Revisiting pharmacological potentials of Nigella sativa seed: a promising option for COVID-19 prevention and cure

Abstract

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed and its active compounds have been historically recognized as an effective herbal panacea that can establish a balanced inflammatory response by suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting healthy immune response. The essential oil and other preparations of N. sativa seed have substantial therapeutic outcomes against immune disturbance, autophagy dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, bacterial and viral infections. Compelling evidence in the therapeutic efficiency of N. sativa along with the recent computational findings are strongly suggestive of combating recently emerged COVID-19 pandemic. Also, being an available candidate in nutraceuticals, N. sativa could be immensely potential and feasible to prevent and cure COVID-19. However, further studies including clinical trials are essential to investigate the efficiency and detailed mechanism of N. sativa under specific pathophysiological conditions of COVID-19. The current review was aimed at revisiting the pharmacological benefits of N. sativa seed and its active metabolites that may constitute a potential basis for developing a novel preventive and therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.