Hematological studies on black cumin oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa L

The methanol soluble portion of black cumin oil, which is prepared by compression of seeds of Nigella sativa L., showed inhibitory effects on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. By bioactive assay of AA-induced platelet aggregation, the methanol soluble part was purified to isolate a new compound 2-(2-methoxypropyl)-5-methyl-1,4-benzenediol (1) and two known compounds, thymol (2), carvacrol (3), having very strong inhibitory activity. Further, we then examined the isolated compounds (1-3) and eight related compounds by the screening test for AA-induced platelet aggregation. Compounds possessing aromatic hydroxyl and acetoxyl group had more potent activity than aspirin, which is well known as a remedy for thrombosis.