risk of type II diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and more. There is no precise review article discussing the mechanistic effects of NSSE or NSSP on MS in all forms of scientific studies. The review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the mechanistic effects of NSSE or NSSP, considering all active components beyond just thymoquinone.