Acute effects of thymoquinone on the pregnant rat and embryo-fetal development

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Thymoquinone in Atherosclerosis: A Mini Review

Atherosclerosis poses serious health problems and increases the risk of various cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Atherosclerosis patients require long-term medications to prevent complications, some of which are costly and may result in unwanted adverse reactions. Natural products have emerged as potential sources of bioactive compounds that provide health benefits in cardiovascular diseases. Increased inflammation and vascular remodeling have been associated with atherosclerosis pathogenesis. The molecules involved in signaling pathways are considered valuable targets for new treatment approaches. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize the available evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of thymoquinone, the major active compound isolated from Nigella sativa L., via inflammatory signaling pathways in atherosclerosis. Specifically, nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were considered. Furthermore, the potential toxic effects elicited by thymoquinone were addressed. These findings suggest a potential role of thymoquinone in managing atherosclerosis, and further studies are required to ascertain its effectiveness and safety profile.

Therapeutic perspectives of the black cumin component thymoquinone: A review

The dietary phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ), belonging to the family of quinones, mainly obtained from the black and angular seeds of Nigella sativa, is one of the promising monoterpenoid hydrocarbons, which has been receiving massive attention for its therapeutic potential and pharmacological properties. It plays an important role as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases and illnesses. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the most recent literature pertaining to the use of TQ for the prevention and treatment of various diseases along with possible mechanisms of action, and the potential use of this natural product as a complementary or alternative medicine. Research findings indicated that TQ exhibits numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer, among others. Conclusions of this review on the therapeutic aspects of TQ highlight the medicinal and folk values of this compound against various diseases and ailments. In short, TQ could be a novel drug in clinical trials, as we hope.

Thymoquinone ameliorates obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction, improves reproductive efficiency exhibiting a dose-organ relationship

Women with obesity are more likely to have a complicated reproductive life. Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction are associated with obesity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a well-known antioxidant, considered to be an AMPK-activator. The goal of this work was to investigate the ability of TQ to improve fertility and lactation and clarify the possible mechanism. Female C57BL/6 mice were subjected to High Fat Diet (HFD) supplemented with TQ (10% pmm) and TQ (20% pmm). Histopathological examination was conducted on mammary and ovarian samples. Metabolic and oxidant status was evaluated, and qRT-PCR analysis was performed to verify AMPK/PGC1α/SIRT1 metabolic pathway activity. The present study reports positive effects of TQ on ovarian metabolic function in a dose-dependent manner. TQ showed its positive effects on mammary gland metabolic function at lower dose. This is the first study that indicates these dose related impacts of TQ. Abbreviations: AKT1: serine-threonine protein kinase 1; AMPK: 5' AMP-activated protein kinase; CAT: catalase; CON: control; FBS: fasting blood sugar; GLUT1: glucose transporter 1; GSH: reduced glutathione; GSSG: Glutathione disulfide; HE: hematoxylin and eosin stains; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; HFD: high fat diet; IL-6: interleukin-6; K18: keratin 18; LD: lactation day; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; LKB1: serine-threonine liver kinase B1; MDA: malondialdehyde; mTOR: the mammalian target of rapamycin; NAD: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; NADH: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; NS: nigella sativa; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PGC1α: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; SOD: superoxide dismutase; T-AOC: total antioxidants; TFAM: transcription factor A mitochondrial; TG: triglycerides; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; TQ: thymoquinone; TQ10: high fat diet + thymoquinone 10% ppm; TQ20: high fat diet + thymoquinone 20% ppm; UCP2: uncoupling Protein 2.